Know Your Own Skin

Normal skin

Shows neither oil nor flaking skin. It should feel supple and smooth. This is a skin type that I do not come across very often.

Oily skin

Is characterised by the amount of excess oil that is present on the skin surface and if you dab the skin with a tissue you will often see excess oil. It is also common for a person with oily skin to have large pores and often shiny. Keeping the balance right with this skin type is crucial.

Dry skin

May feel taut or show flakes of dead skin. It is associated with small pores and has a roughness to the touch.

Combination skin

Is the most common skin type I see and has traits of all three of the above skin types. Usually, the skin is oily in the T-zone and normal to dry /dehydrated elsewhere.

At ELEMIS we have always developed products that have been specifically designed for your individual skin type from the ingredients we choose down the texture that we deliver. However, once you have selected the correct products for your skin type, you may also have a temporary skin condition or problem that you need to figure out. Often this is what confuses people as this can change not only monthly but can change daily. This is why it is so important that you look, feel and observe any changes in your skin, and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Don't confuse a flare up of a skin condition with your skin type! The nature of your skin condition will determine what moisturiser, intense treatment and facial mask you need to use to clear it up quickly and effectively.

There are usually four 'problem' categories that your skin may fall under. ELEMIS has created the Online Exclusive ESSENTIALS Collections, including a full skincare programme tailored for each concern.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, your skin can react to regular certain products, by appearing red, itchy or rash. This could be sensitive due to something internal happening in the body for example hormonal changes.

Acne-Prone skin

Even if you're not a teenager, you may still get pimples/acne, especially if you have an oily skin type and recently I have seen a large increase in the amount of adult acne I have been treating. The ELEMIS Balancing Essential Collection purifies dull, blemished and congested complexions through the power of active natural ingredients such as Lavender, Rosemary and Kaolin, rebalancing the pH level, without the use of alcohol or harsh detergents.

Dehydration

Dehydrated skin is characterised by lack of moisture in the skin. This is a lack of water, not oil so even an oily skin can experience dehydration. A dehydrated skin can often show signs of Irritation, inflammation, itchiness, sensitivity and have a tightness. Fine lines are very visible and often mistaken for ageing rather than just dehydration.

Ageing

Ageing skin is thinner, and more fragile as you lose the protective fat layer. You also see more excess skin tissue as the elastin and collagen fibres reduce. Lines and wrinkles are constantly present in the skin.

Now you are armed with the knowledge of what your skin type is and know what different skin conditions to look out for, you are able to get the correct products for you and your skin. Enjoy the results as well as enjoying the amazing textures and aromatics that come hand in hand when using ELEMIS products.