skin conditions
There are many different types of skin conditions. There are also many amazing and proven great skincare products to assist with all types of skin conditions. We offer a complete range of skincare such as cleansers, toners, moisturisers, serums, boosters, balms, specialty products, sunscreens and more to benefit your skin and cosmetics to provide you with a flawless, even skin tone. Different types of skin conditions include:
• Ageing
• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun Damage
• Dehydrated / Dry
• Acne / Problematic
• Environmentally-sensitised
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Vitiligo
• Scars
• Cellulite
• Itchy
• Stretch Marks
AGEING
Skin undergoes normal changes with age. The most noticeable changes are dryness, wrinkles, changes in colour and texture, and an increased number of non and pre-cancerous growths. Research shows that there are 2 distinct types of ageing:
1. Intrinsic (internal) Ageing - which is caused by the genes we inherit.
2. Extrinsic (external) Ageing - which is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun’s rays.
Intrinsic Ageing (natural ageing)
This is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid 20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows down, and elastin has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic (natural) ageing are typically not visible for decades. Some signs of intrinsic aging are:
- Fine wrinkles
- Thin and transparent skin
- Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck
- Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin
- Dry skin that may itch
- Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin
- Greying hair that eventually turns white
- Hair loss or unwanted hair
- Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develops
Genes control how quickly the normal aging process unfolds. Some notice those first grey hairs in their 20s; others do not see greying until their 40s.
Extrinsic Ageing (premature ageing)
A number of external factors often act together with the normal ageing process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, high stress levels, poor nutrition, exposure to environmental pollution, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol. Deep wrinkles, age spots and leathery skin indicate premature ageing caused by years of unprotected exposure to the sun.
The first line of daily defence against sun damage is daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen (which blocks out both UVA and UVB rays). Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV light can strike skin and cause damage, so simply wearing sunscreen on sunny days isn’t enough. Fortunately, there are more sophisticated sunscreen formulations with skin health benefits. which can be added to your morning routine.
Wearing make-up alone does not protect you against UV rays. There are many SPF moisturizers that can be worn comfortably under make-up, or alone to deliver defence against skin ageing UV light.
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. This is due to the body producing too much melanin and causing it to become darker than usual.
Hyperpigmentation can occur due to excessive sun bathing or drug reactions (such as birth control pills) and it can affect the skin colour of people of any race. It is found more often in women than men.
Skin discolouration can be caused by sun damage, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, viiligo, freckles, birthmarks and dark circles. We offer a range of lightening and brightening skincare treatments and balancing and clarifying cleansers and toners to fade hyperpigmentation. The daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen (which blocks out both UVA and UVB rays) is a MUST. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV light can strike skin and cause damage, so simply wearing sunscreen on sunny days isn’t enough. Fortunately, there are more sophisticated sunscreen formulations with skin health benefits, which can be added to your morning routine. Wearing make-up alone does not protect you against UV rays. There are many SPF moisturizers that can be worn comfortably under make-up, or alone to deliver defence against skin ageing UV light. We also have cosmetics to conceal skin imperfections, including foundations, concealers and powders.
SUN DAMAGE
Without protection from the sun's rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Redness, wrinkles, pigmentation, brown spots, age spots and loss of elasticity are all signs of sun damage. The damage caused by the sun is called photo-damage or photo-ageing, which is preventable. The amount of photo-ageing that develops depends on a person’s skin color and their history of long-term or intense sun exposure.
People with fair skin who have a history of sun exposure develop more signs of photo-ageing than those with dark skin. With repeated exposure to the sun, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and the damage accumulates. Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks our elastin. Sun-weakened skin ceases to spring back much earlier than skin protected from UV rays. Skin also becomes loose, wrinkled, and leathery much earlier with unprotected exposure to sunlight.
As the sun's bad effects only appear later in life, it is important to make all children sun wise to avoid wrinkled old skin and cancer. "Prevention is better than cure" so the use of adequate sun protection before sun exposure is vital. For those with sun-damaged skin, we offer an extensive range of products designed to reduce or conceal the visible signs of sun damage.
The first line of daily defence against sun damage is daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen (which blocks out both UVA and UVB rays). Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV light can strike skin and cause damage, so simply wearing sunscreen on sunny days isn’t enough. Fortunately, there are more sophisticated sunscreen formulations with skin health benefits which can be added to your morning routine.
Wearing make-up alone does not protect you against UV rays. There are many SPF moisturizers that can be worn comfortably under make-up, or alone to deliver defence against skin ageing UV light.
DEHYDRATED / DRY
Dry skin s caused by the skins protective barrier's inability to retain enough natural skin lipids or oils to keep the skin moist. A weakened barrier is often hereditary but occurs naturally as we age and can be accelerated with lifestyle.
Dehydration (when skin lacks sufficient moisture) also contributes to dry skin and can be caused by environmental exposure, low humidity, temperature changes, poor diet and harsh cleansers that strip the skin. Some telltale signs of dry skin include flaking, tightness and skin that can feel irritated and uncomfortable. Also, dry skin tends to reveal fine lines and wrinkles more rapidly than other skin types, so it is especially important to avoid damaging sun exposure and protect skin with zinc sunscreen daily.
- Does your skin usually feel tight and uncomfortable, especially after cleansing?
- Do you notice more fine lines around your eyes, forehead, mouth and neck?
- Does your skin become rough, crack and flake especially in low humidity or cold climates?
- Does your makeup disappear quickly throughout the day?
- Do you feel like you constantly need to re-apply moisturiser?
Ways to assist with dehydrated skin is to avoid harsh, over-drying cleansers, excessive scrubbing or hot water to cleanse skin. Gentle exfoliation helps to remove surface skin cells and moisturise immediately after facial cleansing and bathing to lock in moisture. Use moisturisers that will protect outer layers, but also repair dry skin deep within - not simply relieve surface dryness together with a hydrating mask more often during harsh months to replenish moisture loss.
Avoid sun exposure and apply a broad spectrum sunscreen everyday.
Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration.
ACNE / PROBLEMATIC SKIN
Acne is the most common of all skin conditions. Acne can be described as everything from a blackhead to an inflamed blemish (pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, etc). Almost everyone will experience problematic skin, most get mild cases, some moderate and a few are severe. It can happen at any time, but teenagers are the ones who get it most often.
Acne seems to affect the sexes somewhat differently. Before children reach puberty, acne is more commonly seen in girls. During puberty, acne affects boys and girls almost equally, but boys generally have more severe cases and in adulthood, it tends to be seen more often in women. Stress and emotions play a big part in its cause. Acne can cause a great deal of embarrassment and anxiety. If it’s really bad it can cause people to withdraw and perform poorly at school or work.
Acne occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the skin''s oil glands and occurs where oil glands are found such as face, neck, chest, back and shoulders (arms and thighs are less common).
There’s no shortage of myths when it comes to oily skin. Get the facts to further your understanding of how to really keep oil under control.
Myth 1: Oil can be controlled by stripping skin with harsh, drying ingredients such as alcohol.
FALSE. Stripping the skin of oil can actually cause an overproduction of oil. That is because the skin is trying to make up for and replace what’s lost! Those who self-treat oily skin with alcohol-based products often end up with dehydrated, irritated, sensitized skin.
Myth 2: Sunscreens increase oil production.
FALSE. There are new, sophisticated formulations that won’t clog pores, and even contain oil-absorbing microsponges for the ultimate in sun protection and skin care benefits.
Myth 3: A little sun exposure is ideal for drying up skin.
FALSE. Sun exposure is never good for skin. While it may seem the sun provides a temporary “drying” effect, sebaceous glands will fire into overdrive to help replace lost oil. The result: more oil on the surface than before.
Myth 4: There's nothing that can be done to help control oily skin.
FALSE! Yes there is! An oily skin condition is just as manageable as any skin condition. With the use of correct products and treatments, acne can be treated.
It is very important NOT to squeeze pimples. When pimples are pinched or squeezed, the infectious material can spread. Unless proper treatment is given, this can cause more blemishes and scarring.
ENVIRONTMENTALLY-SENSITISED SKIN
Sensitive skin is the most misunderstood skin condition. Almost 90% of the population report having sensitive skin at one time or another! There is a difference between sensitive skin and sensitized skin.
Sensitive skin is a genetic condition that generally affects very fair-skinned individuals. Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing, has a very fine complexion and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.
Sensitized Skin - What most people suffer from is in fact sensitized skin. Rather than a result of our genetic make-up, sensitized skin is a reflection of our environment, lifestyle and physiology. Pollution, stress, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic allergies, alcohol, a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all cause the sensitized skin condition. Sensitized skin can be treated. If left untreated, the skin’s response can actually result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging.
A few lifestyle modifications can usually solve most people’s skin sensitization. Maintaining the skin’s barrier function is vital, so the use of good and appropriate products is recommended. Sun protection is also critical because sensitized skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage. Lastly, avoiding trigger factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods. msg, alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes can help your skin recover and rebuild its normal resistance.
The first step to treating sensitized skin is to notice that you are experiencing it. The signs usually come in the form of a tightness, redness and slight swelling of the skin. If you believe you do have sensitized skin then a useful place to start is to avoid all the trigger factors explained above. Whilst doing this, you also need to follow a special regimen to help your skin recover – a good skin care routine – think of it as an emergency response.
ECZEMA
Eczema is a recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory skin condition where the skin becomes red, dry, itchy and scaly, and in some cases can bleed and scab. Eczema is very common in babies and young children but also affects adults - luckily, there are a variety of specialised skincare treatments to help.
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a medical condition that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly – which causes new skin cells to form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells, so they pile up on the surface of the skin, causing red, scaly patches to appear.
VITILIGO
Vitiligo is a skin condition where loss of pigmentation causes white patches on the skin. If you suffer from vitiligo, there are skincare treatments and cosmetics designed to conceal depigmentation.
ROSACEA
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition often resulting in redness of the face, particularly around the nose and cheek areas. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne as it can also cause red pimples to appear on the face. There are soothing skincare treatments for the relief and concealment of rosacea.
ITCHY SKIN
Itchy skin can drive a person to distraction. It is also known as pruritus and has many causes, including eczema, sun spots, psoriasis and allergies - but we all know that scratching only makes it worse. Skincare products designed to soothe, relieve and repair itchy skin, inflammation and redness can help itchy skin.
CELLULITE
Cellulite is not a medical condition but a cosmetic disorder that affects many women and some men. Cellulite appears as dimpling of the skin, often around the thighs, and is caused by a combination of factors. Slimming, shaping and sculpting gels can be applied to problem areas to firm, tighten and tone the skin while breaking down fatty deposits to prevent the reappearance of cellulite. Increasing circulation is a great way to reduce lumps and bumps associated with cellulite, so try a body scrub to enliven circulation and soften your skin''s surface.
SCARS
Scars are a natural part of the healing process and can fade with time but for those stubborn scars, we offer a range of skin care treatments uniquely formulated to improve the appearance and texture of scars, as well as a variety of cosmetics designed to conceal scars and other skin imperfections.
For acne scarring and scars related to facial injuries, microdermabrasion is a scar treatment that can now be used at home and is used to reduce scars and irregularities in the skin.
Concealment cosmetics are a popular way to cover scars and other skin imperfections without causing skin irritation.
STRETCH MARKS
Our skin is usually quite elastic but it does not bounce back when stretched by rapid growth due to pregnancy, puberty, weight gain or extreme weight loss, and we end up with a form of scarring known as stretch marks, or striae. Skincare treatments can improve the appearance of stretch marks, as well as cosmetics to conceal stretch marks.
ARE YOU UNSURE OF YOUR SKIN TYPE AND/OR CONDITION?
If you are unsure of what skin condition you have, you should seek medical advice. If you have any questions regarding which skincare range would be suited to your skin type and condition, please feel free to Contact Us.
With the use of good and appropriate skincare products, it is never too late to assist any skin condition!