Knowing your skin type and what it needs is the key to a great complexion. Your skin type is determined genetically which explains much of how your skin looks and behaves explains facialist Julia Hart. If however it just came down to genetics your regime would be easy. While your skin does have a definite type its not all dependent on genetics; lifestyle, stress and even the weather can affect it too. Follow ELLEs guide to how to look after your skin type, whether your skin is always that way or just moonlighting temporarily.
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<p>If your skin is oily, the best thing you can do is use a little oil in your routine. Try using an oil-based cleanser, but an oil-free moisturiser. By applying oil to your skin, your body won’t be impelled to produce extra itself, but if you strip the oil your skin will produce even more to make up for what’s been taken away. Avoid Omega supplements as these can encourage oil production, however oily skin can still suffer from dehydration, so look to hydrating Hyaluronic Acid supplements which attract water moisture to the skin instead.</p>
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<p>A clay mask once a week will help to balance your skin and prevent your glands from becoming over stimulated. Liz Earle’s Deep Cleansing Clay Mask, £12.25, balances excess oil while manuka honey and rose-scented geranium soothe and balance inflammation caused by spots. ‘Oily pores tend to be easily congested’ explains Julia Hart. </p>
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<p>In this age of busy lifestyles it is very rare to have ‘normal’ skin, so if you are blessed with a perfect complexion, count yourself lucky. ‘Normal skin has medium-sized pores, looks clear, has an even tone and colour, feels bouncy to the touch and isn’t tight or greasy. It doesn’t feel uncomfortable or irritated and isn’t prone to blackheads or spots’ explains Jo Givens, Treatment Development Manager at Liz Earle.</p>
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<p>‘Don’t take your ‘normal’ skin for granted, treat it with care and respect’ says aesthetic doctor Dr Jean Louis Sebagh, so cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser to keep it looking radiant. If a wash-off cleanser doesn’t feel thorough enough on its own, use a muslin cloth every time you cleanse for delicate exfoliation. Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish, £13, is a winner.</p>
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<p>Following a healthy diet and exercise regime will have your skin reaping the benefits faster than other more temperamental skin types. ‘Fruit, vegetables, mixed nuts and seeds are a great source of nutrients for the skin. Look to Vitamin E-rich food (soya and olive oil are great) to optimise moisture levels and help delay the effects of free radical damage’ suggests Jo Givens. Facialist Antonia Burrell also recommends taking Vitamin C during stressful periods as it not only supports the immune system but helps collagen and elastin production too which can become compromised.</p>
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<p>‘Just because your skin looks good, don’t neglect it. Your skin’s condition can fluctuate, humidity can make skin feel oilier while cold weather and central heating can dry it out’ explains Antonia Burrell. ‘Be prepared to tweak your routine according to the time of year’. Elemental Herbology’s range, from £16, is focused on preventing the changes in skin caused by the seasons. </p>
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<p>By your mid twenties you should be using wrinkle-busting moisturisers as a preventative to keep your skin looking its best for longer. ‘Use a moisturiser with key anti-ageing ingredients to keep skin supple and to protect against external environmental factors’ says Dr Sebagh. The same goes for eye cream as the delicate area around your eyes gets thinner as you get older, ELLE loves Dr Sebagh Eye Primer Lift, £48.</p>
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<p>‘Sensitive skin is generally thin and delicate with small pores’ explains Amanda Elias, founder of Bravura London Skincare. ‘You’ll be prone to broken capillaries, skin will flush easily and is inclined to rashes and irritation. Sensitive skin affects people who are prone to allergic conditions like eczema, asthma and hay fever. It needs the gentlest care,’ adds Jo Givens.</p>
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<p>‘You need to apply a less is more philosophy to your skin care routine’ advises Julia Hart. Avoid over exfoliating and any ingredients that are likely to cause irritation including fragrance, detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), and synthetic sunscreens. Look to brands like Avene and La Roche Posay which have products aimed at people with severely sensitive skin. </p><p>Click here to buy <a href="http://shopping.elleuk.com/browse?fts=la+roche+posay">La Roche Posay</a> and <a href="http://shopping.elleuk.com/browse?fts=Avene">Avene</a></p>
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<p>To prevent skin becoming irritated, dry and cracked Amanda Elias recommends using products rich in hydrating and moisturising emollients; Dermol do a great range of emollient-rich skincare products for sensitive skin. If your skin does become irritated look to products with Aloe Vera as ‘it helps to soothe and cool’ says Amanda-May Watson, Brand Manager at Neal’s Yard Remedies; try its Aloe Vera Juice, £4.40 to soothe irritated skin.</p>
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<p>‘Anyone can be allergic to anything, so look for hypo-allergenic products as a fail-safe guarantee that you won’t react’ says Julia Hart. Dr Sebagh agrees, ‘do not assume that natural or organic is best, these products can be just as aggravating to a sensitive skin type’. Jo Givens advises that you patch test all new products at least 24 hours before applying them to your face. ‘Two of the best places to test are the inside of the upper arm and behind the ear – this will ensure any reactions are kept to a minimum’.</p>
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<p>Avoid ‘skin-triggers’ that can lead to skin feeling more sensitive - alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks and caffeine are all ‘danger foods’. They are stimulants, prompting the skin to redden and feel more sensitised than usual. Julia Hart recommends Viridian Organic Beauty Oil to help strengthen your skin from the inside-out.</p>
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<p>Spot-prone skin is characterised by regular pimples and blemishes or full acne that’s still active past your teenage years. ‘Spots can occur as a result of hormones, stress, poor diet, or your skincare routine’ explains Jo Givens. If you can identify the cause of your stressed skin then you’ll find it easier to treat the problem. Stress, poor diet and your skincare routine can be tweaked, while spots caused by hormones will benefit from treatment by your GP or dermatologist.</p>
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<p>Cleansing is vital to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause more spots and inflammation, but you need to be gentle so you don’t strip the skin of moisture, Skinceuticals Simply Clean, £27, is a gentle wash-off cleanser. Follow with a toner containing Salicylic Acid as this encourages the skin cells to renew faster, while also neutralising bacteria. Scrubbing the skin is not recommended as you can over stimulate the skin and cause bacteria in the skin to spread. ELLE loves both Madara’s Eco Face Deep Clarifying Toner, £10.80 and Bliss Steep Clean Toner Pads, £26.</p>
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