Skincare Tips For Every Skin Type
Whilst we may move many times during our life we only have one real home, and that’s within our bodies. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that we need to protect, manage and care for our skin as much as we do for our possessions.
Just like a fine wine, we all come in different shapes, sizes and shades, each with our own unique and beautiful flavour. So it can be hard to know what is the best way to look after yourself and your individual skin.
What are the main types of skin?
Apart from the variety of shades, there is also a variety of skin types. Dermatologist worldwide have categorised these into 5 main groups: Oily, Dry, Sensitive, Combination and Normal.
To get to the bottom of our skin differences and to learn more about each type, we spoke with O Cosmedics CEO & Creator, Maria Enna-Cocciolone, and Caitie Kenzie. For those who don’t know Caitie, she has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years, with clients such as Deb Symond O’Neil, Nadia Fairfax, Kristin Fisher, model Charlie Robertson, and Elle Ferguson, and is best known for her glowy natural glam style. Here is what Maria and Caitie had to say.
Oily Skin
You know who you are. Your problem is that you shine too bright… quite literally. People with oily skin tend to experience:
an increase in clogged pores
Blackheads, pimples and breakout.
a shiny or greasy appearance
noticeably large pores.
Maria encourages oily skin people to avoid using harsh products to remove oil. “As much as it sounds and can even feel like it’s helping, avoid using harsh astringent toners and facial wipes after cleansing to try to reduce oil. The more you strip away from the skin, the more it will work against you and sensitise the surface.”
Maria suggests using the O Cosmedics Micellar Treatment Gel for an added deep clean after your cleanse, leaving your skin feeling squeaky clean without drying it out. It also contains an anti-pollution shield, to help prevent any unwanted clogging and congestion.
“Those with an oilier skin generally don’t like the feeling of a heavy, rich hydrating product” says Maria. She suggests the perfect choice for oily skin - the O Cosmedics Rebalancing Cream. “It’s a light-weight moisturiser with a focus on antioxidants and hydration, you’ll have anti-aging benefits covered without any unwanted shine through the day or night.''
Caitie’s make-up advice for those with oily skin?
Caitie: Use a primer with a matifying or pore refining action to help maintain the longevity of foundation on oily skin. You need to apply it and leave it to dry momentarily prior to foundation application as this will guarantee a flawless base all day- I like hourglass Veil primer the best.
The best treatment for oily skin?
Try our Skin Consultation - A one on one meeting with one of our skin specialists to go over your concerns and skin goals, to find the perfect products and treatments for your skin.
Make-up by Caitie Kenzie
Dry Skin
People with dry skin tend to experience:
a feeling of tightness, especially after showering.
skin that looks and feels rough
Itching
fine lines and cracks,
redness and flaking.
And the biggest indicator: You hate winter and can sometimes resemble a Lizard.
For dry skin that craves a dose of nourishment you can’t go past O Cosmedics Youth Activating Oil-Balm. This luxuriously rich balm hydrates, softens and soothes dry skin by replenishing it with healthy lipid oils, similar to the type produced by our skin. Additionally it has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, so will revive skin youth and restore barrier function.
“Dry skins love oil, good oil!” says Maria. “Your skin needs Essential Fatty Acids just as much as your body does”. Maria suggests that we support our skin from the inside out, and we couldn't agree more. Adjust your diet to include good fats like salmon, nuts and avocados. These Essential Fatty Acid loaded foods, will help restore your skin from within. Maria also suggests “Supplementing with O Cosmedics EFA Max Complex as this will ensure your skin receives the dosage it needs.”
Caitie’s make-up advice for those with dry skin?
Caitie: Use a richer moisturiser under your foundation. This will stop your makeup from “cracking” around 3pm. A drop of oil mixed with your foundation or tinted moisturiser helps keep skin looking dewy and fresh. Avoid powdery formulas.- Weleda Skin food is my secret weapon moisturiser.
The best TPR treatment for Dry Skin?
Try our O Cosmedics Peel. It’s loaded with EFA’s which regulate oil production to balance dry skin. Dry flaky cells will be nourished to reveal a softer smoother skin.
Make-up by Caitie Kenzie
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skinned individuals often suffer from the following:
Your skin easily flushes
Beauty products sting or burn
You’re sensitive to UV rays
You can suffer from dryness and irritation or even eczema
You’re skin reacts easily to change, products and your diet.
When skin is crying out for relief, Maria suggests we look no further than O Cosmedics ICU for skin; Medi-Soothe. This amazing all-rounder will soothe the most sensitised and irritated of skins whilst supporting a weakened and disrupted barrier. With oat and calendula derived actives this multi-purpose lotion can be used all over the face and body
“The O Cosmedics philosophy for skin health and especially a sensitive skin is to take a three-step approach; calm and soothe an angry skin, heal and strengthen a compromised skin and finally correct and maintain. Taking this approach with both your homecare routine and in-clinic program will have you on your way to a calmer more resilient skin.” says Maria.
Caitie’s make-up advice for those with sensitive skin?
Caitie: A little bit of baby cream like Amolin is amazing on sensitised areas of the face as a makeup prep. Be ingredient savvy. If you allergic to something in particular try and steer clear of it in your cosmetics and fragrance at all costs to avoid flare ups.
The best Self treatment for Sensitive Skin?
Try our Skin Consultation - A one on one meeting with one of our skin specialists to go over your concerns and skin goals, to find the perfect products and treatments for your skin.
Make-up by Caitie Kenzie
Combination Skin
You’re not one or the other, in fact, you’re very complicated. People with a combination of skin types often suffer from some or all of the above issues.
“Catering for a combination of skin conditions or types can sometimes be challenging,” says Maria. The good news is that cleansing is super easy with the O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser! This best-selling cleanser suits all skin types and conditions making it perfect for those with combination skin. It offers a deep cleansing action whilst leaving the skin soft and hydrated without stripping the barrier.
Maria suggests trying an O Cosmedics Peel. “Hydration is key to skin health for all skin types and this super soothing, plumping mask will leave your skin feeling refreshed, balanced and radiant.”
Caitie’s make-up advice for those with combination skin?
Caitie: I like to mix my primers on combination skin types. Pore refining on the T-zone and something slightly more hydrating on the cheeks. A translucent loose setting powder is great for spot treating the oilier t-zone. Laura Mercier loose translucent powder is amazing.
The best SELF treatment for Combination Skin?
Try our Signature Facial. Following a one on one consultation our skin therapists, we will tailor this facial to suit your needs. This is the perfect introductory treatment, with a strong focus on rebalancing and restoration. Includes a relaxing had, foot and scalp massage.
Make-up by Caitie Kenzie
Normal Skin
Lucky you. People with ‘normal’ skin have no or few imperfections, no severe sensitivity, barely visible pores and a radiant complexion. However - Maria suggests you don't get comfortable.
“Prevention is better than correction, and even a “normal” healthy skin needs protection” says Maria. “Using your daily SPF 30+ will help protect your skin from daily UVA doses which contribute to skin aging. The O Cosmedics Mineral Pro zinc-based SPF also contains master antioxidant Resveratrol. Both superstar ingredients mean Mineral Pro SPF 30+ will not only protect you from UV damage but also protect and prevent against daily free radical scavengers which break down cell health.”
Love your healthy normal skin? “Keep it that way” suggests Maria. “The most common mistake people make is thinking, “my skin is fine, I don’t need to do anything for it” so prevention is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy skin long-term; think of your skincare routine like a diet, maintain a good diet and maintain your health. A simple homecare routine of a daily cleaner, SPF and hydrator may be all your skin needs for now to keep it just the way you want it” suggests Maria.
Caitie’s make-up advice for those with normal skin?
Caitie: Lucky normal skin types can experiment with makeup textures. Creams and powders are both great and normal skin types can enjoy the best of both worlds. I love slightly more matte textured foundation on normal skin followed with a creamy blush pressed in gently, finished with a setting spray to “wake up” the skin. Tatcha Dewy skin mist is a must try.
The best SELF treatment for normal Skin?
Anything. All of our treatments are tailored to your specific skin goals and needs, and if you don’t suffer from sensitive, dry or oily skin, all or any of our treatments will make you leave the salon feeling and looking amazing.
For those who don’t have dermatologist level ‘normal’ skin - don’t stress. Everyone has slightly different skin requirements and normal is relative. The good news is there are products and treatments available for all skin types.
We would like to thank Maria and Caitie for their expert advice.
