How to Understand & Care for Your Skin Type Naturally

How to Understand & Care for Your Skin Type Naturally

Help your skin glow naturally & your future self will love you!

“26 seconds is all it takes for the chemicals in your personal care products to enter your blood stream” source: David Wolfe

Just let that sink in for a moment (‘scuse the pun). This is why it’s so important to care for your skin, and most important – to do it naturally.

Our skin is your biggest organ and has so many important functions in keeping you healthy and well. Which is why it’s vital to know you’re using safe, effective and non-toxic products on your precious body.

In this blog we will reveal the 4 different skin types – Dry, Sensitive, Oily/Acne Prone and Mature skin, and you’ll easily understand how to identify and care for yours, naturally.

Then, we’ll finish up with the superstar ingredients you should look out for in your skin care products that make your skin shine for you!

Type 1: Dry Skin

This is my beautiful sister and I and we both have dry skin. I am also getting older so I like to use ingredients that target mature and aging skin too.

There are several causes of dry skin which includes:

• Lower sebum production that can lead to unbalanced skin
• Aging skin
• Over exposure to drying conditions (for example - air conditioning, heating & humidity)
• Lack of moisture in the skin, or
• Lack of lipids (fats) in the top layer of your skin.

Symptoms of dry skin: flaking, scaling, itching, cracked and redness. It may also be identified as dull looking skin that may crinkle when pushed or depressed with a finger. You may also experience a feeling of tightness after your skin comes in contact with water.

Cleansers: I love using natural cleansers that are gentle and mild, together with hydrating and soothing ingredients to care for my Dry Skin. As part of my skincare regime I use Earthyma's cleansing oil ‘Sleep Cleansed’ to wash my face at night. It leaves my skin feeling so soft. I also occasionally also use a gentle exfoliator to accelerate my skin renewal.

Moisturise: It’s recommended to use a lotion with humectants, which will pull moisture from the surrounding environment into the skin cells and in return keeps the skin hydrated. Examples of humectant ingredients are glycerine, sodium lactate and hyaluronic acid. You can find glycerine and sodium lactate in Earthyma's toner ’Toner with Rosewater & Botanical Extracts’.

You can also apply emollient-rich moisturisers to lock in hydration. For example, shea butter, avocado oil and hemp seed oil offer emollient qualities. Occlusive ingredients in oil-based serums such as jojoba oil will also prevent moisture escaping from the skin.

Type 2: Sensitive Skin

My daughter has sensitive skin. This is her, together with my awesome son. 

Sensitive skin is usually caused by a disrupted skin barrier which doesn’t function as it should. Instead it tends to allow more substances to enter the skin and in return irritates it.

Many people find that when using certain household or skincare ingredients it causes sensitivity upon contact and causes them issues.

At the beginning of Covid-19 my daughter was using hand sanitiser regularly. After extensive use of the sanitiser she developed red, raw sores on her hands from the alcohol irritating it. I made her a nourishing Earthyma balm 'Beautiful Body Balm' for her to use and it eventually got better. 

When someone now offers her sanitiser, she grabs her little hands and pulls away. She politely mentions to them that she has very sensitive skin, so she is avoiding sanitiser, instead she washes her hands. 

Symptoms of sensitive skin: redness, inflammation, stinging, burning, dryness redness. Sensitive skin can also be seen as overly dry, dehydrated or injured skin – which can lead to skin rashes and reactions.

If you do have recurring exposure to irritants, this may result in an overactive response by the body’s immune system. It may present itself as eczema, rosacea, allergies or allergic contact dermatitis.

Cleansers: It’s so important to treat Sensitive Skin gently by using mild, natural cleansers and skincare products. Therefore incorporate calming and soothing ingredients into your skincare regime. Over-cleansing, exposure to environmental elements and other irritants can aggravate sensitive skin.

Products for sensitive skin should be very gentle and free of any harsh ingredients like fragrance, alcohol or harsh detergents that strip the skin of its natural oils, e.g. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) should be avoided.

Moisturise: Sensitive skin benefits from ingredients that aim to rebuild the skin barrier and soothe irritated and inflamed skin e.g. rich moisturising creams and oils. Ingredients like Calendula-infused sunflower oil offers potent healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it great for sensitive skin.

Chamomile and calendula extracts together with aloe vera can also be very beneficial for sensitive skin, as they strengthen the skin barrier. You can find aloe vera in Earthyma's 'Face Spritz (soften & refresh' and Calendula extract in Earthyma's 'Toner Spritz (with botanical extract)'.

An injured barrier is often the culprit for sensitive skin, therefore products/ingredients that will help to repair it are very useful. Exfoliating products should be avoided on sensitive skin. 

Type 3: Oily Skin

Here is my friend Mikal and his skin type is oily. 

Oily skin is caused by increased sebum production. This can be seen as enlarged pores, a shiny appearance and oily residue on blotting paper.

Overuse of comedogenic cosmetics, e.g. products that are known to clog pores, such as heavy foundations or concealers can clog the skin resulting in acne.

If you have oily/acne prone skin avoid picking at the skin, this may lead to scarring and spreading of bacteria that causes further acne.

Symptoms of oily/acne-prone skin: this can be seen as being shiny, oily, or slick-looking skin, often accompanied by large, darkened pores and acne blemishes. The T-zone may be particularly impacted – forehead, nose, chin and sometimes the cheek area directly below the eyes.

Cleansers: Look for natural, mild cleansers and keep your skin hydrated and protected. Avoid the temptation to over wash oily or acne affected skin, as it will strip the much-needed natural oils which protect and keep the skin hydrated, balanced and healthy. Acne can be caused by the overuse of harsh detergents and cleansers, which can result in more acne.

You can also incorporate a regular gentle exfoliation (one to two times per week, at most). This will help to remove dead skin cells, impurities and debris that may be clogging skin cells. It will also assist in preventing clogged pores which keeps skin looking renewed and fresh and keeps acne breakouts at bay. Try not to over-exfoliate skin, which may aggravate and inflame the skin, leading to further breakouts.

Moisturise: Oily skin can suffer when there is lack of moisture in the skin. Although it sounds strange, oily skin can be dehydrated. With the right ingredients, you can correct problem skin, reduce acne breakouts and help balance the skins sebum production.

Oils which are high in linoleic acid (e.g. Grapeseed and Evening Primrose Oil) are excellent for oily and acne-prone skin, as they are lighter, thinner, quickly absorbed and will not clog pores. They will also effectively hydrate and balance oily skin without a heavy feeling.

Using a mild toner and face spritz like Earthyma's as part of your skincare regime will also be beneficial for oily skin.

Type 4: Mature Skin:

Here is my incredible mumma and amazing mother in-law. Both of these beautiful ladies love using my 'pro-aging oil-based serum' which is aimed at nurturing mature skin. 

Although 'mature skin' is not classified as a skin ‘condition’ it does have its specific characteristics and needs. The science behind  aging skin shows that fat is lost below the face, especially in the cheeks, nose, eye area and temples. This causes the skin to become wrinkly together with loss of elasticity and loss of skin plumpness.

Symptoms of Aging/Mature skin: dry skin, rough skin, dull looking complexion, fine lines and deep wrinkles, age spots, loss of skin firmness, areas of saggy skin.

Cleanse: Adopt a simple skincare regime as early on as possible, which nourishes, hydrates, balances and gently cares for the skin. It is best to use a mild cleanser which will not strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its delicate balance.

Moisturise: Mature skin will benefit from rich nourishing creams/lotions and face oils/serums packed with antioxidants. With high-performance ingredients it can improve skin elasticity, increase collagen synthesis and decrease wrinkle depth. With this and ensuring your diet is rich in antioxidants, some levels of reversing skin aging and damage are possible. Earthyma's 'Oil-based face serum' is jam-packed with antioxidants. 

Bonus Tips! Superstar Skin Care Ingredients

Ok, so now you’ve worked out what your skin type is and the goodness it needs, let’s bring it home!

We’re finishing up with some high quality oils and extracts that you can use to look after your individual skin type to ensure your skin will shine for you!

1. Olive squalene

Perfect for:

Dry, Mature, Oily, Sensitive skin types.

Why you’ll love it:

• It’s lightweight, quickly absorbed, moisturises the skin, feels very light on the skin, sinks into the skin very quickly and is suitable for all skin types.
• It can also soothe dry and irritated skin, plus it can prevent further irritation.
• For oily skin it has a very low tendency to clog the pores, plus it can help to balance sebum production.

2. Jojoba Oil

Perfect for:

Dry, Oily & Mature skin types.

Why you’ll love it:

It forms a thin layer on the skin, helping the skin to retain moisture, stay hydrated, moisturised, soft, smooth and balances sebum. 

3. Evening Primrose

Perfect for:  

Dry, Sensitive & Oily skin types.

Why you’ll love it:

• It’s great for skin barrier function and repair and retaining moisture.
• It helps to reduce or prevent dry, scaly skin and works as an anti-inflammatory.
• It also helps to alleviate irritated skin such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, rashes and itchiness.

It’s also lightweight, dry-feeling oil, so it’s well suited to oily and acne prone skin. It contains properties that can help to reduce pore clogging and has a balancing effect on sebum levels.

4. Camellia Oil

Perfect for:  

Dry, Sensitive, Oily & Mature skin types.

Why you’ll love it:

It’s an excellent moisturisers for the skin because of its exceptionally high oleic acid (omega-9) content. It’s also light, quickly absorbs into the skin and doesn’t clog pores; therefore it’s ideal for oily skin.

5. Sea Buckthorn CO2 extract

Perfect for:  

Dry & Mature skin types.

Why you’ll love it:

This beautiful and high quality extract repairs and retains moisture in your skin. It enhances skin elasticity and is a very rich source of a variety of antioxidants. It plays an important part in maintaining a youthful complexion and delaying the signs of aging.

6. Coenzyme Q10

Perfect for:  

Mature skin type.

Why you’ll love it:

This beauty is a powerful anti-aging active ingredient with antioxidant and skin-soothing properties. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E or coenzyme Q10, lower the oxidative stress in the skin. They also help to protect the skin from collagen breakdown.

7. Rosehip Oil

Perfect for:  

Mature skin type.

Why you’ll love it:

It contains tretinion, which is a form of Vitamin A. This improves signs of aging by reducing wrinkles, boosting elasticity and fading discolorations.

And, don’t forget the Natural Sunscreen!

Protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun by using a natural high-level SPF and limit or shade yourself from long periods of sun exposure.

Our bodies will reward us if we look after ourselves from the inside out!

By understanding what your individual skin type needs, you can discover what products and skincare regime best fits your lifestyle.

The abovementioned ingredients are just a few of so many amazing, non-toxic, natural and effective ingredients available to us.

But, can we also add in a gentle reminder that unhealthy lifestyle choices can also affect your skin. Because, you can use the best products in the world but if you’re not looking after your health, the benefits are not going to be used to their full potential.

For example poor diet, not consuming enough water, bad nutrition, poor personal hygiene, excessive sun without sunscreen, stress and lack of regular sleep/insomnia can over time all contribute to flaky/dry skin, acne blemishes, eczema break outs and aging skin.

On the flipside, by using the right products with high quality, earth-friendly ingredients, combined with a healthy lifestyle and nutrition - you will glow, and your beautiful body will love you so much for it!

So, what is your Skin Type? What are some of your favourite ingredients and products to use on your skin? Share them in the comments below!

And, if you’d love help figuring out your Skin Type & what Earthyma products are best for you – get in touch today!

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to the amazing people who allowed me to feature them in this blog. You are so awesome!

Thank you to the wonderful Jess McEachen from Jess McEachen Copywriting for her help in editing this blog. For more information on her fantastic work, visit: www.jessmceachencopywriting.com

Disclaimer: this blog was written for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.