Making the most of your appearance: Skin

Skin is the largest organ your body has and clear skin is one of the most important attributes that allow us to be considered attractive, so keep these basics in mind.

Face MasksYou should treat your skin to a face mask every week for your skin type.
Your skin will be one of these types - it's important that you do use the right products as they can have the opposite effect to what you hoped for if they are wrong for your skin type.



Dry Skin
Skin feels tight and dryNo oily t-zoneSkin shows signs of photoageing- wrinklesSkin may feel flaky or roughSkin tends to be thin and appears dull



Normal/Dry Skin
Cheeks are dry and skin sometimes feels tightMinimal oily t-zone, usually on nose onlySkin gets dehydratedSmall blackheads are visible on nose & chin



Normal/Oily Skin
Cheeks may be oily or dryT-zone gets oily by the end of the daySkin is dehydrated with some dead skin build upSmall blackheads in t-zoneOccasional breakouts


Oily Skin
Cheeks or face are oily with open poresT-zone gets oily within hours after cleansingBumps under the surface of the skin with dead skin build upVisible blackheadsFrequent breakoutsSkin tends to be thicker


Acne/Problem Skin
Face is oily soon after cleansing Could be a mature skin that was once oilyVisible blackheads, whiteheads and open poresThere may be inflammatory lesions and scarringProblems may also occur on the neck, back or chest Skin may get red

Sensitive
Has trouble with environmental factorsSkin reacts to sun, temperature extremes, cosmetics, perfumes etcMay experience rashes, burning sensations and be easily irritatedHas permanent diffused redness particularly on nose, chin & cheeksSkin tends to be thin and may scar easilyShows signs of ageingCan be congested




Moisture


Keep your full body in great condition by using an exfoliator and moisturising afterwards to keep moisture locked in. Remember to cleanse your skin on your face every night too by carefully removing all traces of make up, then applying a toner and finally a night time moisturiser to wake up with great skin on your face and body.

Sun kissed

Bronzer is great for the summer to give a fresh dewy look. Make sure to not go over board and only apply it to the parts of the face that would catch the sun; the bridge of the nose, the forehead, chin and cheeks.

Fake it

Darkened skin by the sun looks very glamorous and flattering, making you appear slimmer. Using sun beds is not only unhealthy but makes your skin look like leather. 80% of wrinkles are caused by UV rays, so exposing yourself will cause alot of damage. The answer? Fake tan.

Ask around for what works for other peoples skin tones closest to yours to avoid purchasing a streaky tan. Many swear by Johnsons, but even the light one leaves streaks on me. My Mam who has a darker skin tone than me loves Nivea, it just depends! Set time, maybe once a week (unless you're using a gradual tanner) to fully moisturise then apply a tan.