I've done a couple of social media posts and also some posts in our Facebook Group about skin-care basics and so I thought I would sum it up here and share as a blog post so our subscribers can refer to it.
To sum up what I have shared so far below about your skin-care regimen:
Prevention is key. Beginning your skin-care routine early, your skin will thank you for it as you age. It's also never too late to begin taking care of your skin. Start with early sun protection. Don't wait till you see
the signs of sun damage, dull skin or dehydration. An spf cream is definitely on the list of products I would like to develop!
If you're in your teens or early twenties, this is probably one of the most important things to begin in your skin-care routine - SUNSCREEN
At any season even in winter months use spf protection on your skin.
"Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand. New skin cancers total about 82,000 per year, compared to a total of 16,000 for all other types of cancer. Our skin cancer rates are the highest in the world. In fact, the incidence of melanoma in New Zealand and Australia is around four times higher than in Canada, the US and the UK."
Take a look at some statistics here.
Mia Belle believes when it comes to skin-care - Less is more. Give your skin what it needs, not what you want. Your skin won't use or absorb so many products, it knows what it needs and will use what it needs.
You don't need to have a 12 step routine to have good skin. If you find one serum that works for your skin type, that is much better than using five serums and not knowing which one is working for your skin. Here are some simple skin-care routines in these 2 - step skin-care bundles!
Skin-care isn't about changing your skin type, it's finding products that work well with your skin.
Find out your skin type.
One of the first things to do before spending your hard earned money on any skin-care products.
The 4 major skin types
Oily
Combination
Dry
Sensitive
OILY SKIN types tend to have larger pores on their skin and these are often visible to the eye. If you have oily skin, you know that shiny look well, your skin can be prone to acne, black heads or clogged pores. Oilier skin types almost feels like you could go without a moisturizer. This is one of the most challenging of skin types in my opinion as it's so changeable from one day to the next.
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DRY SKIN types don't produce enough sebum to keep oil on skin balanced. They tend to have smaller pore size all over and these pores are usually not visible to the eyes. These skin types are prone to developing fine lines and are more prone to sun damage. The skin can be flakier and may bring a feeling of tightness and may also be prone to sensitivies to skin-care and eczema as the protective barrier in their skin is not as strong.
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COMBINATION skin types have the best of both worlds! Oily parts, generally in the T zone area (forehead, nose, chin) and dry parts especially around the cheeks and eyes. People with combination skin can use a range of products for different skin types.
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SENSITIVE skin types generally are prone to irritation or even an allergic reaction to some skin-care products. These skin types may react to harsh ingredients or essential oils or synthetic fragrances. Irritation normally subsides without antihistamine but an allergic reaction requires an antihistamine so it's good to know the difference. Using the wrong products or using a product incorrectly can also spark a reaction so always test patch products or check the directions first. 🥰
There are skin challenges (ie. severe acne or dermatitis) that require a professional opinion from a dermatologist, other health professional or a doctor.
What's your skin type? 🤔
We hear a lot about how important moisturizers are and even more about serums but we don't hear a lot about how important the cleanser we use for our face is.
Cleansing your face twice daily helps to keep the dirt and grime out of your pores that can cause a build up if not consistently cleansed. It helps to remove dead skin cells, helps with encouraging blood flow and get the circulation going in the area around our face. A cleansed face also helps to prepare your skin to absorb the skin-care you apply on it.
We can see what an important role the right cleanser or the action of cleansing plays in our skin-care routine!
Which cleanser is right for you?
It all depends on your skin type and personal preference
Skin-care is also a lot about the texture and feel and also scent of the product you are using so it's nice you also enjoy the products you're using on your body.
Foaming cleansers - These cleansers produce bubbles due to the surfactants in them (ie. surface active agent) and are designed to lift the dirt and grime from your pores and cleanse them away. These are suitable for normal to combination skin. It's important to choose a cleanser that's the right pH for your skin (around 5.5-6) This won't strip it of it's protective barrier and precious oils and leave it vulnerable to drying out which may cause other skin issues. If you have dry skin, and want to use a foaming cleanser make sure it doesn't have any strong sulfates or surfactants in the ingredients that are very efficient cleansers but can be harsh.
Gel cleansers - These are lightweight and are water based and can be foaming or not. Great for those with dry skin or sensitive skin.
Cream cleansers - These cleansers don't foam but they use the oils in them as well as the emulsifiers to lift dirt and grime from pores to cleanse it away. Emulsifiers have an oil and water loving portion, hence when mixed with oils in a formula properly, can make a really effective cleanser. Suitable for combination type skin and dry skin.
Our cream clay cleansers come with pink clay or activated charcoal. This provides that gentle exfoliation needed to lift off dead skin cells. There's also an option of these cleansers coming with an added exfoliant. It's recommended to exfoliate once a week to help exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage new skin cells to surface, which helps the skin look healthier and brighter.
Creamy milk cleansers - these are water based cleansers with oils in them and don't foam but are creamy and milky and suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
Oil cleansers - these cleansers are applied onto dry skin, the theory is oil attracts oil and helps lift dirt and grime and make up from your pores. Massage it into the skin and then rinse off or use a reusable make up remover cloth. These are great to use as a first cleanse if you're into double cleansing your face and then follow up with a foaming cleanser as your second cleanse. Suitable for combination skin or dry skin types.
Double cleansing may be beneficial to someone who wears a lot of make up, or is an oily skin type.
Micellar waters - Designed to be used without water, the micelles attract the dirt and grime and you can use a make up remover pad to cleanse it off.
Hope this information is helpful and I hope it helps to clarify what the choices are on which cleanser would go best with your skin. Simplicity in your routine is key to keep consistency attainable, and a routine that fits well into a busy schedule. One that you won't be too tired to implement at the end of a long day.
We sell all of the above except for the gel and micellar water cleansers so let me know if you have any specific questions about the ones we offer.
Cath x