What type of skin do I have? It’s a question clients frequently ask us when they visit our Nelson Day Spa. So, in this week’s article, we thought we would explore different skin types and their characteristics. Read on for all the details.

What type of skin do I have?

Many factors affect the look and feel of your skin. Age, hormones, diet, stress levels, and environmental changes can affect your skin’s character. Before we look at the different skin types, it’s important to note that your skin type will change over your lifetime and even from season to season.

The fact that these variations occur is a good thing; because it also means that you can improve your skin’s condition by altering your diet, and exercise regime, and choosing the correct skin care products for the season and your age.

So, let’s take a closer look at how we categorise skin type.

Oily Skin:

Oily skin has a shiny appearance, often with visibly enlarged pores. This skin type occurs when sebum production (naturally secreted oils) goes into overdrive. This overproduction is often the result of hormone levels. While we often see teenagers and younger adults with oily skin, other age groups of men and women can also have oily skin characteristics.

Dry Skin:

Conversely, dry skin is a skin type that secretes less sebum. It usually has an uneven texture and tone, looking dull and lifeless. Fine lines are more visible on dry skin, and so, it is often associated with ageing. But again, it can affect all age groups.

Combination Skin:

Combination skin is a common skin type that shows some dry and some oily areas. The oily areas generally manifest in what is referred to as the ‘T Zone’; the forehead, nose and chin.

Sensitive Skin:

If you have sensitive skin, you will likely find that it is red and itchy. It might also tend towards dryness. Like any skin type, sensitive skin is rarely permanent. But, you will need to be mindful of the skin care products and procedures you use to avoid flare-ups.

Normal Skin:

Normal skin is a popular term to describe well-balanced skin. In other words, the skin has a regular texture with few imperfections. It will also tolerate most products and treatments. The good news is with the proper care; any skin can become ‘normal’ skin.

The best way to discover your skin type is to visit us at Woman Beauty. We are always happy to offer advice and recommend the correct products and treatments so that you attain or keep healthy balanced skin. And remember, throughout the year, we host special events like the Observ Skin Diagnostics event and the Ultraceuticals Real Visible Results programme, where we delve a little deeper into your skin’s requirements. Scroll down and sign up if you’re not on our mailing list! That way, we can let you know when the next event happens.

February is vegan cuisine month. It’s no secret that you are what you eat… And some claim a vegan diet is the secret to glowing skin. At Woman Beauty we believe that you should enjoy life, including the food and drinks you love. Just remember everything in moderation!

Nevertheless, because there is a school of thought that plant-based eating is good for your skin… In this article, we thought we’d share three reasons why going vegan could have a positive effect on your complexion.

A vegan diet and glowing skin:

Dairy… Not always a delight:

For anybody that suffers from acne, it may come as no surprise that serious breakouts come after an overload of ice cream! Dairy can be a major culprit when it comes to skin congestion. As dairy is eliminated in a vegan diet it can improve the complexion of those prone to acne.

If you have suffered from acne historically and need to address any associated scarring, talk to us about Dermapen 4.

Root vegetables and radiant skin:

Carrots and beetroot are rich in beta-carotene. But this red-orange pigment is not exclusive to root vegetables. You’ll also find it in pumpkin, squash, citrus and even greens like kale and spinach. Beta-carotene’s antioxidant properties can give you a healthy glow. But before you start munching on raw carrots with gay abandon, remember that too much beta-carotene can have adverse effects, giving your skin a yellowish tinge.

Banish fine lines with fruit and vegetables:

A plant-based diet is chock full of antioxidants. These are the critters that chase away the free radicals that can cause premature ageing.

Additionally, soy foods (a staple part of vegan diets) including tofu, edamame, and tempeh increase levels of hyaluronic acid. It’s hyaluronic acid that helps your skin retain water and stay plump and youthful!

Whether you’ve decided to eat a vegan diet or not, we can still help you achieve glowing skin. Check out our range of facials, or call in to talk to us about the best product for your skin types.

You might be prepared for hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. But there are a host of other (less publicised) symptoms associated with menopause, some easier to address than others. At Woman Beauty in Nelson, we can help you with the hormonal changes that affect your skin during this time.

The menopause, your skin, and how we help:

Dry skin:

Falling oestrogen levels causes your skin to lose its elasticity and become drier and wrinkled. Several of our advanced facial treatments are particularly appropriate for menopausal skin.

Firstly, Omnilux LED light therapy will plump and tighten your skin while minimising fine lines and wrinkles. It has the added bonus of improving your mood! Additionally, with the Revive Me Omnilux Facial, you can enjoy the luxury of a facial and the omnilux combined.

The Sothys Hydra 3Ha Facial is the crème de la crème of facials. We recommend three treatments over two months. This facial creates a unique triple Hyaluronic acid approach to restore, reactivate and rejuvenate all the vital elements of skin hydration. It can offer a 71% increase in skin moisture levels after just one treatment.

Finally, consider the Anti-Ageing Trio. This facial offers a deep even exfoliation with Glycolic, to smooth and refine. Then you’ll drift away under the red Omnilux LED light. This promotes hydration and stimulates collagen. To finish off, you will enjoy our much loved 02 facial to plump fine lines and increase luminosity. This facial favourite is currently a seasonal special.

Possible Pimples:

In a cruel twist of nature, some women experience acne-like breakouts around menopause. If this happens to you, we can tailor the correct advanced facial for your skin and advise on home skincare using our leading cosmeceutical skincare brand, Ultraceuticals.

Fighting the fuzz:

As levels of female hormones fall, you may begin to see unwanted facial hair beginning to sprout! We can help you fight the fuzz. We can wax the delicate areas of your face, or you may wish to consider ELOS IPL for more permanent solutions.

If you’re considering IPL do ask to see your therapist’s certification. Sadly, it is possible to buy IPL or laser treatment systems and operate them with minimal or no training. At Woman Beauty, we have trained and certified every therapist who offers IPL treatment for hair reduction and skin rejuvenation.

If you’re going through menopause and your skin needs a little extra TLC call us to find out how we can help.