Understanding Your Skin Type
At BM Aesthetic Clinic in London, we understand that the best skincare routine is the one that works for you, so it’s important to understand your skin type. Our skin is unique to us, and it can be difficult to know which category yours fits into. Here’s a quick guide to give you a general idea:
• Oily Skin: This type produces excess sebum, which can lead to shine, clogged pores, and acne.
• Dry Skin: Characterised by tightness, flakiness, and rough texture, dry skin lacks moisture.
• Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry areas, usually with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry cheeks.
• Sensitive Skin: Prone to redness, irritation, and reactions to certain products or ingredients.
• Normal Skin: Balanced skin with neither excess oil nor dryness, typically free of noticeable blemishes or irritation.
Now that you’ve identified your skin type, you can begin personalising your routine to suit your specific needs.
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Excess sebum production, shine, enlarged pores, and a tendency to develop blackheads and acne are characteristics of oily skin. It’s important to establish a routine that controls excess oil while hydrating the skin. Lightweight, oil-free cleansing products that restore balance are ideal for oily skin types.
1. Cleanse: Choose a gentle foaming or gel-based cleanser that removes excess oil without drying out the skin. Try to find products that contain ingredients that target acne-causing bacteria, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
2. Tone: Witch hazel and niacinamide are powerful ingredients for removing residual oil and tightening pores. Look for an astringent toner with these ingredients to help control oil production.
3. Moisturise: It’s important to use a lightweight moisturiser to help balance hydration levels without clogging pores. Opt for an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula and look out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to increase skin elasticity and treat inflammation.
Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Dry skin can be very tight and flaky with a rough texture. It’s important to nourish dry skin while addressing moisture retention. Find products that restore the skin’s barrier while keeping it plump, soft, and smooth.
1. Cleanse: Creamy, hydrating cleansers are perfect for dry skin. Avoid anything that can strip your skin’s natural oils, or anything with harsh ingredients that can make dry skin worse.
2. Tone: Look for a hydrating toner that soothes the skin. Glycerin and aloe vera are exceptional at restoring and balancing moisture.
3. Moisturise: For extremely dry skin, search for a ceramide-rich moisturising serum to nourish and restore the skin. Also, look out for shea butter and fatty acids as these work wonders for dehydrated skin types.
Skincare Routine for Combination Skin
If you’re experiencing an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks, you probably have combination skin. Treating combination skin means treating both oily and dry areas, and it can be difficult to maintain this balance. You can use different products on different areas of the face, or instead opt for versatile products that address concerns in oily and dry skin types.
1. Cleanse: Try to find a gentle foam cleanser that works for both oily and dry areas without being too harsh.
2. Tone: Use a hydrating toner that doesn’t dry the skin but also controls oily skin. Niacinamide can help to balance the skin while shrinking enlarged pores.
3. Moisturise: Moisturise: For combination skin, balance is key. Choose a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser that doesn’t clog the pores or make the T-zone greasy. Oil-free or gel-based formulas are ideal.
Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
Redness, irritation, allergic reactions and easily inflamed skin are all indicators of sensitive skin. The best skincare routine for sensitive skin is one that uses only gentle ingredients while avoiding harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol-based products.
1. Cleanse: Opt for a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser with minimal ingredients, making sure not to irritate the skin while washing.
2. Tone: Use a soothing toner containing calming ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile or calendula.
3. Moisturise: Any fragrance-free, calming moisturiser will do the trick for sensitive skincare, but look for products that restore the skin barrier with ceramides and fatty acids. Other ingredients to look for are chamomile, niacinamide, or centella asiatica that deliver exceptional sensitive skincare.
Skincare Routine for Normal Skin
Normal skin is the easiest to care for, as it doesn’t have the extremes of oiliness or dryness. The goal is to maintain this balance while keeping the skin clean, hydrated, and protected.
1. Cleanse: Any mild, non-stripping cleanser works well for normal skin.
2. Tone: A simple, hydrating toner is ideal. Glycerin or aloe vera are ingredients to look out for. Just avoid any harsh chemicals.
3. Moisturise: Try a moisturising serum with hyaluronic acid or antioxidants to maintain skin protection. Anything lightweight and non-greasy is perfect for normal skin.
A personalised skincare routine is the foundation of healthy skin. Whatever your skin type, understanding your unique needs and choosing the right products is essential for achieving the best results. While our skincare treatments such as Morpheus8 can deliver exceptional results, such as a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars, it is most effective when integrated with a consistent skincare routine that supports the natural healing and rejuvenation process.
Remember, taking care of your skin is a long-term commitment that requires patience and consistency. Also, keep in mind that your routine will develop and change as your skin itself does. Whether you're maintaining the benefits of Morpheus8 or focusing solely on your daily care, a thoughtful approach to skincare will lead to healthier skin in the long run.