Sensitive skin is often skin with a very pale complexion. It tends to be thin and delicate, has broken capillaries and is subject to many allergies and irritations. The sensitive skin reacts to both cold and warm weather and any other environmental changes. If you have such skin, avoid extreme temperature exposures (sun and winter wind, sauna, solarium, very hot and very cold liquids or foods). This skin should be always UVA/UVB protected.

Cleanse/Exfoliate

• Avoid cleansers and toners that contain alcohol or benzoyl peroxide as these tend to be too strong for your skin. You should look for products with calming ingredients listed below (refer to section nourish).
• The sensitive skin should be cleansed with mild baby soap, which is to be rinsed well to avoid deposits clogging up the pores. Drying it should be done with a soft towel patting the face, and not rubbing it.
• An alternative method will be lipid free cleansers that clean without fats. They leave a thin moisturizing film which is very beneficial for your skin. However, then do not have strong antibacterial properties and are not effective on excessive environmental dirt. They are good where minimal cleansing is needed
• Oil cleansing method is another alternative for cleansing skin care, where you remove impurities with oils by dissolving them. This method takes a bit of time to accustom to, until you find the right balance for your skin. You can take Apricot Kernel oil and Jojoba oil and mix them 50/50, 60/40 or 80/20 in accordance to your skin. After massaging the oil in your skin for 5 minutes, gently wipe off your face with a hot moist towel without rubbing it. Repeat 2-3 times to clean all impurities. Be sure that your skin is not super sensitive and tolerates the warm towel.
• Exfoliation is also important though it needs to be done well so as to preserve the natural protective oils, and keep intact the lower layers of skin where 70% of collagen fibers are found. You should make gentle exfoliation from either enzyme or superficial chemical peels. For sensitive skin, mechanical exfoliation is not recommended, as it is aggravating its sensitivity. If you have breakouts, you should consider a cleanser with salicylic acid to exfoliate pores.
• If you use a toner, do so once a day, as your skin is sensitive.

Nourish

• Alongside exfoliation, sensitive skin should be treated with cell rejuvenation products such as retinol-A and TGF Beta-1. These should be part of the daily skin care routine and will assist cell turnover rate. Initially the process may lead to hyper reaction, which will diminish over time.
• Use an astringent on oily areas only, if your skin tolerates the treatment.
• Your daytime moisturizer should have an SPF of 15 and at night, you need to apply a richer nighttime moisturizer, which hydrates the skin better.
• Esential Oils are generally very beneficial for the skin. You should be using Jojoba, Grapeseed, Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Rose and Sandalwood.

Care & Protect

• The two most important steps in good skin care is the daily use of antioxydants and sunblock. The first strengthen your skin cells and prevent skin damage from free radicals. The second prevent the UV rays from damaging the elastin and the collagen in your skin. The sunscreen should not be oil based, but rather a gel, as it is less greasy and it should be SPF 15 or more.
• Your make up should by all means be hypoallergenic, oil and fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.
• Avoid harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a foaming ingredient, as it is damaging the lipid barrier, making your skin more penetrable.
• Always try a new makeup or other product on the inside of your wrist to test your skin reaction.
• Use if possible air filtration in your living and working spaces, in order to minimize pollutants.
• Consume lots of seafood such as salmon and tuna, as well as flax seeds, as these contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The GLA omega-6s (as well as the omega-3s) in supplements such as primrose oil may reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and lesions developing and help treat rosacea.
• Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of pure, filtered water daily; you will enhance significantly your body’s ability to detoxify. Use thermal water, as it contains magnesium, calcium, iron, zink, selenium, sodium bicarbonate and other substances, which overall are beneficial for the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Avoid fried foods, animal fats, and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold- pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin.
• For efficient skin care and best results, limit alcohol, cigarettes, soft drinks, caffeine, sugar and chocolate.

Dry skin is not a serious condition, yet it can often be an uncomfortable one, as it usually feels tight and itchy. It is generally thinner than normal skin and appears dull and ashy, creating fine lines. It is delicate, tends to wrinkle prematurely, fissures, dehydrates and burns easily. Dry skin is more prone to skin infections and loses elasticity in proportion to the decrease of the water content in the body. The dead cells do not peel off easily and research shows that people with dry skin can have reduction in urea concentration of up to 75% compared to regular or oily skin, leading to dryness and itchiness.
If your skin is dry, this simply means that it does not produce enough moisture for a healthy epidermis. The best way of taking care of it is to seal it in moisture. Make sure you protect it from sun, cold, wind and dry air. Here are several key points for your skin care:

Cleanse/Exfoliate

• If you have dry skin, use lukewarm mineral water for cleansing, as the tap water deposits are too dry for you. Washing your face with mild baby soap is possible, yet gentle cleansing is better, as it does not remove the natural oils which in this case are quite important to remain on the skin.
• Use alcohol -free cleansing milk and make up removers, designed for dry skin. Use non-detergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse, avoiding commercial soaps and washing products with alkaline and drying ingredients.
• Do not use cold cream, or cleansing creams on your skin. Use pure olive, avocado, or almond oil instead, patting the oil on, then washing it off with warm water and a soft cloth.
• Take showers less frequently, as your skin will retain better your natural skin oil. When your skin is wet after the shower, apply baby oil or a moisturizer and tap them into the skin.
• Exfoliate your skin gently no more than once a week, and make sure the product is suitable for you.
• Double cleanse with a cream, leaving a fine thin trace of it on your face after the second cleansing
• When drying your face, use soft materials patting the skin, and not hard textures rubbing it.

Nourish

• The toner will remove the traces of makeup that your cleanser may have missed, reducing your pores and refining the skin. It should be alcohol free and gentle.
• Apply light moisturizing cream in the morning. It should contain petrolatum, glycerin, Aloe Vera, chamomile, and be hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
• Apply an oilier product in the evening. It should contain glycerin, sodium hyaluronete as these ingredients rehydrate dry skin. A face cream with soy extract to soothe dry skin is good for you.
• For your body, apply skin care products and cosmetics which contain antioxidants, moisturizing agents and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Choose liquid foundation rather than a powder one, as it nourishes the skin better.
• Once a week take a milk bath, by adding 250 grams of powdered milk, half tablespoon of almond oil and a few drops of your favorite perfume in the water. This will smooth and nourish your skin greatly.
• The oils beneficial for your skin are Aloe Vera (healing moisturizer, removing dead skin cells), Calendula and Comfrey (skin softening), Lavender, Primrose and Tea tree, which penetrate into the skin’s cellular level.
• Drink Camomille, Dandelion, Pepperming, Borage, Fennel, Coltsfoot or Calendula tea.
• Do a hydrating and nourishing facial mask twice a week. Make frequent massages to your skin (hands included) with light, circular motions using almond or massaging oil.

Care & Protect

Normal skin can be characterized with an even texture, small pores and a healthy color. It is soft and smooth and no has no greasy areas. Skin health is strengthened by good blood circulation and excellent health.

Cleanse/Exfoliate

• Normal skin needs cleansing no more than two times a day, typically morning and evening. This can be either done with mild baby soap or with a gentle cleanser.
• Toners are not really necessary for you, but if you choose to use one, avoid ones with alcohol, as they dry your skin.
• In the case of oily patches, use a toner or an astringent with lowest available alcohol content.
• You should exfoliate once or twice a week, keeping your skin healthy and removing dead skin. Do not overdo it, as your skin does not require it and it can cause damage to it.

Nourish

• Apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Choose one with a sun block of SPF 15, in order to limit UV damages. Use a mild, oil-based moisturizer under makeup to help retain surface moisture.
• Making a mask every two weeks can be a good idea if you live in a polluted or dry environment. You can rotate hydrating and purifying treatments.
• Essential oils which are beneficial for your skin health are Chamomile, Fennel, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Rose and Sandalwood.

Care and Protect

• If your skin becomes dry or oily at times, please refer to the section describing that skin.
• The two most important steps in good skin care is the daily use of antioxydants and sunblock. The first strengthen your skin cells and prevent skin damage from free radicals. The second prevent the UV rays from damaging the elastin and the collagen in your skin. The sunscreen should not be oil based, but rather a gel, as it is less greasy and it should be SPF 15 or more.
• Avoid harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a foaming ingredient, as it is damaging the lipid barrier, making your skin more penetrable.
• Have a balanced food diet. Limit alcohol and caffeine (they have a diuretic effect, causing the body and skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals), as well as cigarettes, soft drinks, sugar and chocolate.
• Avoid fried foods, animal fats, and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold- pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin.
• Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of pure, filtered water daily; you will enhance significantly your body’s ability to detoxify.
• Regularly brush and massage your body.
• Get sufficient sleep and during regular night hours.
• Exercise regularly, as this stimulates circulation and blood flow, and cleanses skin from within.

Oily skin typically has a shine and can be recognized by its thick and firm appearance. It is unfortunately often accompanied by enlarged pores and pimples, blemishes and other skin problems and is prone to blackheads. Alongside heredity, oily skin can be caused by your diet, hormone levels (teenage, pregnancy, menopause), birth control pills, humidity and cosmetics. As the flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age, your skin will tend to become drier throughout your life. The great news regarding oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

Cleanse/Exfoliate

• Oily skin should be kept very clean. Wash your face with warm water rich in minerals and apply pure soap or medical soap two or three times a day to prevent the clogging of your pores. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin, as it will clog your pores. Do not wash more often, as the effect is reverse, since your skin will be stimulated to produce more oil.
• To cleanse oily skin, use oil-based products as they dissolve sebum effectively, They should be antibacterial and alcohol-free. Avoid heavy creams and harsh products which strip your skin of oil, as this can cause seborroea, where your oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils. When cleansing, you should massage your face using upward and outward motions with your fingertips. In the case your skin is extremely oily, three or four cleansings per day may be needed.
• In the case your skin is scaly, use a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights, and apply after a light coating of moisturizer.
• Use toners which will help you remove excess oil and tighten the enlarged pores. Astringents are also available for this type of skin. These contain high amount of alcohol, antiseptic ingredients, water and humectants.

Nourish

• When nourishing your skin, you should choose oil-free moisturizers for shine-free complexion. Extremely oily skin need little or no moisturizing before the age of 30, and after that age moisturizing should be done around the eyes, mouth and neck.
• Avoid skincare products which leave your skin dehydrated, as they cause the upper layers of your skin to shrink, and restrict the oil flows leading to blockages. Choose only products designed for oily skin.
• Using a clay or mud mask on a weekly basis may be beneficial for your skin. Use a light antiseptic night cream before applying your make up. Look for one which contains benzyl peroxide.
• Use oil-free foundations and powders with oil-absorbing ingredients. The essential oils and plants which are good for your skin are:
  – Zinc Oxide – a natural mineral which possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It supports increased collagen turnover and promotes cell division, controlling excess sebum production and eliminating shine.
  – Tea tree oil fights bacteria and heals the skin. It controls shine and blemishes and is used for fighting serious skin problems. Aloe Vera is a very good healer. Apply it topically in a skin care routine. Witch hazel is an excellent absorbing oil. You can also mist your skin with Lavender water several times a day. Other oils which are very good for this type of skin are Bergamot, Cedar wood, Cypress, Geranium, Lemon, Sage.

Care & Protect

• Do NOT squeeze the pimples –typically it inflames blemishes further and damages and scars your skin.
• The two most important steps in good skin care is the daily use of antioxydants and sunblock. The first strengthen your skin cells and prevent skin damage from free radicals. The second prevent the UV rays from damaging the elastin and the collagen in your skin. The sunscreen should not be oil based, but rather a gel, as it is less greasy and it should be SPF 15 or more.
• Take vitamin C, B2 and B5 daily. It can be found in wheat germ and organ meats, beans, nuts, royal jelly and whole grains. Whole rice and black beans will further give you iron and will rejuvenate your skin.
• Make sure that your work and home environment contain good quality air and place a humidifier if it is not the case.
• Make sure your diet includes fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables. Reduce fat in your food. Consume no animal fats or heat-processed vegetable oils. Do not cook with oil. Avoid pork and fried foods. Use cold- pressed oils only as heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin.
• Regularly brush and massage your body.
• Primrose oil is good for you nighttime. It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which strengthen skin sells and stimulate moisture content.
• Get sufficient sleep and during regular night hours.
• Exercise regularly, as this stimulates circulation and blood flow, and cleanses skin from within.
• Use thermal water, as it contains magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, sodium bicarbonate and other substances, which overall are beneficial for the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of pure, filtered water daily; you will enhance significantly your body’s ability to detoxify. Use thermal water, as it contains magnesium, calcium, iron, zink, selenium, sodium bicarbonate and other substances, which overall are beneficial for the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine (they have a diuretic effect, causing the body and skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals), as well as cigarettes, soft drinks, and sugar and chocolate.

Combination skin, as the name indicates, combines characteristics of two or more types of skin described above. Typically, the T Zone (nose, forehead, chin) are oily, with the rest of the face having dry or normal skin. The approach taken towards combination skin is combined, addressing each skin zone with the appropriate skin care routine. This type of skin is very common. Care for the different types of skin is provided in the appropriate sections. Kindly refer to them, applying for each skin zone the advice given:

Sensitive skin

Dry skin

Normal skin

Oily skin

In order to determine your skin please follow the steps:

1. Wash your face and dry it. Wait for 15-20 minutes.
2. Take few very thin sheets of paper and apply them on different parts of your face.

The results will indicate to you what type of skin you have:

• If the paper does not stick and has no oily spots, your skin is dry.
• If the paper sticks on your T zone (nose, chin, forehead), your skin is combination.
• If the paper has very small even traces, you have a normal skin.
• If the paper has oily spots, sticks, or has become translucent, your skin is oily.

Aging

The best anti-ageing cream is lifestyle. Aging is a process where the structure and the elasticity of the skin alter over time. Science cannot stop this process, but significant progress has been made in its retarding and the limitation of its effects. Aging skin can be usually characterized as feeling tight with visible wrinkles. Keeping your skin healthy and young-looking requires a strict skin care routine, which should be simple for you to keep under all circumstances. It should include sun protection, cleansing, moisturizing, applying anti-aging products and exercising. Drinking lots of water, quitting smoking and a healthy well balanced diet are key to maintain a young looking skin.

Choosing the best anti-aging product for you

Mature skin tends to become drier and thinner over time and loses its elasticity. You may notice that wrinkles become more obvious and fine lines appear around the mouth and the eyes. Collagen begins to diminish and just using a moisturizer does not suffice. This process is usually noticed between the age of 30 and 40 in accordance to the person’s skin type and nature. This is the latest age when you should begin your anti-ageing treatment. Today there is a wide range of products targeted at different ages, skin types, needs and areas. These products will help you reduce wrinkles, tighten and rejuvenate the skin, control and neutralize the free radicals, stimulate collagen production, work on the skin pigmentation, rebuild support structure and repair sagging. They typically contain alpha-hydroxy acids, retinol, vitamins and minerals that inhibit muscle movements to soften and prevent wrinkles. Above all, consult your dermatologist or beautician to see what are your skin issues and which areas are likely to be more damaged. Discuss your type of skin, its problems and your general lifestyle and skin care routine. Choose a product which contains the right ingredients targeting your problem correctly.

Winter Treatments

Winter is a difficult season for the skin. During this period of the year, your skin often changes dramatically, requiring a different approach to its care. It usually becomes more sensitive, loses part of its elasticity, and marks more the signs of aging. Once the cold months are over, it normalizes and finds its aspect and characteristics. These processes are the result of the lower level of humidity during this season. Here are the key steps in taking care of your skin during this season to avoid premature aging:

Winter is a season with low humidity. Moisturize body and face intensely. Avoid alcohol-based products, as they dry your skin even further. Choose products which contain vitamins, essential oils and nourishing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile extract, Honey, Olive Oil. Apply cream on your hands at least twice a day.

During this season skin quite often changes type as follows:

Oily skin – becomes normal,
Normal skin – becomes dry
Dry skin – becomes sensitive.

In such cases, apply advice given to the corresponding type of skin during the winter, and then revert back to your normal routine. During this season oily skin should also be cleansed, and sensitive ones should choose pH neutral products.

If your skin does not change characteristics during the winter season, you can take care of it as follows:

• Oily and normal skins can continue the regular routine, adding a moisturizing serum.
• Dry skins should add products containing essential oils, fatty acids, lipids or glycerin
• Irritated skin should use special products against broken capillaries and redness.

Protect from the cold. Lips, hands, face and neck are many times exposed to cold and to wind, which fatigues and damages your skin. Chapped lips should be prevented with oily lip balm, Vaseline or Petroleum jelly. Another method of prevention is to apply moisturizer to face and neck before going out and cover to the maximum to reduce exposure. The skin on your hands has fewer oil glands, and therefore they have a problem keeping moisture. Wear gloves and keep them protected.

Summer Treatments

Protecting the skin from aggressive environment is the last element in your skin care. Sun, wind and pollution are all elements which contribute strongly to skin ageing.

• The summer UVA and UVB rays can be very harmful. Apply SFP 15 or higher sun protection over your cream to prevent problems.
• Protect from the sun. Skin fatigues and damages quickly when exposed to the sun, leading to premature ageing. Apply moisturizers and tanning lotions and avoid sun exposure when possible.
• Unfortunately you cannot do much against pollution, except if you move out of the cities. You can only have a skin care routine during which you cleanse the skin regularly and nourish it, in order to minimize its effects.