Skin Education
Understanding Your Skin
Read about the skin barrier, skincare ingredients and facial massage. If you are unsure what suits your skin, we can discuss it at your consultation.
What Is the Skin Barrier and Why Does It Matter?
The outer layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, helps keep moisture in and irritants out. Its cells and lipids are often described as "bricks and mortar".
Harsh products and over-exfoliation can leave skin feeling dry or sensitive. Persistent redness or irritation can have other causes, so please seek medical advice if you are concerned.
If your skin is irritated, it may help to simplify your routine before adding active ingredients. We can discuss which products your skin currently tolerates.
Corneotherapy and the skin barrier
Corneotherapy is an approach to skincare that pays particular attention to the outer layer of the skin and its barrier.
Some corneotherapy products, including Dermaviduals DMS base creams, are formulated with lipids also found in the skin barrier. Product choice depends on your skin and tolerance.
If your skin feels reactive, your therapist may suggest a simpler routine and discuss which products you tolerate.
Understanding Your Skin Type vs. Skin Condition
Skin type is a broad description of how oily or dry your skin tends to be. Your skin can also change with age, hormones, weather, medication and skincare products.
How your skin feels can change with the weather, medication or the products you use. For example, oily skin can also feel dehydrated, while dry skin may become sensitive to a new product.
Labels such as "for oily skin" are a starting point. We can also discuss how your skin feels now and what you already use before choosing products.
Active Ingredients: What Works and When to Be Careful
Retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide and exfoliating acids are used for different skin concerns. How well you tolerate them depends on the product, its strength and your skin.
Using several active products at once can make it harder to tell which one is causing irritation. If a product stings or leaves your skin uncomfortable, stop using it and ask for advice.
Tell me what you currently use, including any prescription products. We can talk through a simpler routine if your skin feels unsettled.
Facial Massage: More Than Relaxation
Facial massage techniques vary in pressure and focus. A sculpting massage works around the cheeks and jaw, while a gentler facial massage may suit someone who prefers a lighter touch.
Some people find facial massage relaxing or notice that areas of facial tension feel more comfortable afterwards. Responses vary.
Massage can be part of a skincare appointment if it suits your preferences. We can discuss what you hope to get from the treatment and what to expect.
Compare relaxation, lymphatic drainage, sculpting and buccal facial massage.
Building a Home-Care Routine That Actually Works
A home-care routine can be simple: a cleanser that suits your skin, moisturiser and daytime sun protection. Other products depend on what your skin needs and tolerates.
Try one new product at a time so it is easier to notice how your skin responds. If you have sensitive skin or a history of reactions, ask how to test a product before using it more widely.
Bring a list or photos of the products you use to your appointment. We can go through them together and decide what to keep, change or leave out.