Hello there, Preview girls! Welcome to Clean Beauty Conversations, a series of opinion pieces about everything skincare—and those that need rethinking—about the world of beauty.
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When I turned 28, everyone was buzzing about this face oil and so I knew I had to try it. I’ve always had dry, sensitive skin, and it would be my first time trying an oil-based product for my face—I bought it anyway. After using it for the first time, I woke up with a face so bright, glowing, and ultra-soft. I was in love. But after about three days of using it, I broke out. I got zits in places like never before and it was a lot. So I said goodbye to my almost-amazing face oil discovery and got started again with this never-ending beauty hunt.
This kind of story must be very familiar to a lot of us.
Understanding your SKIN TYPE
Our skin is the biggest organ of the body, and the human body is a complex network of bacteria, water, and oxygen that have to function right. If something is wrong inside, our skin shows it. Our skin, often hailed as the body's natural canvas, is an organ that transcends mere aesthetics. It's a living, breathing entity that hosts a multitude of bacteria, forming a delicate balance that orchestrates its well-being. This harmonious symphony of microbes, collectively known as the skin microbiome, contributes to the overall health and appearance of our skin. When you drink too much alcohol, your skin turns pink or a little grayish. When you stop drinking water, your skin becomes dry. When you have an allergic reaction, you get patches of hives. Hence the saying, you are what you consume—because your skin will not fail to show.
So given this complexity, where do we start in finding the best skin care products for us? Let’s begin by finding out the root of the concern: your skin type. Do you even know your skin type? Without knowing what you're trying to solve is like throwing a handful of spaghetti noodles on a wall and hoping for some to stick. Your skin care should not be a guessing game, at the very least not your skin type. Let’s see what different kinds of skin types there are.
Normal Skin
Normal Skin is the baseline of skin types, often described as the Goldilocks of the skincare world—not too oily and not too dry. Remember that girl who has amazing skin but claims that she never used any product? Yes, that’s her—one lucky fairy. If you have normal skin, count yourself blessed. It boasts balanced moisture levels, minimal sensitivity, and a generally even complexion. Your mission? Maintain this blissful equilibrium with a simple yet effective skincare routine.
Oily Skin
Oily Skin tends to produce excess sebum, leading to a radiant (sometimes shiny) complexion. While this skin type is prone to enlarged pores and potential acne concerns, the upside is that oily skin tends to age more slowly. Given that we live in a toxic-rich and highly humid environment, Filipinos are prone to having oily skin.
Dry Skin
Dry Skin craves moisture like a thirsty little human who just survived PE class. If your skin feels tight, rough, or flaky, you may have dry skin. Hydrating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid are the hero for you. Avoiding harsh cleansers that strip away your skin’s natural oils is also an important bookmark to keep.
Combination Skin
Combination Skin is when different areas of the face have different needs. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) can be oily, while the cheeks may lean towards dryness. Finding the perfect balance is key when you have this skin type.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive Skin is a delicate petal, prone to redness, irritation, and allergic reactions. It requires extra TLC and a cautious approach to skincare products. Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options and perform patch tests before introducing new products to your routine. This skin type requires kindness and patience.
Mature Skin
Mature Skin may experience fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of firmness. As we gracefully age, our skin undergoes changes like reduced collagen and elasticity.
So let’s say that out of our chart above, you have a better idea of your skin type. The next big factor to unlock: your lifestyle. We must be clear on the questions below so we know how to move forward.
Understanding your LIFESTYLE
Do you work out?
If you do, how often in a week? Is it mostly cardio or toning or HIIT or weightlifting? Working out isn't just about sculpting your body; it's also your ticket to fabulous skin. When you break a sweat, your blood circulation kicks into high gear, delivering a boost of oxygen and essential nutrients to your skin cells. This means a natural, radiant glow that no highlighter can match, tbh. Exercise helps your body detoxify through sweat, waving goodbye to those pesky toxins that can wreak havoc on your skin. Working out triggers the release of happy hormones like dopamine and endorphins, keeping stress at bay, which is a major win for your complexion. Plus, when you catch some sleep after a good workout, your skin gets the beauty sleep it deserves: repairing and rejuvenating for a smoother, more youthful look. We all get too busy sometimes so for most of us it becomes impossible to work out; however, doing it at least 2x in a hell week is already a strong start.
What do you eat?
When was the last time you had greasy, extra-salty junk food? When was the last time you had vegetables? You wouldn't fuel a sports car with cheap gas as you shouldn't treat your skin like a fast-food drive-thru. Fruits and vegetables may not be usually part of the diet for most of us but those antioxidants are like the gourmet chefs of skincare: these fight off pesky free radicals that can age your skin. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, are like superheroes for hydration, keeping your skin supple and moisturized. Drink as much water as you can in a day—your skin will be so grateful for keeping it hydrated. Trade in the sugary snacks for the real MVPs of skincare: whole grains, nuts, and dark chocolate to maintain a steady energy level and keep those breakouts at bay.
How well do you sleep at night?
Quality sleep is the unsung hero of a radiant complexion. When we embrace restful nights, our skin undergoes a remarkable renewal process. While we dream, our skin works diligently to repair and regenerate, shedding old cells and making way for fresh, vibrant ones. Collagen, the foundation of skin elasticity, sees a surge in production during deep sleep, aiding in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, sleep acts as a natural stress reliever, mitigating inflammation and preserving a calm, balanced complexion. Those notorious under-eye circles and puffiness? A full night's sleep helps banish them by regulating fluid retention. As our bodies release melatonin during sleep, we benefit from its dual role as a sleep regulator and a potent antioxidant, fending off environmental damage. In essence, a good night's sleep is the ultimate beauty treatment, offering a holistic and rejuvenating approach to achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
Understanding your BODY
Lastly, understanding your allergies is paramount when it comes to skincare, as allergies can significantly impact the appearance and health of your skin. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system responds to a substance it perceives as harmful, and this triggers a range of symptoms that can affect the skin. You know when you use a new product and all of a sudden your face feels pink and puffy? This may be an allergic reaction. When there’s a product that you use and it makes you itchy or makes you break out—this may be another allergic reaction.
Skincare products are made using different ingredients and understanding what each of these are matters. Has anyone here ever read a label of any of the skin care products you use? You will be so surprised by what most ingredients in these products can do to your skin and your skin barrier – not always in a good way; sometimes in a scary way. So, knowing what you’re allergic to matters in this quest for the best skincare. This is the very reason why the clean beauty movement is so big overseas, and is starting to gain a good momentum in the Philippines.
Knowledge is power. Sounds so cringey, I know. But up to this day of technology and commercialism—this still holds so true. Knowing your skin type, knowing that you make the right lifestyle choices and living it; and knowing how your body responds to substances give you the confidence to keep trying out new products until you unlock the best mix.
So if you'll ask me: Does the best skin care product exist? Yes, BUT it will not make you glow up on its own. It takes a village of well-informed decision-making, proper lifestyle choices, and a good choice of skin care products. But once you find the one (or ones!) for you, you are so going to bloom.
About the Author
Stephanie Oller is the co-founder & CEO of Pure Culture. She’s a mom, a yogi, and a collector of contemporary art. On weekends, she’s most probably under the sun by the water.
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