Skin Care Advice

Oily Skin

In oily skin the sebaceous glands are over-active, resulting in a coarse textured surface and enlarged pores. This type of skin is usually found between the ages of 13 and 30, when skin activity is heightened by hormonal changes.

The characteristics are:

a) Oily, shiny look all over the face

b) Coarse "orange peel" skin texture

c) Blackheads and blemishes

Proper cleansing is most important for oily skin in order to prevent pores becoming blocked and the formulation of blackheads and pimples. This skin type should be cleansed regularly, at least morning and evening. Weleda Deep Cleanser is particularly formulated for this skin type. Iris Cleansing Lotion or Almond Cleansing Lotion may also be used (Almond Cleansing Lotion is particularly good for removing make-up). For skin which is slightly oily - Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion can be used. Soap should be avoided on this type of skin as it disrupts the skin's natural acid balance. After cleansing tone the skin with Iris Facial Toner.

Iris Moisture Cream or Wild Rose Moisture Cream are light hydrating moisturisers, ideal for daily use on oily skin. Use sparingly, can also be used once or twice a week as a night treatment.

Oily skin responds well to regular weekly face mask which will deep cleanse the skin and help improve the overall texture. All Weleda facial masques can be used on oily skin. Iris Facial Masque is particularly refreshing, it is a deep cleansing, seaweed based face pack. Apply liberally to the skin and leave for 15 minutes, Iris Facial Masque will leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Recommendation Chart for Oily Skin

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Combination Skin

This skin type has both oily and dry areas, characterised by an oily "T-Zone" across the forehead and down the nose. The characteristics are:

a) Shiny forehead and nose

b) Dry cheeks and eye area

Combination skin usually requires two different products to treat the different areas of the face correctly. Weleda products however are particularly suited to combination skin as one product can be used for both areas, helping to harmonise the normal functions of the skin.

Weleda Iris Cleansing Lotion is ideally suited to cleanse combination skin. The oily areas should be cleansed with the lotion applied to dry cotton wool, whereas the dry areas should be treated with lotion on moist cotton wool. Do not rinse the skin after cleansing, but apply Weleda Iris Facial Toner on oily/normal areas.

Use Weleda Iris Moisture Cream to protect the skin during the day, can be applied under make-up. Weleda Almond Oil can also be used for extra protection on dry areas during the day.

Night care is important for combination skin - Iris Moisture Cream can be used, or should a richer cream be required in the dry areas use either Iris Day Cream or Iris night Cream.

Regular face masks are also useful for combination skin, see chart for details.

The Wild Rose Facial Care range could be used on combination skin but the Iris range is especially formulated to balance moisture content.

Recommendation Chart for Combination Skin

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Normal Skin

Normal skin occurs where there is a healthy circulation and perfect functioning of the glands.

The Characteristics are:

a) Plump and firm to the touch

b) Good healthy colour and tone

c) No visible pores

d) May have fine lines around the eyes, particularly in the over 30's

The main requirement for Normal Skin is to maintain the status-quo and this is best done by carefully cleansing, toning and moisturising.

The skin care recommendation chart gives suggestions to care for this type of skin.

A person with normal skin can use either Iris Facial Care or Wild Rose Facial Care or mix and match.

Recommendation Chart for Normal Skin

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Dry Skin

Dry skin is the most common type and can be caused by the effects of the environment through air pollution, chemically treated foods, synthetic skin products and the effects of central heating and air conditioning. Weleda skin care products help to harmonise the functions of the skin, fortifying it against environmental influences.

Dry skin is characterised by:

a) Fine texture

b) Skin feels dry and taught

c) Make-up looks dull and dry

d) Fine lines around eyes and mouth

e) Flakiness

With dry skin it is important not to contribute further to the problem through the use of drying skincare products, and to ensure that the skin is always protected by a moisturiser.

Both Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion and Almond Cleansing Lotion are suitable for cleansing dry skin. Where the skin is only slightly dry then Iris Cleansing Lotion can be used. All Weleda cleansers are free from drying substances. Soap should be avoided as it can further dry the skin, by washing away its natural oils. If a facial toner is preferred use Wild Rose Facial Toner or Iris Facial Toner on a wet cotton wool pad.

During the day, dry skin should be protected by either Wild Rose Day Cream, Iris Day Cream or Almond Intensive Facial Cream. It is vitally important that dry skin is always protected, even at night, when Wild Rose Night Cream or Iris Night Cream can be used to protect and deep-moisturise the skin to help it work normally.

Dry skin will benefit from a weekly application of Wild Rose Intensive Facial Oil.

Recommendation Chart for Dry Skin

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Sensitive Skin

Until relatively recently, sensitive skin in adults was not very common. It was almost always a genetic disposition linked to particular hair/skin colourings and was something that a person had throughout life. Nowadays sensitive skin can be found across all colourings and skin types. It is much more widespread and can suddenly develop at any age.

Many external as well as internal factors can be responsible for the development of skin sensitivity and a dermatologist working out of a holistic approach would address the underlying cause as well as treating the skin itself. Whether or not the use of skin care products alone is sufficient is a decision everyone has to make for themselves.

Skin sensitivity can arise for a few weeks or even months. Weleda Almond products are designed to provide a rest period from stimulating ingredients and can be used until the skin has returned to its normal healthy functioning. Individuals have to decide for themselves when to introduce a more stimulating regime, for example by starting with Iris Night Cream.

Almond Facial Oil and Almond Intensive Facial Cream can be used on dry sensitive skin whenever it occurs, such as hands, neck, at the hairline, under the armpits or on the elbows. Almond Intensive Facial Cream is an ideal soothing cream which may be used at night.

Wild Rose Intensive Facial Oil is a delicate blend of oils suitable for a dry sensitive skin.

Anyone with a known skin sensitivity should 'patch test' new products. To patch test apply a small amount of product to the delicate skin on the inner forearm just above the wrist. Should there be any irritation rinse off with water. Patch testing should always be done when using new products on babies.

Suggested products for sensitive skin types:

a) Delicate/slightly sensitive skin - Almond Skin Care, Calendula Baby, Some Wild Rose Range.

b) Dry/highly sensitive - Almond Skin Care, Some Wild Rose Range

c) Oily/sensitive - Iris/Wild Rose products as detailed in the Oily Skin section above

Recommendation Chart for Sensitive Skin

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