Don’t let your skincare be an enigma! This month we focus on “Cracking Your Body Skin Type and Care Code”

Although you know your facial skin type, I imagine that the skin on your body isn’t necessarily the same. While your face is exposed to the elements, your back is probably wrapped up in winter woollies and prone to breakouts.

You may be suffering from dry, flaky skin thanks to the central heating and covering up with your winter tights or leggings. Your body skin type can even be influenced by the washing detergent you use, so it’s always good to let your skin breathe every now and then if the weather permits.

So which body skin type are you? 

body-skin-type-dry-skinDRY SKIN: If your body feels tight after showering or bathing, this is probably your skin type. You may also find that your skin takes on a scaly appearance, especially during the winter months.

Solution: Use a very mild, moisturising shower gel or bath foam, preferably natural, and dry brush 2-3 times weekly to get rid of flaky body skin. If you prefer a bath, don’t soak for more than 20 minutes (unless you are soaking in a wonderful bath oil) as there is a tendency for the skin to become even drier.

Pat yourself dry before massaging in a rich body lotion or body butter. Wonderful ingredients to look out for on the label are Vitamin E, Aloe Vera or Glycerine which will lock in moisture.

Avoid bath and shower products that have astringent ingredients (e.g. ethanol and alcohol) as they are drying to the skin.

SENSITIVE SKIN: If you have very irritable skin that easily reacts to products with itchiness or blistering, you need to make sure you are using suitable products.

Solution: Make sure your bath or shower isn’t too hot as heat will stress your skin. Try to use products that are very mild and chemical-free.

Don’t use rough bath mitts to exfoliate; instead, use a gentle exfoliating scrub once a week.

Avoid all products that have chemical preservatives like parabens and triethanolamine because they can cause major reactions with your skin type.

If your skin is particularly sensitive, try a patch test on your wrist if you haven’t used the product before.

mellow-skincare-oily-skincareOILY SKIN: You will know you have this skin type if you are prone to outbreaks of spots or acne on your back or chest. You will also have enlarged pores.

Solution: Your skin will benefit from specialist shower and bath products designed for this skin type.

Apply with a sponge, loofah or soft body brush, using circular movements to help unclog the pores.

After drying, only apply a very light body lotion as heavy products will simply block the pores you’ve just cleared. For this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid products containing glycol unless the product says ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label, which means that it won’t block pores.

Bare with me!

Be aware that your body skin type changes throughout the year; it is affected by the changing seasons, diet or stress so it needs constant attention if it is to look its best for that special occasion.

And finally…

At Mellow Skincare, all my products are 100% natural, ethically sourced and handmade with love. Do visit the Mellow Skincare website for inspiration!

mellow-skincare-bath-and-shower-products

Why not try natural skincare products to see the difference?

Take a look at the MELLOW BATH and SHOWER range: very gentle, 100% natural and will suit most body skin types.

What people say about using Mellow Skincare…

I have suffered from problem skin for many years which really affected my confidence. I discovered Mellow products and Carole was able to recommend skincare products which really improved my skin. The results over time have been amazing and the results have given me confidence . My skin no longer flares up with inflamed dry patches and really has made a difference.

Margaret Page, Chichester

PS: If you have specific skin issues you’d like to chat about or would like to ask me a question about any of my products, please drop me a line at: info@mellowskincare.co.uk and I’ll get back to you!