Clear Skin Essentials

The journey to clear skin can sometimes feel frustrating. We all want a perfect complexion and a natural glow but blemishes and impurities can be an obstacle but it doesn’t have to be a battle. Our Imagine Spa Shrewsbury therapists explain how you can identify your skin type and which regime is best to follow. 

Simply understanding your skin type is one step in the right direction. Once you are aware what your skin needs, you should use the relevant products and avoid ones that will aggravate you. Drinking lots of water and ensuring you get a decent amount of sleep will also help you on the path to keeping your skin clear. 

Identifying your skin type is easy when you know what to look for: oily skin types feel oily all over the face and require a lightweight moisturiser applied once a day. 

Dry skin types suffer with dry patches and tight feeling skin, so they will need a heavier formulation applied both morning and evening. 

Combination skin types have to juggle with oily areas (usually the T-zone) and dry cheeks so it’s best to use a moisturiser that isn’t too heavy but enough for those dry patches. 

Sensitive skin types experience red and easily irritated skin that can be sore. It’s best to use products with calming properties that are specifically meant for sensitive skin.

Carry on reading for more handy hints:

Combination skin:

• Use our Babor Hy-ol (£22) and Phytoactive combination (£18) to gently cleanse the skin from makeup and also treat the skin type at the same time
• Apply a medium-weight, broad-spectrum sunscreen in the day and use a light moisturiser.
• Babor Perfect Combination daily or intense balancing cream (£52-£54) is perfect to balance out combination skin types. Use a heavier or creamy moisturiser in the evening for the dry areas. Be aware that certain creams can cause you to break out in the T-zone so use less moisturiser or a lighter product in those areas.

Dry skin:

• Wash skin twice daily with our Babor Hy-ol and Phytoactive Base.  For very dry skin, cleanse only in the evening. In the morning, rinse with cold water (this will help skin maintain its natural oils).
• Choose a moisturiser with sunscreen, and one with a creamy and smoothing consistency to help keep skin moist. The Vita Balance daily moisturising cream is packed with vitamins!
• Re-apply moisturiser halfway through the day if your skin feels tight.
• Exfoliating once a week is sufficient with Babor mild peeling (£18)

Oily skin:

• Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won't block your pores) foaming cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to prevent breakouts. Babor mild cleansing foam (£23.50) is ideal to use as its quick, easy and can be used in the shower or taken to the gym
• Even though skin is oily, you still need to moisturise. Apply one that is lightweight and won't block your pores. 
• Avoid exfoliating during acne breakouts, because it can worsen the situation.
• If you are prone to acne, avoid products containing ingredients like cocoa butter, cinnamon and coconut oil as these are comedogenic.

Sensitive skin:

• Wash face just once each day with Hy-ol and Phytoactive sensitive 
• Avoid exfoliation, which can aggravate and worsen skin.
• Be careful of products containing fragrances, soaps or alcohols; instead look for calming ingredients like green tea polyphenols, chamomile and aloe.
• Use products with as few ingredients as possible.
• Apply a cream-based moisturiser in the morning if your skin is dry; this can help reduce irritation. Babor daily calming cream is all natural with no added perfumes. 

For your body:

• Regardless of your skin type, everyone should use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Apply it 15-minutes before going outside.
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, neck and the tops of your feet. 
• If your hair is thinning, apply to your scalp (or wear a wide-brimmed hat). 
• Don't forget your lips! Use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.
• Remember that you can still burn on cloudy days and during the winter months. The sun's harmful rays are exposed (even if you can't see them) every time you step outside.

Now that you’ve identified your skin type; why not try our Serial Mud Chamber? This is a fantastic treatment for cleansing the skin and releasing impurities. It will leave you with super soft skin ready for the products suitable for your skin type. 

Our Serial Mud Chamber lasts for 45 minutes and prices are £49 for a one-person treatment or £75 for a two-person treatment. 

Alternatively one of our friendly therapists can offer a skin consultation during a prescriptive discovery facial starting from £35 

Please call 01743 467755 or complete the form below and one of our Shrewsbury Spa team will be in touch.