DRY SKIN
NORMAL SKIN
COMBINATION SKIN
OILY SKIN
SENSITIVE SKIN

What is normal skin?

Normal skin type is characterized by a radiant complexion. There are very few imperfections, barely visible pores, and no severe sensitivity. [1] It glows with an inner health which indicates good blood circulation. [2] Normal skin is not too dry or too oily. It displays a rosy, smooth texture, and the skin’s elasticity is good. There are no visible blemishes, flaky areas or greasy patches on the skin. In addition, the production of sebum or oils, moisture content, desquamation and keratinisation are well-balanced. All of these characteristics of normal skin are often found in young individuals. However, it is quite rare to find all these characteristics. Normal skin, in essence, describes a near perfect skin with no to only a few visible skin imperfections. But even if you have normal skin that doesn’t mean you are immune to various skin concerns. It is important to take precautionary measures such as a good skin care routine to avoid potential skin related problems. When someone has normal skin, they can become quite complacent with its care. Overtime skin will naturally become drier with age. Skin can develop wrinkles, sunspots, and other lesions likely to occur due to a lack of sun protection or failure to implement a daily skin care routine. In women, there may be occasional pimples just before menstruation due to a surge in body hormones. This makes the sebaceous glands produce more oils and clog the pores of the skin. [3] Also, incorrect use of skin-care products, can develop breakouts and other skin problems [3]. Over time, a normal skin type can change due to the aging process as well as additional internal and external factors.

How to maintain normal skin?

You cannot have near perfect skin forever, but there are ways to delay the ongoing effects of dry skin. Also, there are ways to prevent external factors such as sun damage that may affect skin type, helping you maintain normal skin for longer. The best approach is to treat and maintain your skin type by using products that don’t cause irritation, dryness or make the skin greasy. Avoid products that harm the skin’s natural barrier, and damage collagen. Most importantly, you must use vital, healthy ingredients for your skin to stay young. This will keep skin smooth, radiant and even, and aid the prevention of clogged pores. Maintaining normal skin is just like your diet. Even if you have a normal weight for your height and in good overall health, you still need to eat a balanced diet to keep your body healthy. Skin type does not remain static. Changes in factors such as age, stress, climate, hormonal shifts and sun damage impact skin. The best possible way to care for normal skin is to lessen and protect yourself from sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can slow the skins metabolism. This affects how the epidermis eliminates old tissues and replaces it with new tissue for a more youthful looking skin. [4] When bathing, use warm water instead of hot water as this can increase the occurrence of broken capillaries. Always seek advice from a skin therapist qualified in skin diagnosis and product knowledge. They can prescribe a simple skin care routine to prevent issues from arising later in life.

Cleanser

To remove dirt, dust, excess sebum and dead skin cells that have accumulated in the skin over time. You should use a mild cleanser. [5] Choose a non-irritating and non-drying cleanser such as the Green Tea Cleanser or the Rose Mousse Cleanser to prevent removal of the skin’s natural oils.

Moisturisers

For normal skin preserve the water content of the skin and maintain hydration, use moisturisers regularly. Chi’s H2O Hydrating Moisturiser contains a complex of marine extracts, peptides, and vitamins. This increases hydration levels of your skin. Laminaria Digitata is known to revitalize tired looking skin and is an effective anti-oxidant. It helps repair damage caused by free radicals whilst also improving dull complexions. Health benefits of spirulina include better and brighter skin. This alga contains high levels of many of the compounds that are essential for clear, glowing skin. Including Vitamins A, C, E, K and Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, Phosphorous, Iron, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium and Calcium. It can also help to fight free radicals, which are the cause of tired and limp looking skin. Fucus Vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging properties and has been proven to decrease skin thickness. While improving the skins elasticity. Sodium Hyaluronate can hold up to 10 times its own weight in water and helps prevent EWL. H2O can be used AM and PM on all skin types, and especially suited to dehydrated skins. It can also be used as a day cream with the O2 Revitalising Moisturiser applied at night.

Chi’s O2 Revitalizing Moisturiser brings oxygen back to the skin. With LYCD (Live Yeast Cell Derivative) one of its active ingredients. Which is also calming and regenerating. LYCD (also known as Bio-dyne life force) has a skin respiratory factor. This helps skin cells promote the healing process through an increased uptake of oxygen. LYCD has been isolated as a protein fraction, containing a mixture of several peptides. One of which is a peptide fraction that stimulates wound healing. Moisturiser brings oxygen back to the skin. SOD (Super Oxide Dismutase) aids in the synthesis of both collagen (the structural protein of our skin) and GAGs (polysaccharides that lubricate, hydrate and protect cells). Gingko Biloba and Vitamin E assists in free radical damage. While oils of Almond, Avocado, Wheat Germ, Hazel Nut and Carrot help to nourish a compromised skin. By using Sodium Hyaluronate improving EWL (Epithelial Water loss/Dehydration). O2 can be used AM and PM on all skin types, especially suited to normal to dry sensitive skins. O2 at night is an ideal routine for a normal skin.

Serums

Applying a glycerine based serum full of lubricating ingredients free of mineral oils and glycols is ideal, this will help maintain a normal skin. Chi range of serums are a powerhouse of ingredients targeting improvement in most skin issues. Serums should be used prior to the application of a moisturiser. Chi’s Alpha EGF, Soothe and Calm Serums are all suitable for normal skins. For anti-aging, Smooth with Swiss Apple Stem cells, Epithelial Growth Factors and Blue Copper Peptides will enhance collagen synthesis.

Skin Exfoliation

Exfoliation is important for a normal skin ideally performed once or twice a week. For resilient skins, use Chi’s Fruit Acid Mix one night a week prior to moisturising, then the following morning polish the skin in the shower with Bamboo Skin Polish. For more sensitive skins Fruit Acid Mix can be added weekly to your cleanser to give a gentle BHA treatment.

Sun Protection

It is very important to protect your skin from sun damage. If sun exposure is inevitable, make sure to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.[10] It’s ideal to use a mineral-based sunblock. These sun blocs sit on the surface of the skin. Chemical sun blocs tend to absorb into the skin and are now being found in skin cancers.

If you’re still not sure about the best way to treat or nourish your skin, consult with a certified and qualified Chi skin therapist who can recommend a prescribed skin care regimen.

REFERENCES

1. Gould, F. (2003). Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists, page 32.
2. Reejhsinghani, A. (2007). Be Your Own Beautician, page 11.
3. Mitsui, T. (1997). New Cosmetic Science, page 29.
4. Tabor, A., et al (2009). Nutritional Cosmetics: Beauty from Within, page 293.
5. Goldberg, D., Herriott, E. (n.d.), Secrets of Great Skin: The Definitive Guide to Anti-aging Skin Care, page 113.