LEVANTE LIFESTYLE

SKIN DEEP

By Kate Ritchie

Over my career as a beauty therapist I have encountered people from all walks of life, with different shapes, sizes and requirements. One thing we all have in common is that we are all enveloped in skin – the body’s first line of defence and out protector:

• It protects our major organs.
• It regulates our temperature, cooling us down when hot and heating us up when cold.
• It absorbs sunlight to produce vitamin D, which is vital for the health of bones and teeth.
• It repairs itself.
• It is waterproof.
• It protects us from disease.
• It is self-renewing.

Although the skin accomplishes all of the above on its own, it needs our help from time to time. Unless we understand our skin’s requirements, we can damage it with harsh products rather than help it.

For skin to look radiant and healthy it’s not just a case of applying any old face cream or body moisturiser. You must:

• Know your skin type in order to use correct products which will feed and replenish.
• Eat healthy foods (with antioxidants).
• Do moderate exercise.
• Breathe correctly.
• Get a good night’s sleep.

ESTABLISH YOUR SKIN TYPE

Are you:
• Dry
• Sensitive
• Greasy
• Normal
• Mature
• Combination
• Dehydrated

When your skin type has been established it becomes very easy for you to follow home care routines.

DAILY CLEANSING
am: cleanse, tone, moisturise, SPF 15 (minimum.)
pm: cleanse, tone, moisturise

ONCE A WEEK (pm)

Follow this cleansing routine:

1. Exfoliate - remove thoroughly.
2. Then apply mask – remove with warm water/cotton wool.
3. Tone.