Beauty Newsmakers FAQ
We catch up with some of our top names in beauty. Dimitri from Skinn, Amanda from Ciencia, and Marion from Elizabeth Grant divulge answers to the questions they get asked frequently.
How should I layer my skincare product?
DIMITRI FROM SKINN
The order in which you apply products is important if you want your skincare routine to work. Each product has varying viscosity (thickness) and unique molecular weights, which are designed to penetrate different layers of the skin. Serums tend to have higher active ingredients with lower molecular weights, allowing them to work at deeper levels of the skin. Creams tend to have more moisturising, emollient ingredients, making them thicker. Creams are ideal for locking in hydration and sealing moisturising properties to continue working throughout the day and night. After cleansing, the general order of usage (based on viscosity) is: essences, serums, oils, then creams.
AMANDA FROM CIENCIA
When using the Ciencia range, there is no specific order. The products work together in synergy. However, you must cleanse and prepare the skin first, and finish with SPF last. If you require a specific routine, apply serums first and then moisturiser.
MARION FROM ELIZABETH GRANT
The most simple answer is to always go from thinnest to thickest (after cleansing and toning). Serums and essence go on first, followed by skin moisturiser, finishing with oils.
Step 1: Cleanse and Tone Step 2: Serum, Essence Step 3: Moisturisers Step 4: Specialised Treatments Step 5: Face Oil
How do I find out my skin type?
DIMITRI FROM SKINN
Skin type is based on genetics, however, environmental stressors, such as weather, pollution and an unfitting skincare regimen can affect our immediate and long-term skin health. Carefully selected products that deliver results, balance and protection are imperative. SKINN has developed the Non-Negotiables line to simplify your routine. Regardless of age or skin-type, these problem solvers set your skin up for success.Skin Type Test: One very simple method to determine skin type is to cleanse your face and wait one hour before applying any products. - If most of the skin on your face feels tight, your skin is probably Dry.
- Sensitive skin often feels tight all over, as well as itchy or irritated.
- You may have Combination skin if only your cheeks feel tight, and there is a slight residue when you blot with a tissue.
- If you blot your skin and see a lot of residue, your skin could be considered Oily.
- If your skin feels comfortable and you see little to no residue when blotting, your skin is most likely well balanced, or Normal.
AMANDA FROM CIENCIA
To find out your skin type, it's best to visit a therapist. However, if you have oily and blemished skin, use serums. If you have a very dry skin, use serum with moisturiser.
MARION FROM ELIZABETH GRANT
I generally say - you know your skin type by feel:
OILY SKIN: Your skin is shiny and prone to break outs. Does an oily skin need a skin moisturiser? Absolutely – never confuse oil and moisture. An oily skin is crying out for hydration and, when well hydrated, your skin will start to normalise. Suggested products: Use an oil free skin moisturiser. In the EG range we offer Supreme Cell Vitality Day and Night Serum for daily use. Plus, Wonder Effect Night Concentrate, which targets open pores and blackheads overnight.
DRY SKIN: Your skin feels tight without moisturiser. Very dry skin is prone to redness and peeling. To help normalise dry skin, build up the natural moisturising factor. Always use a serum, and/or essence after cleansing and toning your skin. Add a good moisturiser. At least once a week, exfoliate your skin – this removes the dead layer of skin cells and allows the moisturiser to penetrate effectively.
COMBINATION SKIN – Your cheeks are dry to normal, but you have the oily T panel. A simple rule – use serums and/or essence on your T-panel, and a regular routine of serums and moisturisers on the rest of your face and neck area.
SENSITIVE SKIN - Your skin flushes up easily, and is prone to redness and breakouts.The solution is good hydration. Start off using gentle serums that contain no oil or parabens. EG offers Supreme Cell Vitality Day and Night Serum for daily use. You will find this helps to soothe and calm your skin.
NORMAL SKIN – Your skin feels good most of the time, but potentially has the odd breakout. Keep your skin feeling and looking good by following a quality skincare routine. At Elizabeth Grant, we say that it’s never too early or late to introduce your skin to a good routine.
What is the difference between serum and oil- do I need both?
DIMITRI FROM SKINN
Yes – You do need both! High quality Serums have a low molecular weight and penetrate deeper in to skin. They are formulated to target specific skin concerns, from acne to wrinkles. Deep Wrinkle Protocol Age Reset Serum Intensive and Pep40 Serum Riche are excellent examples of powerful and effective serums that layer brilliantly under our Divine Elixir line, featuring the powerful Manuka Honey Oil. Oils are slightly heavier than serums and serve to protect, moisturise and maintain a healthy skin balance and barrier. Unlike creams, superior oil formulations are created to simulate our skin’s natural lipids. Divine Elixir Luminous Skin Oil with Manuka Honey + C is a perfect example of a facial oil that provides antioxidants, moisture, barrier protection, and a proprietary blend of natural oils to enhancement a youthful and natural glow.
AMANDA FROM CIENCIA
Oil molecules are much larger and can only penetrate the outermost layers of the skin, while serums help to prepare and protect you skin from a variety of concerns — such as aging, hyperpigmentation and blemishes.
MARION FROM ELIZABETH GRANT
A serum is a light weight, concentrated (often water-based) liquid, formulated to deeply penetrate the skin very quickly. Serums are formulated as skin hydrators, or specialised skin treatments. A face oil is oil-based. Generally, these are formulated with plant or essential oils that do not clog your pores. As the oil’s molecular structure is larger than that of the serum, it adds moisture to the upper layer of the skin, and helps protect the skins barrier.Do I need both? As the molecular structure of a serum and facial oil is different, your skin will benefit from both.
Is it possible to minimise pores? What do you recommend?
DIMITRI FROM SKINN
The answer is….Yes and No. Our pores have an extremely important role: To protect and moisturise the skin, and cool down our bodies as we sweat. “Poreless Skin” does not exist. Pore size, just like skin type, is based on genetics. The good news? By using skincare containing superior active ingredients, we can minimise the appearance of pores, help them function, and assist skincare products to work more effectively. Pores will definitely appear smaller when they are free of debris, excess sebum, makeup, pollution and dead skin cells. Clogged pores result in breakouts and uneven texture, so good skin hygiene is crucial to happy little pores! Key factors to minimize the appearance of pores: Clean, Exfoliate, Retinols, Finishing Touches.- CLEAN SKIN: ALWAYS remove make-up before going to sleep. Morning and night, use Non-Negotiables Green Tea + Mint AM Cleanser and Olive + Enzyme PM Cleanser. Try a Double-Cleanse with Divine Elixir Facial Cleansing Oil and follow with Green Tea + Mint Cleanser. - EXFOLIATION: Correct exfoliation will drastically reduce pore appearance. Use a chemical exfoliator such as Non-Negotiables Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads and a physical exfoliator like Non-Negotiables DermAppeal Microdermabrasion Treatment a few times a week.- RETINOLS: The retinols in our Deep Wrinkle Protocol line will regulate cellular turnover and keep pores free without dryness or irritation. You can also add our Youth Catalyst Accelerate as a booster to any cream or Serum.- FINISHING TOUCHES: DWP Illuminating Primer. This primer will minimize the appearance of pores by protecting skin from environmental stress and pollutants and diffusing the skin’s appearance. It can be worn alone or under makeup to leave skin illuminated and filtered. Our firming, hydrating and non-comedogenic Scientific Colour Power Perfect Foundation + Concealer will provide the “poreless” look and treat the skin at the same time.
AMANDA FROM CIENCIA
Yes it is — by reducing lipid accumulation do to excess oil flow. Enlarged pores can also be caused by a lack of collagen and elastin. I highly recommend Mattifi8 to reduce the pore size. It contains matmarine to reduce excess oils and collagen 8 to boost collagen and elastin production. Matmarine and collagen have been scientifically proven to reduce pore size.
MARION FROM ELIZABETH GRANT
Skin is made up of millions of pores. Pores are always open, and allow your skin to breathe. Often our pores become enlarged because they are clogged with dirt, bacteria, oil or dead skin cells. Think about these enlarged pores as pores that are struggling to breathe, and therefore have to expand.What can you do? a) Always follow a good cleansing and toning routine.b) Exfoliate regularly – introduce AHA’S (glycolic acid), BHA’S (salicylic acid) and retinol into your skincare routine. Elizabeth Grant’s Night Wonder Concentrate is brilliant for reducing open, clogged pores.c) Add water based serums into your routine. The interesting fact about serums is their ability to penetrate the skin quickly and more deeply than any cream or face oil. This is why they do not clog pores. We recommend Elizabeth Grant’s Supreme Essence, face serums and concentrates. d) Avoid serums that have a high silicone content, as these will clog your pores. e) Observe the amount of face cream that you are using. If you are using too much, reduce this by half. Rather than adding more cream, introduce a serum into your routine.
What is double cleansing? And why do I need it?
DIMITRI FROM SKINN
Double-Cleansing has been a well-regarded skincare ritual for ages. This special cleansing method involves using a cleansing oil to loosen dirt, sunscreen, waterproof makeup, sebum and pollutants, followed by regular cleanser to rinse away any residue. If you wear makeup, sunscreen or spend a lot of time outdoors, a double-cleanse will leave your skin perfectly primed and prepped for night time treatments. It is important to use a high-quality cleansing oil such as Divine Elixir Luminous Skin Facial Cleansing Oil. This will wash away the day’s impurities without stripping the skin or clogging pores. It’s powered with antioxidants and nutrient-rich oils of apricot, avocado, meadowfoam and pomegranate, plus prickly pear extract to soothe. Next, a cleanser based on skin type is used to wash away any left-over residue. Our Green Tea + Mint Cleanser with mild alpha hydroxy acids, soothing antioxidants and botanical oils, will purify and leave your skin perfectly clean and hydrated.
AMANDA FROM CIENCIA
I recommend cleansing only once — each morning and night. Double cleansing is useful if you are wearing heavy makeup. Over cleansing can disturb the PH level in your skin.
MARION FROM ELIZABETH GRANT
Double cleansing originated in Asia. It’s a method of cleansing the skin first with an oil or balm to remove make up and/or sunscreen, and then following up immediately with a regular cleanser on clean skin. It's a personal choice as to whether you think you need it or not.
Is it necessary to use a cleansing balm or oil before a regular cleanser? For practical use, you may want to wash your skin twice with the same cleanser. Our cleansers are all formulated to easily remove make up, sunscreen and pollutants. They contain skin hydrators, vitamins and botanical extracts, to make your skin feel refreshed and clean after use.
What is your brand must have skincare products and why?
DIMITRI FROM SKINN
1.Divine Elixir Luminous Skin Oil with Manuka Honey + C is excellent for all skin types, from combination to dry to sensitive to aging. Formulated with Manuka Honey + Vitamin C, this facial oil brightens + boosts luminosity while also improving the skin’s microbiome. 2.Non-Negotiables Green Tea + Mint AM Cleanser: Includes mild forms of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and botanical oils to perfectly cleanse, clarify and hydrate your skin daily. 3.Non-Negotiables DermAppeal Microdermabrasion Treatment: This exfoliant utilises naturally occurring minerals from the Dead Sea, along with 5 different stabilised forms of Vitamin C crystals to provide a flawless, even complexion. 4.Non-Negotiables Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads: A professional-grade formulation of Alpha-Hydroxy and Beta-Hydroxy acids, combined with soothing oat extracts. This treatment will reduce the visible appearance of fine lines and pores while supporting natural cell renewal to reveal brighter, firmer, clearer, and healthier-looking skin that glows. 5.DEEP WRINKLE PROTOCOL: Deep Wrinkle Protocol Age Reset Face Serum and Eye Serum: Ferulic Acid, stabilised Retinol, and a release-on-demand microencapsulated Vitamin C, known as FRC, helps diminish the look of serious wrinkles.
AMANDA FROM CIENCIA
Cleanse8 Gel-cleansing is important to remove pollution, excess debris and makeup. Your first step needs to be gentle and leave the skin hydrated. It's important not to strip the skin of hydration or cause a PH imbalance. Preparation8 is a light weight, hydrating, exfoliation serum (leave on) that contains no harsh beads. It's a safe and effective way to remove dead skin cells— allowing your products to penetrate and bringing radiance to the skin.Collagen 8 is a lightweight fast penetrating serum suitable for any skin type with multiple benefits. The signs of ageing and problematic skin is caused by dehydration Reflect8 is a lightweight luxurious serum containing SPF15. Your everyday lifestyle sunscreen to protect and prevent your skin from photoageing.
MARION FROM ELIZABETH GRANT
The Supreme Essence of Torricelumn™ is Elizabeth Grant’s must have. Why? It is an exceptional skin hydrator, for all skin types and ages, designed for both women and men. It’s formulated as a serum, to work at the deepest levels of your skin. It helps to keep your skin optimally hydrated by building up your skin’s natural moisturising factor. It also helps the collagen and elasticity in your skin. Rejuvenating the appearance of your skin, the Supreme Essence of Torricelumn™ keeps your skin looking at its best – smoother, younger and beautiful.
