What is a pore?
Pores are a normal part of the skin, everyone has them, but people with oilier skin or people who suffer with acne, may notice their pores more prominent and larger. They are where the oil glands and hair follicles are. Other factors that impact the size of pores are hormones and sun damage.
How do I get rid of pores?
It is not possible to get rid of pores, but you can help with the overall appearance of them. They do not get bigger then smaller, as they are not a muscle so do not contract.
Treatments include chemical peels, anti-ageing facials which help to tighten the skin and help boost the production of collagen which helps with the skin elasticity. AHA products, like the Lucy Bee Exfoliating Tonic and retinols also help with the appearance of pores.
What are blackheads?
This is where the natural oil in the skin comes to the surface, and the melanin is the oil oxidising which gives them the black appearance. These are very common, and usually someone with an oily or combination skin will have them over someone with very dry skin.
How do I get rid of blackheads?
Blackheads will always come back if you are prone to them, but there are ways of helping to minimise them or reduce them. This is by using AHA tonics and products, like the Lucy Bee Exfoliating Tonic, containing ACB fruit mix, PHA and lactic acid. AHA’s and PHAs are acids that can help to unblock pores, helping to remove blackheads and give the skin a smoother appearance. They also brighten the skin.
Exfoliating once or twice a week will also help and masks that pull out the impurities in the skin.
Treatments are also available such as extraction, microdermabrasion, steaming, acid peels.
Although tempting, do not squeeze them. This can cause more damage to the skin and leave permanent marks on the skin that resemble large pores, or scarring.
Why do we get wrinkles?
We produce collagen and elastin in our dermis (the second layer of the skin). As we age, the production of collagen starts to decrease, which leads to wrinkles. The skin starts to thin as we age and other factors impact ageing, such as:
- Sun exposure
- Poor diet
- Sleeping on the side of your face – the skin doesn’t ‘bounce back’ as quickly and lines start to stay more permanently
- Poor skincare routine
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Weather
How can I stop wrinkles?
There is no way of stopping them – it is inevitable, but there are things you can do to slow down the process or help to keep them at bay and your skin looking its best – if that is what you are after.
Treatments which stimulate the skin that claim to boost and stimulate collagen will help to tighten and tone.
Use anti-ageing products such as retinols, products with vitamin A, or acids like our AHA & PHA Lucy Bee Exfoliating Tonic to remove dead skin cells, helping boost cell renewal, as well as hydrating products to help with the dehydration lines and to help give the skin a healthy glow.
The Lucy Bee Radiance-Boosting Face Cream contains key ingredients to help combat against ageing. One of the ingredients is sodium hyaluronate which helps with the prevention of ageing by moisturising the skin and preventing water loss which can help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Why do I need to cleanse every morning? Why does it benefit the skin?
In the night, while we are sleeping, our skin is working hard to regenerate itself. It actually works harder while we are sleeping and during this time, we still sweat, and the skin resurfaces the natural oils it contains. Cleansing in the morning, can remove the oil, dirt and grime and dead skin cells that have built-up, giving the skin complexion a brighter look. If you haven’t washed your pillows and there is dirt or any nasties on them, these can transfer to the skin, so cleansing will remove them. This means your skin, is clean and has a fresh start to the day, so to speak. This in turn means moisturiser and makeup will be better applied.
The Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream can be used morning and night, to help with giving the skin a healthy, radiant glow.
How do I work out my skin type?
It can be hard to understand what skin type you are but here are some easy ways to identify.
Normal:
Normal skin is balanced skin in which there are no signs of oily or dry areas:
- Has an even texture
- Has good elasticity
- Has small pores
- Feels soft and firm to the touch
- Is usually blemish free
Oily skin:
An oilier complexion, has an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous gland:
- An uneven texture
- Has normal elasticity
- Has large pores
- Feels thick and greasy to touch
- Often has blemishes and blackheads
Dry skin:
Underproduction of sebum or lack of moisture:
- Flaky, dry patches and the skin feels thin
- Poor elasticity
- Feels dry
- Capillaries around the cheeks, nose area
- May be sensitive
- Signs of ageing more visible – eyes, mouth and neck
Combination skin:
A combination of dry, normal and oily:
- Oily T-zone (forehead, nose chin)
- Blemishes
- Dry cheeks, irritated skin with capillaries
Sensitive skin:
Dry skin that is easily irritated and flares up:
- Very sensitive and easily reacts
- Red, itching, patches of skin
- Capillaries and blood vessels visible
- Dry and transparent
- Warm to touch
I have sensitive skin, what would you suggest?
Sensitive skin is very common, but not one product fits all, and each individual will have their own triggers. So, it is key to work out what works for you and what doesn’t and seeing if there is a common denominator.
Things to do:
- Avoid harsh products
- Use fragrance free
- Do not overcomplicate your skincare routine or touch your face too much
- See a dermatologist if you feel that you are not getting anywhere with it, they will be able to help
The Lucy Bee Skincare Range has been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin – cleanser, face cream and tonic. The range really focuses on soothing and working with the skin to make it look and feel its best.
We have used very nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, shea butter and apricot oil which all hydrate the skin. We also have turmeric in our products, which helps with inflammation and reduces redness. The whole range is formulated without added fragrance, as we understand how sensitive some skin types can be.
You can find the range here, as well as samples here.
Lucy, CIBTAC accredited beauty therapist.
About Lucy Bee Limited
Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.
Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.
