Fashion magazines and social media filters make us believe that normal skin is always perfectly smooth, radiant, has no visible pores at all and is evenly coloured. But is it really so? Does such skin actually exist on people that are older than 10? Well, here is what I know about skin and what it looks like ”unfiltered”.

The term “normal skin” usually refers to skin that has the optimal balance between  oil and dryness. Such skin indeed has small and almost invisible pores, it is smooth and soft to the touch, does not have a greasy sheen and does not flake. However, real-life normal skin is nowhere near as perfect as fashion magazines and social media filters make it look.

For example, normal skin can have the so-called sebaceous filaments in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). At first glance, they may look like blackheads (comedones), but this isn’t what they are. The threadlike sebaceous filaments are the natural content of your pores consisting of Oil, dirt and tiny flakes of dry skin.  They are practically invisible in people with naturally small pores and more visible in people with larger pores. Sebaceous filaments don’t require any treatment. you shouldn’t squeeze or pick at them because it may result in inflammation and scarring.

Normal skin rarely looks like it’s made of porcelain. Even people with normal skin have to deal with imperfections from time to time such as an oily sheen, individual comedones and pimples, a slightly uneven skin tone, etc. In addition, even normal skin changes with age, so fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable. You can dramatically influence this with how well you care for yourself. *Drink plenty of water* Eat healthy lots of fruits and veggies. 

People with normal skin are relatively rare; most of us have to deal with either excessive sebum secretion or excessive dryness, or with both problems at once (in case with the so-called combination skin). However, if you’re one of those lucky ones who have won the genetic lottery and have normal, mostly problem-free skin, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take care of your face. Proper skincare will ensure that your skin stays healthy and free of imperfections.

Cleansing

A variety of facial cleansers are available. They include foams, gels, mousses, lotions, or balms and powders like we have here at AmaraLumi.  When choosing a cleanser you need to make sure that it doesn’t contain harsh surfactants such as SLS or SLES. Washing your face with soap is generally not recommended even if you have normal skin because it can lead to dehydration and flaking. After washing your face, always apply toner that will remove cleanser residue from your skin, restore its natural pH level, and prepare your skin for the next steps of your skincare routine.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating once or twice a week will be enough to keep your skin smooth and clear. You can use either a scrub or a chemical peel, depending on what you like more. However, if there is any skin damage (sunburn, rash, cold sores, inflammation, etc.), you should wait until your skin is completely healed because exfoliation will exacerbate the damage

Masks and Serums

Does normal skin or any skin need masks and serums? The answer is definitely “yes”. For example, your skin may need products that prevent dehydration, boost the skin’s firmness and elasticity, smooth out fine lines and slow down the formation of wrinkles, ensure enhanced antioxidant protection, etc. At AmaraLumi our star product is our serum. It was the first product that I bottled and is the heart of the product line. Both of Our cleansers, the Creamy Cleansing Balm and the Tropical Coconut Milk Powder have dual actions as you can use them both as a mask. Just depends on what type of clean you need for that day. So no need to spend extra money on a separate mask.

Hydration 

Once you have masked, cleaned, toned and nourished your skin sometimes your skin may still feel a little dry. Here is where the hydration comes in. I also think it is very important and please forgive me for lack of a better word, but  “seal” in all the work you have just done to that beautiful face. There are 2 types of moisturizers a day. This one is usually lighter and can contain SPF (if it does not you will need to get a sunscreen and use it daily, even if the sun is not like my daughter used to say when she was little Even if the sun is not “on”.  There are still harmful rays that can damage your skin. ******A nighttime moisturizer is usually going to be a bit more heavy. I think the skin is doing a lot of healing while we sleep so a PM moisturizer is very important as it should help heal your  skin's barrier function and increase its  ability to fight off free radicals that have been attacking all day.  Hopefully we will have one out very soon!

The type of your skin is determined genetically and doesn’t change over time. However, various external and internal factors {like drinking your water daily} can significantly affect the condition of your skin. For example, mature skin tends to be on the drier side. Therefore, it is important to have a good skincare routine focusing on hydration and to stick to it no matter what. I have also heard many younger people say that they do not need to have a skin care routine, as they do not have wrinkles yet.. My answer to this is, the sooner you start taking proper care of your skin the later any wrinkles will start to show up. Its all perspective.

Also, please feel free to comment if you see anything that is incorrect or know of a better way. As I am always eager to learn new things and willing to listen to constructive opinions!!

Thanks for reading

Care and Bless,

Jo