Tag Archives: dry skin

Barrier Disruption – dry, dehydrated, irritated skin. (The lockdown effect).

irritated skin, lockdown skin, covid 19 lockdown, skin problems

The lockdown effect – Barrier disruption is not something new, in fact it is one of the first conditions we treat almost every new client for, before we can go on to addressing other concerns such as ageing.

Without an intact skin barrier practically all the skin processes will be disrupted leading to one or more of the following:

Dehydration and dryness
Increased redness and sensitivity
Breakouts of tiny, sore pimples
Slow healing
Dull, sluggish skin

Now that we have all been in lockdown to some level for a couple of months I am beginning to hear from you that some of these issues are popping up despite following your homecare routine as normal.

But these are not normal times, the other factors that influence your skin are changing to various degrees so to keep your skin balanced we need to change up your homecare just a little to keep up.

Here are some of the things that are affecting almost everyone’s skin barrier right now:

Stress! The biggest one. Worrying about your loved ones, especially those that are most vulnerable is very stressful on your mind and body.
- The disruption in hormone balance brought about by stress has a direct effect on your skin. We are all also concerned about how our jobs will be affected, many have small children at home and others have no outside space in their homes to escape to. Is it any wonder our skin is acting up?!
Sugar, whether from letting the healthy diet slide while we all bake unaccustomed amount of cakes or the weekend glass of wine becoming a daily un-winder right now, for most of us our diet has changed to some degree.
- This shows on the skin as inflammation, redness, puffiness and eventually accelerated ageing.
Hair products. Root touch up sprays, home colour, extra hairspray to try to control our fast-growing-out hair along with dry shampoos can have the effect of irritating the scalp and along the hairline, leading to sore spots, dehydration and irritation.
- Do your best to keep these products away from the face, especially taking care along the forehead, if possible.

To get your skin barrier strengthened up again there are a few steps you can take. Obviously, try to minimise any of the above triggers that apply to you.

Next, give your skin a break from all active products except the ones that are especially designed for barrier repair. In the Skin Essentials range this means stopping all your water-based serums and Overnight Repair Cream (the most active products) for a week and using the barrier repairing products intensively (Lipid Repair Concentrate, Skin Comfort Cream, Skin Comfort Cleanser) for those days.

The aim is to give the skin cells a break from all processes except those that will rebuild your skins natural protective outer barrier. Once that has been restored you can revert to your usual routine. Here is what your routine would look like during an intensive barrier repair phase:

THE BARRIER REPAIR METHOD

Morning:

Rinse with warm water and microfiber cloth, no cleanser.
Mix one pump of Lipid Repair Concentrate with one pump Skin Comfort Cream and massage gently into the skin.
Apply SPF30

Evening:

Cleanse with Skin Comfort Cleanser, remove with microfiber cloth
Mix one pump of Lipid Repair Concentrate with one pump Skin Comfort Cream and massage gently into the skin.

For most temporary skin barrier disruption a week of the above should get you back on track, for a more severe disruption we would advise you to stick to it for a month before reintroducing your other products.

Does this sound like your skin? To help make it easy for you to get back on track I have put together all the products mentioned above in a bundle at a special price while stocks last.

Of course, all of the products are available individually from our webshop if you already have some of them at home, and we are continuing our free shipping for all orders over €50 with the code FREESHIP50 until we are open again.

Is your skin acting up? Let me know if I can help you or answer any questions, just get in touch on 086 3823608 or info@skinessentialsbymariga.com and I’ll be happy to help.

Mariga x

The Dry Skin Essentials!

If you have dry skin, this post is for you!

As we are coming out of the other side of Winter, we are still submerged in our daily air conditioning, heaters, fire’s burning in the evenings to keep us warm.

What this is all doing is dehydrating our skin further, so most of us need to take care of our hydration levels.

Throwback to our blog – skin types vs skin conditions – Mariga referred to the three basic skin types. *Repost from our original blog published in 2017*.

Have you ever heard of lipid dry skin? If you’re new to Skin Essentials, you probably haven’t. Lipid dry skin has an intrinsic tendency to low natural oil production. It will look dull, thin, flaky and tired. Your skin may have a tendency to redness, especially across the cheeks, with some whiteheads and visible capillaries. This skin tends to age quickly.

As mentioned, lipid dry skin will react quickly to outside factors such as wind, central heating, air conditioning and cold which can make it feel itchy or will sting. It may also be slow to heal and can scar easily. You can already see how this skin type may easily be mistaken for ‘sensitive’.

The lack of natural oils in the skin impairs it’s defense and protection allowing it to become inflamed by outside aggressors, therefore the treatment protocol is to restore the oil balance to strengthen this barrier.

Professional treatments for dry skin will consist of gentle facials using products that are high in essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and nutrients.

Oil based cleansers are best. Avoid the sun as much as possible and keep heating or air conditioning as low as possible. Drink plenty of water and try to eat a diet high in essential fatty acids. (Nuts, seeds, avocado, oily fish). Your pharmacist or heath food shop will be able to advise you on your diet and recommend a supplement if necessary.

Products from Skin Essentials for your skin type:

Super dry or medically compromised skin will love our Skin Comfort Kit.

I hope this sheds some light on why your skin may be feeling tight and dry. If you have any questions please get in touch, I’m always happy to answer. Call our Wexford clinic on 053 9145981 or contact info@skinessentialsbymariga.com.

Dry skin type – characteristics, tips & recommendations

Skin types listed on a face diagram by Skin Essentials by Mariga

Focus on dry skin.

In a recent blog post on skin types vs skin conditions I referred to the three basic skin types. Now I’m going to look at the first in greater depth – lipid dry skin. Do you have it, how it behaves and how to treat it.

Lipid dry skin has an intrinsic tendency to low natural oil production. It will look dull, thin, flaky and tired. It may have a tendency to redness, especially across the cheeks, with some whiteheads and visible capillaries. It will age quickly.
Lipid dry skin will react quickly to outside factors such as wind, central heating, air conditioning and cold which can make it feel itchy or sting. It will be slow to heal and may scar easily.
You can already see how this skin type may easily be mistaken for ‘sensitive’.

The lack of natural oils in the skin impairs it’s defence and protection allowing it to become inflamed by outside aggressors, therefore the treatment protocol is to restore the oil balance to strengthen this barrier.

Professional treatments for dry skin will consist of gentle facials using products that are high in essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and nutrients.

At home, products must be very gentle and contain no fragrance (even naturally derived such as essential oils), artificial colouring or abrasive particles. Harsh cleansing is the most common mistake, make sure your cleanser is completely free from sodium laureth sulphate and keep exfoliation to a minimum. Oil based cleansers are best. Avoid the sun as much as possible and keep heating or air conditioning as low as possible. Drink plenty of water and try to eat a diet high in essential fatty acids. (Nuts, seeds, avocado, oily fish). Your pharmacist or heath food shop will be able to advise you on your diet and recommend a supplement if necessary.
Products from Skin Essentials for your skin type:

Skin Comfort Cleanser to thoroughly cleanse without stripping or drying.

Lipid Repair Concentrate to mimic the natural lipid mix of a healthy skin, repairing damaged skin barrier.

Skin Comfort Cream to deeply moisturise, calm irritated skin and sooth redness.

Super dry or medically compromised skin will love our Skin Comfort Kit.

It is possible to have skin that presents with all the above symptoms but is not intrinsically dry. This is artifically dry skin and is usually caused by incorrect skincare, medication or artificial climate and a few lifestyle adjustments combined with using the correct products can get you back on track. To obtain a correct diagnosis just book a personal comprehensive skin analysis or fill out the distance clients consultation form here.

Dehydrated skin – the lowdown.

According to the many magazine/blog articles devoted to the subject, dehydration is a major concern among skincare fans. This is for good reason, as it is a very common issue and can affect any skin type.

There are numerous products on the market to prevent or cure it but what is it, how do you know if you have it and what really works to prevent it?

Dehydration is the lack or loss of water in our skin. It can be superficial or run deeper.

Testing hydration with our PDM skin diagnostic machine.

Most of us will experience superficial dehydration from time to time. It shows as sudden fine lines appearing on the face, often noticeable in straight lines around our eyes and cheeks. This is due to the temporary loss of water from the upper layers of the skin and is brought on by simply not drinking enough water for a couple of days, consuming too much alcohol on a big night out, after a sun holiday or exposure to dry heat such as when we start lighting fires or turn on the heating for the winter. Being sick, particularly with a raised temperature, will also cause a temporary loss of water. Simply drinking more good fluids will soon restore this balance in a healthy, functioning skin.

For some, dehydration will run deeper and cause more problems. Flaky, itchy, reactive problems often start with dehydration. Confusingly, this skin can also seem shiny at times, leading sufferers to think their skin is oily. In fact, this shine is from water evaporating too fast when you do drink it. The reason for this condition is actually a lack of oil in the skin. One function of the oil is to keep water in the skin where it is needed for many functions. When this natural barrier is unbalanced it can’t stop water from evaporating, leading to the symptoms outlined above.
Most of the impaired water/oil balance that I see in clients is due to using the incorrect products for their skin, keeping a bad diet or lifestyle choices that are unhealthy in general. Some medications can also contribute to dehydration.

If your skin is showing signs of dehydration here’s some changes you can make to help:

• Consume more good fluids. This is the number one thing you can do for skin health. This can be from water, herbal teas (caffeine-free of course), juices, soup, fruit, vegetables and salads. Avocado, nuts, oily fish and seeds will support your lipids and slow water loss.
• Protect your skin from the outside with nourishing facial oils; look for ingredients like plant butters, ceramides, squalane, jojoba seed oil, avocado seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, hyaluronic acid.

-Our Lipid Repair Concentrate will quickly help to balance a dehydrated skin. If you are very dry, try our Skin Comfort Oil instead. Use at night alone or mixed with your regular night cream.

We highly recommend Skin Comfort Cream, rich, comforting and non-greasy you can use it day or night. It was created by Mariga especially for Irish skin and Irish weather! Pro tip: mix with your facial oil for a lovely overnight treatment.

–Hyaluronic+ Moisture Boost serum is rich in hyaluronic acid (the rehydration absolute hero ingredient!) to hold water in the skin. Use it under SPF during the day and/or under your night products. A must-have for anyone suffering from dehydration.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, stress, direct heat and processed foods as much as possible.
• Always be gentle with your skin. Avoid any skincare products containing fragrance or sulphates. Exfoliate only when necessary and use an enzyme based exfoliator only, never scrub.

Winter skin hero. Use alone or with Lipid Repair Concentrate for soft, hydrated, radiant skin whatever the weather.

Fun fact: too much water can lead to dehydration!!
While the skin is great at absorbing water, it’s not great at holding on to it. As the skin softens on prolonged contact with water, like during a long bath, its barrier weakens leading to water loss and dehydration, so luxuriating in the bath too often really will leave you looking like a prune!

Do you struggle with dehydrated skin? Call us on 053 9145981 or call in to our clinic, Skin Essentials by Mariga, in Selskar, Wexford Town and let us help you to get back on track.

Have you read Mariga’s e-book yet? ‘The Skincare Rules’ is packed full of simple, easy to implement tips that will help to get you great skin – for life!

The Skincare Rules by Skin Essentials founder Mariga Sheedy. Everything you need to know to get great skin, for life.

Specialist Oncology Facials for Cancer Patients

We are very happy to announce that Oncology Skincare Therapeutic Facial services are now available from Skin Essentials.

Skin Essentials by Mariga skincare clinic is the first of its kind in Ireland to qualify in oncology aesthetics we have expanded our practice to serve people being treated for, or recovering from, cancer. Continue reading →

Mariga’s skincare routine, what the professional uses!

Inside Mariga’s skincare routine: what I’m using right now.

“What do you use on your own skin” or “I want my skin to look like yours” are two of the most frequent comments I get from clients either here in the clinic or online (and it’s very flattering, thank you!)

Although we customise every treatment plan for the individual, I thought it might be useful to detail what I am currently using on my own skin both at home and clinically, to illustrate the type of routine that a dedicated skincare client typically follows.

I tend to change my skincare up seasonally, as our skin’s needs change with the weather – and THAT can be a world of fun in Ireland of course 🙂

Of course everyone’s basic skin type stays the same for life so that is taken into account first in your permanent products, then seasonal changes or fluctuations due to illness, stress, ambient environment etc. are treated as needed.

So, here is my current day and night routine. My basic skin type is dry and I also have a tendency to redness due to my typically Celtic fair skin/red hair combo. These are treated with my permanent skincare staples of Skin Comfort Cream, Skin Comfort Cleanser and Lipid Repair Concentrate. I am always keeping one eye on anti-ageing too of course and for this I use Hydra Collagen Serum and Overnight repair Cream.
I consider SPF to be a basic part of everyones routine regardless of skin type, age, gender or current skin condition.

Buy your Skin Essentials by Mariga products here

Here is my typical daytime routine:

Rinse with warm water and microfibre cloth, no cleanser.
Apply 1 pump of Hydra Collagen Serum while my skin is still damp, making sure to get it all around the eye contour as well as the rest of the face.
Apply a small amount of Skin Comfort Cream
Follow with SPF30

Rich comfort cream for dry, irritated or fragile skin.

I LOVE this cream!

In the evening:

I cleanse with Skin Comfort Cleanser then apply either Lipid Repair Concentrate followed by Skin Comfort Cream or Overnight Repair Cream followed by Skin Comfort Cream. Usually I use the Lipid Repair combo more often in the winter, the Overnight Repair more often in the summer.

An Anti-ageing MUST have. Amazing around eyes too.

Weekly:

Once a week or more often if I remember, I do a home needling treatment using Hyaluronic+ Moisture Boost Serum. This just takes 5 minutes and is amazing for long-term anti-ageing.

Clinically, I have microneedling treatments for anti-ageing and a balancing skin treatment whenever necessary.

Do you have dry skin too? See more tips for managing this skin type in the video below.

Dry skin – Mariga recommends the best products and pro tips

How to best manage dry skin conditions.

When we say dry skin, we mean skin that is naturally low in oils (lipids). This skin type will need more lipids and nourishment supply from the outside than another skin type. Lipid dry skin NEVER changes, if you have lower than average oil production this cannot be changed but it can be managed very well to give comfort and radiance to even the driest skin – with commitment and compliance!

Lipid dry skin has an intrinsic tendency to low natural oil production. It will look dull, thin, flaky and tired. It may have a tendency to redness, especially across the cheeks, with some whiteheads and visible capillaries.
Lipid dry skin will react quickly to outside factors such as wind, central heating, air conditioning and cold which can make it feel itchy or sting. It will be slow to heal and may scar easily.
You can already see how this skin type may easily be mistaken for ‘sensitive’.

hyperkeratinisation

A close up of the stratum corner seen through our skin scanner – what does yours look like??

Clinical treatments for dry skin will consist of gentle facials using products that are high in essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and nutrients.

At home, products must be very gentle and contain no fragrance (even naturally derived such as essential oils), artificial colouring or abrasive particles. Harsh cleansing is the most common mistake, make sure your cleanser is completely free from sodium laureth sulphate and keep exfoliation to a minimum. Oil based cleansers are best. Avoid the sun as much as possible and keep heating or air conditioning as low as possible. Drink plenty of water and try to eat a diet high in essential fatty acids. (Nuts, seeds, oily fish). Your pharmacist or heath food shop will be able to advise you on your diet and recommend a supplement if necessary.
Lipid Repair Concentrate from my Skin Essentials by Mariga range has been formulated to mimic the skins natural oil and also to encourage better natural oil flow over time with consistent use. See more details about this and all my products here.

Skin Comfort Cream

It is possible to have skin that presents with all the above symptoms but is not intrinsically dry. This is artifically dry skin and is usually caused by incorrect skincare, medication or artificial climate and a few lifestyle adjustments combined with using the correct products can get you back on track. To obtain a correct diagnosis just book a comprehensive skin analysis in salon or fill out the distance clients consultation form here.

See the video below for recommendations on which products to use and when and how to apply them for immediate comfort and long term symptom management.

Have you read Mariga’s book?

Have you read Mariga’s e-book yet? ‘The Skincare Rules’ is packed full of simple, easy to implement tips that will help to get you great skin – for life!

‘The Skincare Rules’ is a fantastic resource for every skin type, full of advice that you can implement right now to help get great skin – for life.

Buy it on Amazon here for €2.99!