Understand your skin & Make informed skincare choices

Your skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination or sensitive) describes how your skin naturally behaves. A skin concern is a specific issue you may be experiencing, such as acne, pigmentation, redness or signs of ageing.

Unlike your skin type, many skin concerns can improve with the right skincare routine, healthy lifestyle habits and consistent sun protection.

It's also common to have more than one concern at the same time. For example, you may have oily skin that is also dehydrated or sensitive.

Explore the most common skin concerns below to better understand your skin and discover ingredients that may help support healthier-looking skin.

Acne & Breakouts

What is it?
Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells and debris. In some cases, inflammation and naturally occurring bacteria can contribute to breakouts.

Common Signs

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Papules (small red bumps)
• Pustules (spots containing pus)
• Congested pores
• Post-blemish marks

Common Causes

• Excess oil production
• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Stress
• Certain skincare products
• Friction

Key Ingredients

• Salicylic Acid (BHA)
• Niacinamide
• Azelaic Acid
• Retinoids
• Benzoyl Peroxide

Suggested Routine

Morning
Gentle Cleanser → Lightweight Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Cleanser → Treatment Serum → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If your acne is painful, widespread, leaving scars, or not improving after several weeks of over-the-counter skincare.

Pigmentation

What is it?
Pigmentation appears when certain areas of the skin produce more melanin than surrounding skin, creating darker patches or uneven skin tone.

Common Signs

• Dark spots
• Sun spots
• Melasma
• Post-acne marks
• Uneven skin tone

Common Causes

• UV exposure
• Hormonal changes
• Inflammation
• Genetics

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
• Azelaic Acid
• Alpha Arbutin
• Tranexamic Acid
• Retinoids

Suggested Routine

Morning
Brightening Serum → Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Targeted Treatment → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If pigmentation changes rapidly, becomes widespread or doesn't improve with a consistent routine. Any changing mole should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional.

Dry & Dehydrated Skin

What is it?
Dry skin is a skin type that naturally produces less oil. Dehydrated skin is a temporary lack of water and can affect any skin type, including oily skin.

Common Signs

• Tightness
• Flaking
• Rough texture
• Dullness
• Fine dehydration lines

Common Causes

• Cold weather
• Over-cleansing
• Hot water
• Harsh skincare
• Ageing

Key Ingredients

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glycerin
• Ceramides
• Squalane

Suggested Routine

Morning
Cream Cleanser → Hydrating Serum → Ceramide Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Hydrating Toner → Rich Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If your skin remains cracked, painful or persistently inflamed, as this could indicate eczema or another skin condition.

Sensitive Skin

What is it?
Sensitive skin reacts more easily to skincare products, weather conditions and environmental triggers.

Common Signs

• Redness
• Stinging
• Burning
• Itching
• Tightness

Common Causes

• A weakened skin barrier
• Genetics
• Over-exfoliation
• Environmental factors

Key Ingredients

• Ceramides
• Centella Asiatica
• Oat Extract
• Panthenol
• Fragrance-free formulations

Suggested Routine

Morning
Gentle Cleanser → Soothing Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Gentle Cleanser → Barrier Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If your skin reacts frequently, symptoms become severe or you suspect an allergy.

Redness & Rosacea

What is it?
Facial redness may be temporary or persistent. Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that commonly affects the cheeks and nose and should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Common Signs

• Flushing
• Persistent redness
• Visible blood vessels
• Small red bumps

Common Causes

• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Temperature changes
• Stress

Key Ingredients

• Azelaic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Centella Asiatica
• Green Tea Extract

Suggested Routine

Morning
Gentle Cleanser → Soothing Moisturiser → Mineral SPF

Evening
Calming Treatment → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If redness becomes persistent, worsens or you suspect rosacea.

Oily Skin

What is it?
Oily skin naturally produces more sebum, often resulting in excess shine and more visible pores.

Common Signs

• Shiny skin
• Enlarged pores
• Blackheads
• Makeup wearing off quickly

Common Causes

• Genetics
• Hormones
• Humidity
• Stress
• Over-cleansing

Key Ingredients

• Niacinamide
• Salicylic Acid (BHA)
• Clay
• Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers

Suggested Routine

Morning
Gel Cleanser → Lightweight Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Double Cleanse → Treatment → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If excess oil is accompanied by persistent or painful acne.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

What is it?
Fine lines are often the earliest visible signs of skin ageing. Over time, natural collagen and elastin levels decline, leading to deeper wrinkles and reduced firmness.

Common Signs

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Reduced firmness
• Loss of elasticity

Common Causes

• Natural ageing
• Sun exposure
• Repetitive facial expressions
• Smoking
• Dehydration

Key Ingredients

• Retinoids
• Peptides
• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic Acid

Suggested Routine

Morning
Antioxidant Serum → Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Retinoid → Rich Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If you wish to explore professional treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling or injectable procedures.

Loss of Firmness

What is it?
As collagen and elastin naturally decline with age, the skin may lose firmness and appear less lifted.

Common Signs

• Sagging skin
• Softer facial contours
• Reduced elasticity

Common Causes

• Ageing
• Sun damage
• Weight changes
• Genetics

Key Ingredients

• Peptides
• Retinoids
• Vitamin C

Suggested Routine

Morning
Antioxidant Serum → Firming Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Peptide or Retinoid Treatment → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If skin laxity is a significant concern and you wish to discuss professional treatment options.

Uneven Skin Tone

What is it?
Uneven skin tone occurs when different areas of the face appear darker, redder or duller than others.

Common Signs

• Patchy complexion
• Uneven colour
• Areas of redness or pigmentation

Common Causes

• Sun exposure
• Previous breakouts
• Hormones
• Ageing

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
• Gentle AHAs
• SPF

Suggested Routine

Morning
Vitamin C Serum → Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Gentle Exfoliation (2–3 times weekly) → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If uneven skin tone persists despite a consistent skincare routine.

Enlarged Pores

What is it?
Pores cannot be permanently reduced in size, but their appearance can often be improved by reducing congestion and excess oil.

Common Signs

• Visible pores
• Uneven texture
• Blackheads

Common Causes

• Genetics
• Excess oil
• Sun damage
• Ageing

Key Ingredients

• Niacinamide
• Salicylic Acid
• Retinoids
• Clay

Suggested Routine

Morning
Gentle Cleanser → Oil-Free Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
BHA Treatment (2–3 times weekly) → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If enlarged pores remain a significant cosmetic concern.

Dull Skin

What is it?
Dull skin lacks brightness and radiance, often making the complexion appear tired.

Common Signs

• Uneven texture
• Lack of glow
• Tired appearance

Common Causes

• Dead skin build-up
• Dehydration
• Poor sleep
• Pollution

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin C
• AHAs
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic Acid

Suggested Routine

Morning
Vitamin C Serum → Moisturiser → SPF

Evening
Gentle Exfoliation → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If dullness persists despite a healthy skincare routine and lifestyle.

Dark Circles

What is it?
Dark circles may be caused by genetics, pigmentation, thin skin, allergies, lack of sleep or natural ageing.

Common Signs

• Dark under-eye area
• Puffiness
• Hollow appearance

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin C
• Caffeine
• Peptides
• Hyaluronic Acid

Suggested Routine

Morning
Eye Cream → SPF around the eye area

Evening
Hydrating Eye Cream

When should you seek professional advice?
If dark circles develop suddenly or are associated with swelling, pain or other concerning symptoms.

Sun Damage

What is it?
Sun damage develops gradually from repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is one of the leading causes of premature skin ageing.

Common Signs

• Sun spots
• Uneven pigmentation
• Fine lines
• Rough texture

Common Causes

• UV exposure
• Sunbeds
• Inconsistent sunscreen use

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin C
• Retinoids
• Niacinamide

Suggested Routine

Morning
Antioxidant Serum → SPF 30+ → Protective Clothing

Evening
Retinoid → Moisturiser

When should you seek professional advice?
If you notice a mole or skin lesion changing in size, shape or colour, seek prompt medical assessment.

Hair & Scalp Concerns

What is it?
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Hair and scalp concerns may include thinning, dandruff, dryness, excess oil or increased hair shedding.

Common Signs

• Hair thinning
• Increased shedding
• Flaking
• Itchy scalp
• Dry or oily scalp

Common Causes

• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Heat styling
• Product build-up

Key Ingredients

• Salicylic Acid
• Caffeine
• Peptides
• Ketoconazole (for dandruff shampoos)
• Minoxidil (where appropriate)

Suggested Routine
Use a shampoo suited to your scalp type, condition regularly and minimise excessive heat styling. Consider a weekly scalp treatment if you experience product build-up or flaking.

When should you seek professional advice?
If you experience sudden or significant hair loss, persistent scalp irritation or inflammation, consult your GP or a qualified hair and scalp specialist.