Your skincare questions answered

For those of you who missed our skin concerns web chat with Sarah back in May – here’s a round up of everything we discussed.

1. What’s the best way to deal with acne and prevent aging?

2. How can I avoid pulling the skin around my eyes when removing mascara with your cleaner and muslin cloth?

3. I’ve recently started to see fine red lines around my nose. I cleanse tone and moisturise religiously using mainly Pai or other organic products. Any thoughts on how to make them go away?!

4. Is the Age Confidence Facial Oil suitable to use around the eyes?

5. Can you recommend a good regime for a 45 year old with normal to dry (tight and dehydrated) skin?

6. I’m in my early 20s and I would like to know how I can keep my skin in the best condition and prevent premature ageing of my skin. I’m already all Pai-ed out but I’m wondering if it would be useful to add the new oil to my regime? Like many others I’m also worried about proper daily sun protection.

7. I love the Pai Rosehip Oil, but have really dry skin and am having problems with getting enough moisture into my skin to stop those annoying flaky bits. Especially with this annoying weather meaning the heating is on too and drying out my skin further. What other Pai products do you recommend for really dry skin.

8. Can your new oil be used under the eyes? I find your eye cream can cause little bumps, maybe it’s a touch too rich for me..?

9. I have a combination of dry and oily skin, do you have one product that would address both problems, or should I continue with the Geranium & Thistle and Chamomile & Rosehip? They have both help so much with my urticaria!

10. I’m interested in trying the new oil, can you tell me is it ok to use if you have spots/acne or should it be avoided on these areas?

11. I’m 34, my skin is oily and sensitive, recently I’ve realized that most of my adult acne troubles are actually a result of this sensitivity so I’m trying to find a balance between cleansing dead cells and keeping moisture and protective oils on the skin. Which of the two Pai oils would be most adequate to me?

12: I’m a bit scared of oils! I’ve used Liz Earle oils and my face just reacts unhappily. What makes yours suitable for sensitive skin like mine?

13. Can you tell me the correct way to use your eye cream – where to apply and when to apply?

14. Since I’ve given birth my skin has become very dry. After cleansing it feels so dry and tight and I just can’t find anything moisturising enough. Please help!

15. What can I do about burst blood vessels on my face and nose? Also will you ever develop a sunscreen?

16. With regard to both oils – the Rosehip Oil and the Age Confidence Oil – is it safe to use those under and around the eyes?

17. What are the best products to treat and care for acne-prone and ageing skin? I’m finding it hard to get the correct balance.

18. Can the Rosehip or the new Age Confidence Oil be used as standalone or do they need to be layered with a facial moisturiser?

19. Will you be making a sunscreen soon? Can you recommend any good ones for sensitive skin?

20. I am 51 and am in pretty good nick overall – but my neck and chest seem to have aged considerably more than my face. Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve this area?

21. I have suffered with acne since I was 18 and urticaria all of my life. Luckily my skin is not very scarred but I would love some tips on how to create a more even surface?

22. I am about to turn 59 and my main concern is little lines on my top lip, but I have never been a smoker! What would you recommend?

23. Do you really need an SPF if you’re going to be indoors all day?

24. What can you suggest for my dry skin that still has clogged pores on my nose?

25.  I’m 30 and just starting to worry about my lines on my forehead to top it off adult acne won’t let up. I’ve tried a few acid peels but they all tend to dry my skin out too much. What would you recommend for best results?

 

Q 1: What’s the best way to deal with acne and prevent aging?

A 1: It can be tough to find products that are suitable for acne-prone skin as you get older. It sounds to me like the best thing for you to do would be to try to rebalance your skin, as this will not only help improve acne but keep your skin looking as healthy as possible for as long as possible. You can download a really helpful doc about maintaining skin balance here:https://www.paiskincare.com/images/age_c/oil_ph_balance_skin_confidence.pdf. Hope that helps!

Q 2: How can I avoid pulling the skin around my eyes when removing mascara with your cleaner and muslin cloth?

A 2: You can use 1-2 pumps of our Camellia & Rose Cleanser on a cotton pad to remove eye make-up which is much gentler. If you’re finding it pulls the skin, avoiding using the Muslin Cloth on this delicate area.

Q 3: I’ve recently started to see fine red lines around my nose. I cleanse tone and moisturise religiously using mainly Pai or other organic products. Any thoughts on how to make them go away?!

A 3: Facial massage can be really helpful in regenerating the skin around the nose and cheek area. Follow this link and scroll to the bottom of the page for our home massage tips – do as often as possible, ideally daily if you can find the time! http://bit.ly/YgfLWb

I would also suggest avoiding all alcohol in your skincare products (should be fine if you’re using Pai anyway as our products are all alcohol-free). Remember a lot of natural skincare brands use alcohol in their formulations – it’s usually listed as just ‘alcohol’ or ‘alcohol denat.’ on the label.

In terms of products – I’d recommend our Chamomile & Rosehip Cream as it contains lots of natural anti-inflammatories – so should help to calm the redness. Try adding a drop of our Rosehip oil to a couple of pumps for an extra boost. It’s very healing and regenerative.

Q 4: Is the Age Confidence Facial Oil suitable to use around the eyes?

A 4: Yes, the Age Confidence Oil is suitable for use around the eyes but I’d recommend also using the Echium & Argan Soothing Eye Cream as a complimentary product to keep the delicate eye area really well hydrated.

Q 5: Can you recommend a good regime for a 45 year old with normal to dry (tight and dehydrated) skin?

A 5: Correct cleansing is at the heart of all great skincare regimes, so if you’re not already be sure to use a gentle Cleanser that removes make-up and impurities without stripping away the natural oils that keep your skin hydrated. I’d also definitely recommend you use an Eye Cream and Facial Oil at night – our Age Confidence Oil would be perfect as it helps lock in moisture to keep your skin soft and supple throughout the day and also helps plump and smooth the skin overnight.

Around the eyes is a much neglected area but one that can really give you away, so using a gentle cream will really help keep the surrounding skin as healthy as possible. Always remember that a skincare regime is about more than just products too – follow this great Five a Day guide for fantastic skin for years to come: http://bit.ly/YgfLWb

Q 6: I’m in my early 20s and I would like to know how I can keep my skin in the best condition and prevent premature ageing of my skin. I’m already all Pai-ed out but I’m wondering if it would be useful to add the new oil to my regime? Like many others I’m also worried about proper daily sun protection.

A 6: Ok, this is a really good question! I’d say only use the Age Confidence oil if your skin is naturally prone to dryness. If you have good natural oil in your skin then you may not need this product just yet. In terms of make-up – I swear by mineral foundations – and they really don’t have to look flakey on the skin with the right application techniques and tools. Invest in a good Kabuki brush and just do a light brush of the powder on well moisturised skin. A good mineral make-up powder will provide some SPF protection too and I think are far preferable to cream sunscreens or liquid foundations which I find too heavy, sensitising and congesting. Hope that helps!

Q 7: I love the Pai Rosehip Oil, but have really dry skin and am having problems with getting enough moisture into my skin to stop those annoying flaky bits. Especially with this annoying weather meaning the heating is on too and drying out my skin further. What other Pai products do you recommend for really dry skin.

A 7: Yes where on earth is our Spring?! Our Rosehip Oil is fab but it won’t counter dehydrated or very dry skin on its own. Only creams can actually hydrate the skin as they contain a lot of water – so if you’re not already using one of our moisturisers I’d suggest either our Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream or Macadamia & Rose Dry Skin Cream. Apply in the morning only and stick to the Rosehip Oil at night.
What are you using to cleanse? Flakiness is usually a sign of bad cleansing products as detergents strip the skin of its natural oil and really disrupt pH and oil production. Avoid wipes or any cleansing product containing detergents (e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate (‘SLS’) or cocamidopropyl betaine) or alcohol. Here is a blog post with a bit more info on this:https://www.paiskincare.com/blog/2012/08/24/5-ways-to-achieve-skin-balance-and-why-its-so-important/

Q8: Can your new oil be used under the eyes? I find your eye cream can cause little bumps, maybe it’s a touch too rich for me..?

A 8: Yes, the Age Confidence Oil can be used around the eye area. Do you exfoliate at all? Small bumps are usually congested skin, which may be down to products that are too rich or a build up of dead skin cells. Perhaps cut down on the Eye Cream – using only 2 or 3 times a week and incorporate gentle exfoliation into your regime too? Should make a big difference.

Q 9: I have a combination of dry and oily skin, do you have one product that would address both problems, or should I continue with the Geranium & Thistle and Chamomile & Rosehip? They have both help so much with my urticaria!

A 9: So great to hear we’ve been able to help your urticaria – it’s such a relief to get it under control isn’t it? There are no hard and fast rules with these things – our products for dryer skin are fattier than our products for combination skin and may cause congestion. If you’ve found a routine that keeps your skin calm and balanced then I’d suggest sticking to it, alternatively you might be able to add 2-3 drops of Rosehip BioRegenerate oil to your Geranium & Thistle Cream for an extra boost.

Q 10: I’m interested in trying the new oil, can you tell me is it ok to use if you have spots/acne or should it be avoided on these areas?

A 10: I actually wouldn’t recommend the Age Confidence oil for blemish or acne-prone skin. It’s been developed to boost skin oil levels and help dryer skin types retain moisture, which is really not what you’d need! If you’re looking for an oil to help keep your skin at it’s best and most clear, we have a lot of people who get really great results from our Rosehip BioRegenerate oil bit.ly/Y3WpBg.

Q 11: I’m 34, my skin is oily and sensitive, recently I’ve realized that most of my adult acne troubles are actually a result of this sensitivity so I’m trying to find a balance between cleansing dead cells and keeping moisture and protective oils on the skin. Which of the two Pai oils would be most adequate to me?

A 11: I’d definitely recommend the Rosehip Oil for your skin. It has the full range of Essential Fatty Acids which will help to support, tone and rebalance your complexion but isn’t too rich for blemish-prone skin types.  

Q12: I’m a bit scared of oils! I’ve used Liz Earle oils and my face just reacts unhappily. What makes yours suitable for sensitive skin like mine?

A 12: Thanks for getting in touch – let’s try and allay your fears a little! It may be the essential oil content you’re reacting to, in which case I’d recommend our Rosehip BioRegenerate oil as it’s completely unscented. Also less is more when it comes to oils, a couple of drops really is sufficient. Otherwise, our Age Confidence oil is absolutely bursting with anti-inflammatories that keep skin calm and soothed, and also strengthen skin against reactions long term. Unlike most brands, every single Pai products is developed for sensitive skin – and it’s something that influences every ingredient we decide to leave in and leave out. If in doubt, we have a 30 day money back guarantee on all our products – so if it wasn’t right for you you could return it for a full refund!

Q 13: Can you tell me the correct way to use your eye cream – where to apply and when to apply?

A 13: My method for applying Eye Cream is take 1 pump, spread it across both ring fingers and gently pat along the orbital bone to the side and below the eye. If you have any dry or sore skin anywhere around the eye, massage a small amount of cream in – but if it’s on the eyelid be sure not to use too much as you can overload the area.

Q 14: Since I’ve given birth my skin has become very dry. After cleansing it feels so dry and tight and I just can’t find anything moisturising enough. Please help!

A 14: Well, as a new Mum myself I know exactly what you mean! Pregnancy hormones can really affect the skin, read this post for more info: http://bit.ly/ZZqqPg.

Rather than drastically changing your skincare regime do allow your skin a little time to self adjust. Our new Age Confidence Oil would be a good treatment product to boost your skin if it’s feeling dry and lacklustre. Start by using twice a week in the evening only and then you can work up to more regular use as and when your skin needs it. Remember oils condition and nourish the skin while creams hydrate, so you will need to use a good moisturiser in the morning each day too to tackle your dehydration. Cleansing is also key to healthy skin – so always use a detergent and alcohol-free cleansing cream that will keep your oil and pH levels in balance. This pdf guide to Skin Balance might be of help: https://www.paiskincare.com/images/age_c/oil_ph_balance_skin_c

Q 15: What can I do about burst blood vessels on my face and nose? Also will you ever develop a sunscreen?

A 15: We do actually have a few products in the range that can help with burst blood vessels and thread veins. The healing and effect of the Orange Blossom in our Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Toner will help, as will our Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream (calms redness and strengthens the skin’s surface). This blog post about how to treat thread veins may also be of interest: http://bit.ly/ZZNj50. In terms of SPF, unfortunately we’re not totally satisfied with the technologies available when it comes to combining our organic credentials with our sensitive skin focus – we are looking for a solution though! In the meantime I always recommend mineral makeup as an SPF alternative. Here’s some more info: http://bit.ly/15zca2W

Q 16: With regard to both oils – the Rosehip Oil and the Age Confidence Oil – is it safe to use those under and around the eyes?

A 16: Yes, both oils can be used around the eye area but remember to use them sparingly, you only need a few drops for your whole face!

Q 17: What are the best products to treat and care for acne-prone and ageing skin? I’m finding it hard to get the correct balance.

A 17: This seems to be a common question – it can be really tough to find products that are suitable for acne-prone skin as you get older. It sounds to me like the best thing for you to do would be to try to rebalance your skin, as this will not only help improve acne but keep your skin looking as healthy as possible for as long as possible. You can download a really helpful doc about maintaining skin balance here:https://www.paiskincare.com/images/age_c/oil_ph_balance_skin_confidence.pdf. In terms of products, I’d recommend a combination of Geranium & Thistle Combination Cream in the mornins and Rosehip BioRegenerate oil in the evening, with an Eye Cream a few times a week for special care.

Q 18: Can the Rosehip or the new Age Confidence Oil be used as standalone or do they need to be layered with a facial moisturiser?

A 18: I’d recommend applying either oil to slightly damp skin after you’ve cleansed or toned in the evening. Depending on your natural level of hydration – you may be able to just apply the oil at then allow it to work alone overnight. If your skin is very dry, then you may need to follow with a small amount of moisturiser to keep your skin comfortable.

Q 19: Will you be making a sunscreen soon? Can you recommend any good ones for sensitive skin?

A 19: We’d love to develop an SPF in the future but at the moment the technology in the area is quite limited when it comes to combining our organic credentials with our sensitive skin focus – we are looking for a solution though! In the meantime I always recommend mineral makeup as an SPF alternative. Here’s some more info:http://bit.ly/15zca2W

Q 20: I am 51 and am in pretty good nick overall – but my neck and chest seem to have aged considerably more than my face. Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve this area?

A 20: This is a really common problem – people focus on the face and forget about areas such as the neck, chest and hands. You should try and treat your neck and chest as an extension of your face – continuing your regime of cleansing, toning and moisturising down past your jawline. Alternatively, you could try using a rich body cream on the chest area – perhaps enriched with a few drops of something extra regenerative such as Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. You can always look into some simple massage techniques for the neck and chest area too – done regularly, these can really help to tone and firm the muscles beneath the skin.

Q 21: I have suffered with acne since I was 18 and urticaria all of my life. Luckily my skin is not very scarred but I would love some tips on how to create a more even surface?

A 21: To help achieve an even surface for the skin you should exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a gentle exfoliator. It might also help to optimise cell turnover and ease congestion from the inside out – taking a supplement with a range of Omegas will help, as will drinking lots of water and eating a balanced diet high in antioxidant rich foods.

Q 22: I am about to turn 59 and my main concern is little lines on my top lip, but I have never been a smoker! What would you recommend?

A 22: Thanks for getting in touch – we’ve had a couple of questions about fine lines around the lips.  I’d suggest trying a very gentle exfoliation around the lips with our Kukui & Jojoba Bead Exfoliator as this will remove any dead cells and stimulate circulation to this area. Use a really gentle circular motion no need to really scrub!  If you’re a lipstick wearer go for a more natural/organic lipstick shades as these tend to contain organic vegetable oils and more natural pigments. Lighter colours will detract from the lines more than dark vibrant colours which draw attention to the lip area.
Also think beyond skincare and look at your diet. Boosting your intake of essential fatty acids will help condition the skin from the inside out – oily fish, seeds and nuts are all good sources but if your diet is lacking in these foods then invest in a good supplement. Here’s what I recommend:https://www.paiskincare.com/blog/2011/06/07/is-hemp-oil-the-best-essential-fatty-acid-supplement/

Q 23: Do you really need an SPF if you’re going to be indoors all day?

A 23: Protecting your skin from the sun is key to preventing premature ageing and, more seriously, skin damage. That being said, I think wearing an SPF everyday even in winter can contribute to a lack of Vitamin D – a deficiency at the heart of many skin allergies. Here’s some more info on that: http://bit.ly/14bClAq I always recommend mineral make-up as great protection from the sun outside peak summer time – it has a natural SPF and doesn’t congest the skin like many foundations or sun protection creams. Here is some more info about mineral make-up: http://bit.ly/15zca2Whttp://bit.ly/YjINBq

Q 24: What can you suggest for my dry skin that still has clogged pores on my nose?

A 24: I would recommend regular exfoliation and gentle steaming with a muslin cloth to help decongest the area. Taking an Omega supplement like Hemp oil will also help to address any internal issues causing the dryness and congestion.

Q 25: I’m 30 and just starting to worry about my lines on my forehead to top it off adult acne won’t let up. I’ve tried a few acid peels but they all tend to dry my skin out too much. What would you recommend for best results?

A 25: Personally I wouldn’t recommend acid peels as they are really aggressive and dry out the skin, throwing it off balance. What you really need is to restore skin balance – as this will help ease adult acne as well as prevent fine lines developing for a little longer. I’ve put together this pdf guide to Skin Balance which should be of some help:https://www.paiskincare.com/images/age_c/oil_ph_balance_skin_confidence.pdf.

 



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