Rochelle: Skin Virtue is a very unique brand in the world of skincare. Can you tell us a bit more about Skin Virtue?

Nina: Skin Virtue is developed for sensitive, irritated and inflamed skin, we have two collections that are designed to address skin type issues; The Super Clear collection for skin that has a tendency to oiliness and Pure Nourish collection for skin that has a tendency to dryness.

Our third collection Future Advanced, is designed for all skin types, it's a hard-working anti-ageing range that focuses on age-related concerns such as pigmentation, loss of volume, sagging skin, crepy skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles etc.

In today's day and age, we are exposed to many pollutants and irritants that all impact our skin. I believe that it's important to take a comprehensive protection approach when dealing with sensitive, allergic and reactive skin. We focus on strengthening the skin’s protective barrier function, fortifying its response to irritant exposure and increasing the skin's tolerance threshold then addressing any specific age-related concern.

It's important to deal with sensitive, allergic and reactive skin first, then address skin type concerns such as over/under active sebaceous glands, enlarged pores, breakouts, degradation, dryness, rough and scale texture and then tackle the age-related concerns. You have to set a healthy foundation to help your skin to become balanced.

The health of our skin very much depends on the health of our skin barrier and its ability to repair itself. Our skin barrier is our first line of defence against irritants and if it is weakened our skin becomes more permeable allowing for easier access of irritants which can lead to allergic, inflamed, sensitised and irritated skin conditions.

Our approach to formulating skincare is to first and foremost focus on strengthening the skin barrier function and incorporate active ingredients that help to combat the skins allergic response to irritants. By strengthening the skin barrier and supporting the skins natural physiological function, we are creating a robust protective foundation for the natural healing, repairing and regenerating process of the skin. 

Rochelle: How does Skin Virtue determine skin types?

Nina: Our approach to identifying skin types and finding the correct Skin Virtue products to use is simple, we have 3 collections that represent two skin type categories, “Normal” (or Balanced) to Dry Skin and “Normal” (or Balanced) to Oily Skin and one collection that addresses your skin concerns that is suitable for all skin types.

Let's break down skin types.

You may be accustomed to hearing of skin types such as normal, combination, oily, dry, sensitive etc. In our experience, there is no true normal skin!

“Normal” skin, or what is considered to be normal skin, is usually skin that is well balanced and more resilient however, in time this skin type tends to end up dryer and if not nourished adequately it tends to show signs of premature skin ageing earlier than oilier skin types. With age our biological function declines, unfortunately that includes our skin function and sebaceous glands which secrete sebum and keep our skin lubricated. Skin that was once balanced can become dryer and prone to premature ageing.

Combination skin, or what is considered to be combination skin is in most cases oily and dehydrated skin that needs hydration, it is usually a case of an oilier skin type that has been over treated with harsh active ingredients or over washed which in turn has stripped and compromised the skin barrier resulting in dehydration and leaving the skin parched in certain areas and oily in others.

Oily skin - oilier skin types have overactive sebaceous glands that overproduce sebum, the degree of oiliness and severity varies between people. Oily skin is often shiny with enlarged pores and can be prone to breakouts. The best way to treat oily skin is to incorporate products with ingredients that regulate oil production, they should be gentle and non-drying with purifying and clarifying properties.

Dry skin - drier skin types have under-active sebaceous glands that don't produce enough sebum to protect and hydrate their skin. Dryer skin types are characterised by a lack of moisture in the epidermis and an inability to retain moisture, they can feel dry to touch and are identified by their dull, rough and scaly quality. The best way to treat dry skin is to look for products that include high-quality lipids that help to strengthen the skin barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss from the skin.

Sensitive skin - sensitive skin is not a skin type, it is a concern that any skin type can experience. Sensitive skin is compromised, highly sensitised and reactive skin that is unable to protect itself from irritants. In most cases, sensitivity is caused by the prolonged use of harsh ingredients that have stripped the skin barrier and aggravated the skin. In some cases it caused is by direct contact with an irritating substance, leading to an allergic or adverse reaction. Sensitive, allergic and reactive skin requires gentle products to soothe and strengthen the skin, making it less reactive and more resistant to irritants.

Let's simplify this information...

Your skin type is genetically determined, you are born with it and it relates to how much sebum your sebaceous glands produce.

Normal to Dry skin has under-active sebaceous glands, it can be balanced (or normal) at times with a tendency to become dry but never oily.

Normal to Dry skin types should use products from the Pure Nourish Collection along with the Future Advanced Treatment Collection for specific age related concerns.

Normal to Oily skin has interactive sebaceous glands, it can be balanced (or normal) at times with a tendency to be oily or dehydrated (not dry).

Normal to Oily skin types should use products from the Super Clear Collection along with products from the Future Advanced Treatment Collection for specific concerns.

Our Future Advanced Treatment Collection targets age-related skin concerns and is suitable for all skin types. It is developed with ingredients that target specific skin concerns Such as wrinkling, dehydration, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, laxity, and crepey-textured appearance. This collection allows you to zero in on your specific skin concerns and has been developed to be used in conjunction with either the Super Clear or Pure Nourish collections.

Rochelle: What are the top 3 Hero products within the range? I know they are all amazing, but what are your favourites?

Nina: Our top 3 are no doubt the following products.

Future Avanced Line Filler- It’s a brilliant formulation that works to plump and smooth wrinkles and provide both surface and internal hydration. It features both a high molecular weighted hyaluronic acid as well as an innovative dehydrated version called ultra filling spheres. These spheres contain dehydrated and cross linked hyaluronic acid that is able to penetrate the epidermis and absorb water from the dermis which causes them to inflate or swell up within the skin and produce a plumping and filling effect.

Future Advanced Firming Mask- This one is no surprise, this mask givest brilliant firming and plumping results and smooths crepey skin instantly. It is a beautiful formulation that can be used as both a wash off mask or leave-on overnight treatment. It is also becoming a cult hand and neck treatment due to the instant smoothing effect that it has.

Future Advanced Brightening Cream- This brightening cream works over time to reduce pigmentation and also clear residual redness from breakouts or sensitivity. When dealing with pigmentation it takes time to regulate so I always encourage people to take their own before and after photos so that they can see the benefits this creams brings.

If you would like to know what are the best Skin Virtue products for you, please reach out to us - one of our Skin Therapists will be more than happy to help in a Complimentary Skin Consultation via Zoom, email or on the phone.

My name is Rochelle, I have been lucky enough to be in the Beauty Industry for over 30 years helping clients achieve amazing results with their skin.

With 3 children of my own, I understand life is busy, so I'd love to help you find the best regimen that works for you and your lifestyle!

Having owned my own traditional based Beauty Salon and time in the Laser Industry, I've learnt that my passion lies in results-driven skin treatments and products. I feel so fortunate to have the most amazing brands at my fingertips. This allows me to give the best possible treatment and home care advice you need to achieve the skin you desire.