October 5, 2021
Cleansing & caring for balanced skin – overcare alert!
by Lena Severin
Skin type: balanced skin. Those who don't have it would like to have it and think that nothing stands in the way of being carefree (at least when it comes to skin care). Far from it, because the assumption that balanced skin is the easiest skin type to care for is just a myth. Just as straight, curly and wavy hair has its own requirements, so does the skin. And balanced does not mean that it stays balanced under all circumstances. But what is normal?! In this article, I would like to explain the characteristics and features of the balanced skin type and give you a suitable care routine to care for your skin properly.
- What is balanced skin?
- Characteristics & characteristics of balanced skin
- Balanced skin but still impurities
- Caution: Over-care of balanced skin
- Cleansing & care for balanced skin
1. What is balanced skin?
“Balanced” is the state that the skin strives for. In general, this skin type is better known as “normal skin”. However, we generally consider all skin to be normal, and no skin to be abnormal. Regardless of whether the skin has spots, is dry or has rosacea or other diseases: no skin is abnormal. So there is no such thing as normal skin, only balanced skin. In short and to put it simply: balanced skin is in balance in all its functions and processes. If one of the functions becomes unbalanced, for example due to diet, environmental influences or hormonal factors, the condition can change. To repeat: the skin type (combination skin, mature, balanced and oily skin) indicates the basic tone of your skin, can even be inherited, but can change over the course of life and life situation. So, for example, if one of the factors mentioned above changes in your life, you may change from balanced to combination skin or vice versa. Skin care products play a major role in this. On the one hand, care that is not tailored to your skin type can over- or under-stress your skin because it does not get what it actually needs to be balanced. On the other hand, with the right care for your skin, you can also bring your combination or oily skin back into balance so that it has the properties and characteristics of balanced skin. You will find out what these are in the next paragraph.
Example: Macro shot of balanced skin
2. Characteristics & characteristics of balanced skin
Balanced skin is characterized by a clear, fine-pored complexion that does not shine excessively. A complexion that radiates healthily, is neither pale nor overly rosy. If we look at the whole thing through scientific glasses, this means in plain language: The skin's sebum production is regulated in such a way that it neither tends to produce excess sebum nor too little sebum. Your skin is therefore naturally well "oiled", which keeps it supple and soft and ensures fine pores. The water balance in the skin is balanced and the stores within the skin cells are well filled. To keep it that way, the skin's protective barrier must be intact. Otherwise, valuable moisture would escape through the damaged areas. But since this protective layer can do its job unhindered in balanced skin, bacteria and viruses do not have such an easy time getting under the skin's surface.
As I already revealed at the beginning, there are some myths surrounding balanced skin. One of these is the assumption that it is totally robust. That may be true for some people, but it is an individual matter and not the rule. Even balanced skin can be influenced by its environment and by what we put into our bodies. Particularly aggressive care products and beauty tools can actually damage the skin, making it thinner, the skin's protective barrier swollen and making it much easier for unwanted intruders to wreak havoc. The result? The balanced skin no longer looks so balanced. Impurities, greasy shine or lack of water become visible and need to be treated specifically.
Every skin is exposed to our activities and our environment and reacts individually. The aim of care should therefore be to support the skin in its natural functions, to balance it and to make it resistant to changing external influences. This makes it all the more important to keep an eye on your skin and to understand its language. This is especially true for balanced skin, because we tend to over-care for it. Too much richness, too many active ingredients, too much cleansing, too aggressive "care"...
3. Balanced skin but still impurities
However, incorrect care is not the only factor that can upset balanced skin. Diet, cycle phases, hormonal imbalances or even contraceptives can affect your skin and be an indication of the cause of the change in your skin's appearance. So if you notice more blemishes, dryness or oily patches on your face, the following questions could help you get to the bottom of the cause:
Are you getting your period soon or are you currently having it?
Yes? If the appearance of your blemishes is related to your cycle, you can try to ensure that you cleanse thoroughly during this time, especially in the evening, for example with a mild cleansing oil. You can also support your skin with our BHA peeling. During this phase, apply it 3-4 times a week after cleansing to free your pores of excess sebum overnight. This reduces blemishes or even prevents them. Also make sure to reduce your consumption of alcohol and sugar. Since your intestines and your skin are closely connected, you can also help your skin find balance by eating the right diet.
Have you eaten a lot of sugar in the last few days?
Yes? Try to reduce your sugar consumption and give your skin and your gut a break from sweet treats. Of course, you don't have to do without them completely. Everything in moderation and every now and then you can treat yourself to a little more. The important thing is to balance things out afterwards.
Does the skin change occur after consuming gluten or dairy products?
Yes? It's best to talk to your family doctor. Perhaps you have an intolerance or are particularly sensitive to certain foods.
Have you started using a new hormonal contraceptive in the last few months?
Yes? It is best to talk to your gynecologist about whether you should use an alternative product or perhaps even another contraceptive method might be suitable for you.
Have you recently stopped taking the pill?
Yes? Check out our blog post on the topic of blemishes after stopping the pill . There you will find helpful tips and lots of information that can help you.
To consider a possible hormonal imbalance: Do I have my period regularly? Has my body hair changed (especially around the nipples and on the chin and upper lip)?
Yes? It's best to talk to your gynecologist and have your hormone levels measured to find out if something is wrong. If you want to learn more about the topic of hormones and skin, I recommend our podcast with hormone coach and nutritionist Kati Siemens .
There are many reasons for changes in balanced skin or any other skin. Therefore, it is always important to observe yourself closely. I therefore recommend that you keep a small diary in which you record what your skin looks like, which phase of your cycle you are in and which foods you have eaten in order to understand your body better.
4. Caution: Over-care of balanced skin
After looking at all the possible causes that can affect your balanced skin, we'll now take a closer look at your skin care. What should you do if the care products or your rituals aren't as good for your skin as you think? Which products do we recommend for balanced skin? And how do you get balanced skin again if you've been using the wrong products or even over-caring for it?
Tip 1: Quality instead of quantity
Long INCI lists, i.e. the list of ingredients, are not a good sign. They are an indication that the product contains fillers and other substances that the skin does not really need. It is better to use fewer ingredients that are effective and do not contain any unnecessary additives. Ideally, you should find out which ingredients are difficult and should not be used on your skin. We have developed our guide through the world of cosmetics for precisely this purpose. Or take a look at our Instagram story highlight “Critical ingredients” for a first insight.
Tip 2: Cleaning is key
Keep your hands away from brushes, rough cloths and coarse scrubs. They can irritate the skin or even cause micro-injuries through which bacteria can penetrate and cause blemishes. When it comes to scrubs, it's better to use fruit acid, which gently cleanses your pores overnight. Make sure that it doesn't contain any harmful surfactants. Our cleansing oil gently but thoroughly removes dirt and deposits without leaving a greasy film. Incidentally, it's also suitable for removing make-up. Because cleansing your skin should be the basis of your care routine, we've dedicated an entire blog post to it.
Tip 3: Give your skin what it needs – and nothing more
The overflowing cosmetics shelf can be very tempting with all its promises. Too many different products can easily irritate and overwhelm the skin. Your skin does not need 3 serums, 4 creams, a variety of masks and 4 different products to combat sudden pimples. Too much variety in your skincare routine will only confuse your skin. Get detailed advice and find out what your skin really needs. Below I will introduce you to our new set for balanced skin.
If you are unsure whether your skin is suitable for this skin type, you can find out more with our digital skin consultation :
5. Cleansing & care for balanced skin
And this is how you use the products for:
Your care routine for morning & evening:
Step1
As described above, cleansing oil is a wonderful basis for your routine. Apply a small amount of cleansing oil to dry facial skin and massage it in. This makes it easy to remove even waterproof make-up. Then wash off the oil and dirt thoroughly with lukewarm water. When combined with water, the oil turns into a milky emulsion and can be washed off without leaving any residue.
Step 2
Spray 3-5 sprays of the facial toner onto your skin. Alternatively, you can first spray it onto a cotton pad and then apply it by rubbing it from the inside out. The Calendula facial toner provides intensive moisture, soothes the skin and strengthens the skin's protective barrier.
Step 3
Vitamin C has an anti-inflammatory effect, redness and pigment spots visibly decrease and blemishes or acne scars heal faster. Thanks to its antioxidant effect, it protects our collagen structure and also ensures the formation of skin-tightening vitamin E and collagen. For a radiant complexion, apply the vitamin C serum to your face, neck and décolleté after cleansing. Use the pipette to dose 2-3 drops and distribute gently.
Step4
Thanks to the balanced mix of hyaluronic acid, various natural oils and aloe vera in our hyaluronic creams , the skin is supplied with important nutrients, while ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide sufficient moisture. Free from fragrances, essential oils and preservatives, all of our hyaluronic creams are particularly mild and the perfect companion for your everyday life. The Hyaluron Cream Light provides your skin with intensive moisture without being greasy. The Hyaluron Cream Medium is ideal as a day cream as it leaves behind a light protective film made of valuable lipids. The Hyaluron Cream Rich is particularly suitable for dry skin. Aloe vera, organic shea butter and squalane nourish it intensively. No matter which cream is best for you: apply 1-2 pumps to your face, neck and décolleté and massage in gently.
Step 5
As a natural component of the lipid protective layer, squalane is characterized by its high tolerability and is therefore suitable for all skin types. The colorless and odorless oil protects your skin from moisture loss, strengthens the skin's protective barrier and, thanks to its light and non-greasy consistency, is also suitable for oily, sensitive and blemished skin. For additional protection and to strengthen your skin barrier, you can complete your care routine with squalane. To do this, moisten your skin with water or a little aloe vera spray. Then warm 2-3 drops of the oil in your hands by rubbing them together. Place your hands with gentle pressure on your forehead, cheeks and mouth area and enjoy the soothing warmth. Alternatively, you can mix the oil with the hyaluronic day cream in the palm of your hand and apply both at the same time.
Step6
If you use vitamin C regularly, you will need additional sun protection because the new skin is more sensitive to light. That's why we recommend that you add sun protection to your morning routine.
6. Conclusion
I hope that this article has helped you to get to know your balanced skin better. If you would like to find out more about various topics such as cleansing, recommended products or the possible causes of blemishes, dryness and oily skin, take a look at the articles that I have linked to in this article. Or take a look around our blog. We also have podcasts there on all skin topics that you can listen to. And if you have any questions, you can always contact our customer service team!