Our Five Unique Living Skin Types

For years, our industry has categorised skin types by the amount of oil produced on the skin. These categories are seemingly familiar to all–normal, oily, dry, or combination. Each of these categories assume an over-simplified approach to our modern lives–overlooking important factors such as age, genetics, diet, lifestyle, environment and stress.

Our clients at Little Company don’t fit these frameworks. We felt the skin needed to be treated as an extension of how our internals are–holistically. 

Our Living Skin therapists have developed 5 in-depth Living Skin Types to classify and treat the skin. 

Explore them below–equipped product recommendations and lifestyle tips that will best support your unique skin.

ADAPTIVE

Adaptive skin is as the name suggests; resilient, balanced, and responds well to products. This skin type has no major concerns but looks to be maintained and supported through a consistent skincare ritual.⁠

1. Boost your green and antioxidant intake

A rich plant based diet packed full of variety will ensure optimum health both inside and out

2. Avoid excess sun exposure

Increased exposure to the sun can trigger excess melanin production as a protective mechanism within the skin cell, resulting in dark patches and uneven tone. Keep time spent out in the sun limited, wear a wide brimmed hat, and invest in a good quality sunscreen.

3. Keep up hydration 

Clinical studies have shown significant improvements in skin hydration on the outer and deeper layers of the skin from drinking the recommended daily intake of water. These improvements include skin softness, thickness, and smoothness. 

AGEING WELL

We favour the term ‘Ageing well’ over ‘Anti ageing’ - so heavily marketed to us. We understand that ageing is a natural part of life, and we embrace the experience it brings. In supporting a maturing skin, we treat with the aim of nourishing, repairing, increasing skin cell turnover, brightening, and naturally stimulating collagen and elastin. How?

1. Monitor your sugar intake

A high dietary intake of processed sugars can lead to impaired elasticity of tissues including the skin. This process is highly accelerated in the presence of hyperglycaemia and an imbalance between production and accumulation of oxygen in cells and tissues, leading to premature ageing. 

2. Increase antioxidants

Antioxidants will help fight against free radicals, which can contribute to premature ageing. Look to include berries, green leafy vegetables, green tea, and foods rich in Vitamin C and Zinc.

3. Boost your essential fatty acids

An adequate intake of Omega 3 (to be precise) will help with your skin health. Include oily fish, nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts) in your diet. Cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil, delivers the best balance of healthy fats to provide extra nutritional support to moisturise your skin from the inside. 

STRESS REACTIVE

Stressed skin is often sensitive and reactive to most products. Internally related skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, are often activated/enflamed by environmental and emotional stressors. The main aim when treating Stress Reactive skin is to strengthen, calm and support our skin’s barrier. How?

1. Avoid foods that cause inflammation

Certain foods can exacerbate skin conditions by increasing redness and inflammation. Avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, processed chocolate, and citrus fruits can help, replacing them with anti-inflammatory foods such as green leafy vegetables, fermented foods, turmeric, ginger & herbal teas. 

2. Boost your essential fatty acids

An adequate intake of Omega 3 (to be precise) will help with inflammation. Ensure to include oily fish, nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts). Cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil delivers the best balance of healthy fats for clear, calm skin.

3. Be conscious about exercise

Any heated environment such as a hot shower, sauna, and spa, as well as prolonged, strenuous exercise in which the body sweats, may contribute to inflammation. Applying 1-2 drops of jojoba oil onto dry skin before showering can provide a gentle protective barrier against heat and steam.

HORMONE REACTIVE

Hormone Reactive skin can be a concern at any age. Our hormones can dictate how much oil our skin produces - if our hormones are imbalanced, this most commonly results in inflamed and congested skin. Hormonal conditions such as PCOS, Endometriosis, Menopause, as well as the effects of taking the oral contraceptive pill, can all contribute to a Hormone Reactive skin. The main aim when treating Hormonal Reactive skin is to holistically support its oil regulation and moisture balance. How?

1. Avoid foods that cause congestion 

Foods that are highly processed are high in trans and saturated fats which can lead to blocked pores and congested skin. Limit your intake of inflammatory foods which may trigger hormonal activity, including processed foods, refined sweets, and dairy products high in lactose.  

2. Assist the body to detoxify gently

To boost the body's natural detoxification process, introduce a green powder. Incorporating a nutrient rich liver supplement can help support your liver and gut with healthy digestion, immune function, and the detoxification of toxins, excess hormones, and metabolic waste.  

3. Boost your essential fatty acids

An adequate intake of Omega 3 (to be precise) will help with inflammation. Ensure to include oily fish, nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts). Cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil will help replenish the skin’s protective barrier and help soothe breakouts.

ENVIRONMENTAL REACTIVE

Environmental Reactive skin is that which is affected by an external element. This may include pigmentation from sun exposure, dullness from sluggish skin congestion from products like sunscreen and heavy make-up, as well as skin impacted by working inside under air conditioning. Our main aim with treating an Environmentally Reactive skin is to brighten and detoxify. How?

1. Increase antioxidants

Antioxidants can help protect your skin cells to help reverse the sun damage caused by excess sun exposure. Vitamin C rich foods and green tea are among the most effective and proven to assist shielding skin from harmful rays, in addition to sunscreen.

2. Avoid excess sun exposure

Increased exposure to the sun can trigger excess melanin production as a protective mechanism within the skin cell, resulting in dark patches and uneven tone. Keep time spent out in the sun limited, wear a wide brimmed hat, and invest in a quality sunscreen.

3. Incorporate makeup-free days

Heavy and consistent makeup usage can cause the skin to become congested. Switch to lighter, mineral based makeup and incorporate makeup-free days to allow your skin time to breath.