Skin Care FAQ
Click on the questions below to read the answer:
Pre-cleansing the essential first step to help remove excess oils and environmental debris
Q1. What are pre-cleansers and are they really necessary?
Proper cleansing keeps skin hygienically clean and healthy
Q2. Certain cleansers leave my skin feeling tight. How do I know which one to use?
Toning-prep skin for treatments by removing excess residue
Q3. Are toners really useful?
Q4. I have oily acne-prone skin do I need to use a toner?
Exfoliation-energise and revitalise skin for a radiant glow
Q5. Is exfoliation an important part of my beauty routine?
Q6. My skin gets dull and dry in winter, even though I moisturise. What can I do?
Eyes-banish puffiness and dark circles with gentle formulas
Q7. I apply eye cream at night but I always wake up with puffy eyes. What's the matter?
Q8. Why do I have dark circles under my eyes?
Body sculpt, tone and refine your skin from top to toe
Q9. My cellulite looks worse after dieting. How can I smooth out my dimply thighs?
Stretch marks, brown spots and scarring the tell tale patches if you can't love them, learn to live with them and make them less noticeable
Q10. How can I minimise the stretch marks on my tummy and hips?
Q11. How do I get rid of pregnancy pigmentation marks on my face?
Skin types-discover your skin type and choose the perfect products for your skins needs
Q12. How do I know what type of skin I have?
Q13. During winter my skin gets very dry and my foundation won't apply properly. How do I prevent this?
Skincare-vitamins restore moisture and youthfulness with skin- saving vitamins
Q14. What can skincare products containing vitamin A do for my skin?
Q15. What's special about environs vitamin enriched formulas?
Q16. Why is it so important to use treatments that contain vitamins and antioxidants?
Problematic skin-learn how to handle troubled skin and get back beautiful skin
Q17. Are blackheads and white heads different things? What will budge them?
Q18. How can I soothe pimply teenage skin?
Q19. I'm in my 30's and I still get acne like spots why is that?
Sun protection, protection, protection-the secret to skin survival in the sun
Q20. What do all the numbers on my sun block mean?
Q21. I use sun block in summer do i need it thoughout the year?
Q22. Why should I look for a sunscreen that contains antioxidants?
Q23. What's the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
Extra answers to all the questions you've always wanted to ask
Q24. What is the difference between a moisturiser and a skin serum?
Q25. What's the difference between hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic?
Q26. What are antioxidants and what benefits do they have for my skin?
Pre-cleansing the essential first step to help remove excess oils and environmental debris
Q1. What are pre-cleansers and are they really necessary?
Pre-cleansing is a vital part of a two step cleansing process it's first in line to provide deep, specific cleansing and helps to lift of surface debris that can cause break outs and dullness. This should be followed with face wash or cleanser for complete cleanliness. Gentle, oil-based pre cleansers such as those in the environ ranges will help you achieve ultra- clean, healthy skin with a double cleansing regimen that melts off the layers of unwanted sebum (oil), makeup, environmental pollutants, sweat and grime that build up through the day. A mineral oil based pre-cleanser such as B-Active Sebuprep will soothe and improve problem skin while cleaning it and unblocking pores.
Proper cleansing keeps skin hygienically clean and healthy
Q2. Certain cleansers leave my skin feeling tight. How do I know which one to use?
A cleanser should leave your skin feeling comfortable and relaxed. A soap free foaming wash (such as the gel cleansers in the environ ranges) is great for normal skin. Dry or sensitive complexions need a gentle, hydrating formulation such as Ionzyme C-Quence Cleanser, which won't strip skin of essentials oils. Oily skin types and problem skins need a mild, foaming gel cleanser such as B-Active Sebuwash to keep excess oil under control and balance out the complexion. Always massage the cleanser carefully into the skin with your fingertips, using soft circular movements.
Toning- prep skin for treatments by removing excess residue
Q3. Are toners really useful?
Toners are undervalued- but they do perform a very useful task in any beauty routine. They help to complete the cleaning process especially if you wear makeup, removing any stray residue or excess oil that can clog your pores. Also removes dead skin cells.
Mild toners such as ionzyme c-quence toner also help to restore the PH balance on the surface of the skin and prepare it to accept skincare products. The best formulas are alcohol free, won't strip your skin of its vital oils, and will leave it feeling energised and fresh.
Q4. I have oily acne-prone skin do I need to use a toner?
An acidic toner will be beneficial for oily skin- it will pick up any left over residue after cleansing and assist in maintaining the ph balance of the skin, which in turn will reduce the risk of infection. B- active Sebutone is great for extremely oily or acne-prone skin, helping to degrease with lactic acid and disinfect with tea- tree oil.
Exfoliation-energise and revitalise skin for a radiant glow
Q5. Is exfoliation an important part of my beauty routine?
Yes and no, pre cleansing helps you to double clean skin but if it still looks dull and tired, exfoliation with a clay based mask will help to revitalise it. However, exfoliation should be as gentle as possible you don't want to damage the skin's surface by removing the outer protective layer. If you have rough skin, use a gentle exfoliating mask such as Ionzyme C-Quence energising masque it helps to stimulate blood flow, giving skin a radiant glow. Be careful not to over exfoliate even if you have problematic skin as this can strip away the skins natural oils. Moderation is the key.
Q6. My skin gets dull and dry in winter, even though I moisturise. What can I do?
Skin will be naturally drier in cold weather in the absence of sunlight; it will produce less oil, resulting in a dull complexion and more visible lines. Staying indoors in heated offices etc. you need glow therapy use vitamin infused ionzyme focus hydrating serum regularly. You can also help control crows feet (an early sign of ageing) by using Ionzyme C-Quence eye gel twice a day.
Eyes- banish puffiness and dark circles with gentle formulas
Q7. I apply eye cream at night but I always wake up with puffy eyes. What's the matter?
The eye cream might be too rich. Switch to a gentler formula, such as Ionzyme C-Quence eye gel. You could also be allergic to your eye makeup remover switch to one of environs eye makeup removers. Alcohol can contribute to swelling under the eyes, so drink water before, during and after a night out. Cut down on salt and processed food as well, as fluid retention is a big factor.
Q8. Why do I have dark circles under my eyes?
Tiredness is a big factor but this can also be genetic or a result of allergies. Get enough sleep and use a soothing moisturising eye cream enriched with vitamins and antioxidants such as Ionzyme C-Quence eye gel to help reduce the darkness. Be aware that the under eye area is very thin and easily damaged by rough handling. Pigmentation is also a factor and may be very resistant to treatment but it responds slowly to higher levels of vitamin A (which has to be taken orally and applied topically for at least a year.) sun damage can also cause dark circles under the eyes.
Body sculpt, tone and refine your skin from top to toe
Q9. My cellulite looks worse after dieting. How can I smooth out my dimply thighs?
Loosing a lot of weight quickly often leaves you with slack skin. Improve the situation with targeted toning exercises and massage the affected areas with firming creams. No cream will banish cellulite overnight but a good body cream with vitamin A and C such as body profile and vitamin A, C and E body oil can boost overall tone and make your thighs appear more sculpted. Environs cosmetic body roll cit with two tilted roller heads fit the curves of the body and enhances the penetration of active ingredients in environ body products.
Stretch marks, brown spots and scarring the tell tale patches if you can't love them, learn to live with them and make them less noticeable
Q10. How can I minimise the stretch marks on my tummy and hips?
Stretch marks are scars that form when skin tears under the surface as a result of weight changes, hormonal fluctuations or pregnancy. Massage them twice a day with vitamin A, C and E body oil and moisturise with body derma lac lotion to help the marks become less noticeable. Its hard to make stretch marks disappear but micro needling with cosmetic body roll CIT will kick start regeneration of collagen and will assist in the fading process.
Q11. How do I get rid of pregnancy pigmentation marks on my face?
Pigmentation is very common and not easy to treat but it can be minimised and disguised. Don't use any pigmentation removing products as they are generally too harsh. Intensive C-boost will help to improve patchy skin tone. Use gentle evenesence clarifying lotion to help fade the marks. Sunlight will darken the patches, so always use a broad- spectrum sun block such as sun care RAD whenever you go out. Take environ vitamins A and D or problem skin nutrition supplements to improve natural sun protection.
Skin types - discover your skin type and choose the perfect products for your skins needs
Q12. How do I know what type of skin I have?
These are the ID kits of the five skin types:
Type 1: oily skin tends to be shiny with enlarged pores and is prone to blackheads and blemishes.
Type 2: combination/normal skin has smooth; even texture with medium to small pores tends to be dry on the cheeks and oiliness on the T-zone.
Type 3: dry skin feels tight especially after cleansing, and is prone to flaking and red patches; fine lines and wrinkles show up early. Dark skins may also appear ashy.
Type 4: sensitive skin tends to be thin and delicate with fine pores; flushes easily, may have broken capillaries, can break out in rashes, and frequently shows an allergic reaction.
Type 5: skin has a rough, dry texture with visible wrinkles, slackening and brown spots.
Q13. During winter my skin gets very dry and my foundation won't apply properly. How do I prevent this?
The dryness is a result of the natural change in moisturising factors and keratin in your skin. Add extra moisturising products such as hydrating oil capsules and Ionzyme focus hydrating serum, to your skincare routine in winter and apply them straight after washing your face so the moist skin can take in the maximum benefits. Another possibility is to dilute your toner, which will make your skin feel soothed and smooth.
Skincare- vitamins restore moisture and youthfulness with skin - saving vitamins
Q14. What can skincare products containing vitamin A do for my skin?
Vitamin A helps to keep skin safe, healthy and youthful. Its antioxidant properties neutralise harmful free radicals that can cause tissue and cellular damage and lead to skin breakdown and premature ageing. No matter what your skin type, skin colour or age, vitamin A is the most important element in an effective skincare regimen and it can be found in environs vitamin A moisturisers. Vitamin A helps to improve the colour and texture of your skin, making it look brighter and fresher. It helps to repair sun damage and protects you from premature deep wrinkles. It helps minimise fine lines and wrinkles by pumping up the collagen levels of skin to keep it plump and supple. Vitamin A is also known to help fade dark spots and pigmentation even under eye circles. It boosts skins moisture levels from inside, ensuring your skin looks dewy, and strengthens skin to make it less prone to breakouts. It also helps to soften the visibility of scars and eliminate rough skin. Vitamin A is your skins best friend.
Q15. What's special about environs vitamin enriched formulas?
Environ offers real, visible results. The product ranges are founded on and backed by scientific research, and every ingredient in the various formulations is included for a specific reason. Environ creates products with the highest permissible levels of vitamin A in cosmetics, and uses only the freshest ingredients and special packaging to ensure the products are always at their prime efficacy and protected from light and air. Environ also enriches its vitamin A formulations with vitamin C and E and other antioxidants, so your skin gets a full range of support and protection. The products contain no harmful or dangerous elements. Care is taken to prevent any stress for your skin with environs unique step up system, which allows the skin to acclimatise to the different levels of vitamin A. Environ is all about protecting, preserving, caring for and saving your skin.
Q16. Why is it so important to use treatments that contain vitamins and antioxidants?
Environ helps you preserve your skins natural firmness with non-invasive methods using natures own helpers in the form of vitamins and antioxidants. Skincare products containing vitamins A, C and E and other active ingredients allow skin to be at its brightest and most beautiful. Every day skin is attacked by harmful elements that slowly erode its health and youthfulness. Whenever you go outside, UV rays destroy the vitamins and antioxidants in your skin, resulting in visible ageing and skin degeneration. Pollution, emotional stress, social and work stress, poor diet, smoking and drinking alcohol all add to the problem.
Problematic skin - learn how to handle troubled skin and get back beautiful skin
Q17. Are blackheads and white heads different things? What will budge them?
Blackheads are enlarged pores with blocked openings the black is not dirt but trapped oxidised sebum. Eliminate pore cloggers such as too rich moisturisers, heavy foundations and concealer. It's not about hygiene it's about excess oil production. Blitz blackheads by using B-active sebumasque twice a week to help unblock pores and eliminate blackheads. Avoid squeezing as it can damage pores and lead to scarring. If the blackheads are really bad, have them professionally extracted at a salon. A white head is a blackhead with a layer of dead skin over it. Use B-active sebuprep pre-cleanser to help dissolve dead skin build up.
Q18. How can I soothe pimply teenage skin?
This is a complexion problem and needs a lot of dedication, patience and perseverance, so your best bet is to consult a dermatologist. Use B-active sebuprep pre-cleanser to help clear obstructed pores without aggravating skin. Environs entire b active range and intensive colostrum gel will help. Do not pick the spots, keep skin clean and don't cover it up with loads of makeup.
Q19. I'm in my 30's and I still get acne like spots why is that?
Adult acne is on the rise and random breakouts tends to happen between the ages of 25 and 45 so its not always the fault of too much pizza, boyfriend trouble or exam nerves, wash affected skin with an exfoliating cleanser such as B-active sebuprep and use the light B-active Sebugel A moisturiser. Avoiding moisturiser altogether will cause the skin to pump out more oil. Use a topical treatment such as B-active Sebuspot, which helps control individual spots. Visit a skincare therapist for a gentle cool peel.
Sun protection, protection, protection-the secret to skin survival in the sun
Q20. What do all the numbers on my sun block mean?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. The higher the number the more protected your skin is, but it is better to use a product with a lower SPF and reapply it more often. The ideal sunscreen has an SPF of 15 to 20 as is the case in environ sun care RAD. If your skin gets red after 10 mins of exposure to sun without sunblock, then by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you will extend the time before your skin burns 15 times. However, no matter how powerful you sun cream is, you still need to reapply it every two hours. It is also much safer to reapply a broad spectrum sunscreen immediately after swimming than it would be to use a water resistant sunscreen.
Q21. I use sun block in summer do i need it throughout the year?
Never underestimate the importance of protecting skin daily against harmful rays. Environ believes that, by boosting the antioxidants and natural sunscreens such as vitamins A,C and E in your skin with environ nutritional supplements and Ionzyme c quence skincare products, you can adequately protect skin in winter during daily activities. In winter we are exposed to UVA rays. You might not get sunburn but UVA rays cause damage by generating dangerous free radicals. Natural antioxidant vitamins will protect skin from UVA rays. Be sun wise wear hats and sunglasses whenever you can during outdoor activities. If you have pigmentation problems, use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the year.
Q22. Why should I look for a sunscreen that contains antioxidants?
Antioxidants are the heroes of sun protection- they help to neutralise the harmful free radicals before they can attack your skin cells. This line of defence provides additional insurance in good sun care products. Environ sun care RAD contains antioxidants to help minimise the damage caused by UV rays. Take the problem skin nutritional supplement (which contains anopsis, which has been shown to be a natural sunscreen) or the basic antioxidant nutrition supplement daily, especially before a sunny holiday it will help to protect your skin. Also be sure to keep your vitamin input at the highest possible level with environ vitamin A and D nutritional supplement.
Q23. What's the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
The A and B indicate wavelengths UVA rays are long wave rays and UVB are medium, most UVB rays are screened out in the earths upper atmosphere before they get a chance to zap your skin, so you are more likely to be exposed to UVA rays. Both types of rays are very dangerous. UVB rays are the sunburn rays that can damage the DNA structure in the skin cells they only damage the outer layers of the skin and are responsible for burning. They also have cancer causing effects. UVA rays can penetrate to the deepest layers of the skin, causing it to age more quickly and resulting in wrinkles. It's important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen that will offer you protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Extras answers to all the questions you've always wanted to ask
Q24. What is the difference between a moisturiser and a skin serum?
Serums have become hugely popular in the fight against visible signs of ageing. A serum generally has higher water content and provides an accelerated treatment that targets specific problem areas as in the case of Ionzyme focus frown serum. Serums such as Ionzyme C-Quence 1 deposit intensive nutrients and assist in skin hydration, while moisturisers provide nutrients and form a moisture loss barrier. Moisturisers are daily treatments; serums can be used as a seasonal boost or to add radiance to the complexion. Ionzyme focus hydrating serum has higher levels of essential ingredients, so it can deliver impressive results faster. That doesn't mean you can ditch your usual moisturiser the idea is to use the two products together for the greatest benefits. Always allow the serum to be absorbed properly before applying the moisturiser over it.
Q25. What's the difference between hypoallergenic and non- comedogenic?
If a product is labelled hypoallergenic its unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. Such products are ideal for sensitive or difficult skins, but be aware that over time you can become allergic even to hypoallergenic ingredients. The term non-comedogenic is fraught with conflict in scientific circles, but it basically means the formula won't clog your pores or cause pimples. Such products are perfect for acne prone skin. Non comedogenic products are suitable for all skin types and will help you keep your skin free of spots.
Q26. What are antioxidants and what benefits do they have for my skin?
Just as oxidation creates rust on the surface of iron objects, oxidation in the body causes the breakdown of cells, producing free radicals that attack healthy cells and speed up the ageing process. Antioxidants works against these free radicals, reducing their harmful effects and aiding the repair of damaged cells. Sunlight destroys the vitamin A and antioxidants present in your skins cells so you need to compensate by using skin treatments enriched with those ingredients for example, intensive antioxidant gel. Although you absorb some antioxidants from food you eat, its best to take basic antioxidant nutritional supplement daily.
