St. Georges Day is here tomorrow!! The Ultimate Guide to the 6 Different English Complexion Types!
The Skinsmith | 22nd April 2024
What exactly is St. Georges Day?
St. George is the patron saint of England and 23rd April is his feast day, interestingly it’s also Shakespeare Day with 23rd April widely accepted as the day of his birth and recorded as the day of his death in 1616 at the age of 52. St. George, while hailed as a national hero of England was actually born more than 2000 miles away in Cappadocia (modern day Turkey).
England is an ethnically diverse society as a whole, with 16.1% of the population made up of people from ethnic minority backgrounds according to the Office for National Statistics based on population surveys from 2019.
There are great records of immigration to the British Isles dating back over 1000 years which has all added to the wonderful communities found in England today. This means there are a lot of different skin complexions to consider and what is good for one skin type/complexion is not necessarily good for another. Luckily Eminence has over 200 different skin products to choose from and they cover all different skin types, complexions, and issues.
Whatever your skin types, it’s all that stands between you and the world so taking care of it is important. It’s the largest organ you have, and one of the few that is almost constantly exposed to the elements. Looking after your skin is a little different from looking after the rest of your body although not unrelated and of course skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on where your skin falls on the complexion spectrum, it has unique and specific needs.
The different types of complexions fit into six different groups, following is a little guide including must have information on how to identify and care for each type. We’ve added in some additional steps everyone can take for healthier, happier skin and a great selection of Eminence products that can be used to best effect on different skin complexions.
Type 1: Very Fair or Extremely Fair Skin
Very fair or extremely fair skin is the lightest of the skin complexion types and also known as type one skin. This lighter skin tone has very little melanin and appears pale white in colour. It’s characterized by extreme susceptibility to:
- Redness
- Freckling
- Burning
People with very fair complexion types often have an eye colour that is light blue, grey, or green and a hair colour that is either red or light blond.
An effective skincare routine for very fair skin is nothing without sunblock. When applying your daily skin care products, at least one should contain SPF. SPF is crucial to preventing harm caused by sun damage, beyond the occasional sunburn. If you have a very fair complexion type, learning exactly what helps sunburn and taking those additional preventative steps to protect your skin is essential.
Lilikoi Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 40 is an all-in-one lightweight daily moisturiser containing cocoa seed extract, satsuma mandarin peel and SPF 40 non-nano particle all mineral protection. It greatly Improves the appearance of skin that is exposed to blue light stress and pollution. While it’s suitable for all skin types it is great for protecting very fair skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is a lightweight, advanced serum for all skin types but it will really help to protect those more delicate skins. The potent Vitamin C in this serum is stabilised by botanically derived ferulic acid delivering antioxidants to help brighten skin, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of free radical damage.
Type 2: Fair Skin
Type two skin is known as fair skin. People with this fair skin type of complexion often have a blue, green, or grey eye colour, along with lighter hair colour. They have slightly darker skin than very fair skin, although it is still susceptible to frequent burning and freckling, especially after prolonged exposure to the sun.
Unlike type one skin, however, people with fair skin are likely to tan after a burn. They’re also likely to experience skin peeling as a sunburn heals. That said, people with fair skin should still be diligent about applying sunscreen, limiting their sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing.
The care needs of fair skin types of complexion are unique. They include:
- Prioritising hydration: Fair skin tends to run on the dry side, so if you have fair skin, be sure that you’re using hydrating face washes and moisturisers with hydration-locking ingredients.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Look out for super-astringent cleansers and avoid those that are heavily fragranced. There’s a good chance they’ll only irritate fair skin.
- Opt for products that include SPF protection: From your moisturisers to your foundation, try to use products that include SPF in their ingredients.
Radiant Protection SPF Fluid is a vegan friendly all mineral sunscreen with bakuchiol + niacinamide provides SPF 30 broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this reef friendly, lightweight, nourishing fluid applies easily for a dewy, hydrated finish. Apply daily as the final step in your routine for sun protection designed to improve the texture and smoothness of your skin.
Mangosteen Gel Moisturiser is a lightweight gel-cream moisturiser. This unique pore-minimising, hydrating formula begins as a dewy gel then beautifully melts into the skin for a smooth, matte finish. For best results, layer over Mangosteen daily Resurfacing Concentrate.
Type 3: Medium Skin
Medium skin is the third type of skin complexion. It’s recognizable for its light beige colour, although it may have richer, slightly gold undertones. Although it’s darker than fair and very fair skin, it may still burn occasionally, so protecting it from the sun is important. Instead of freckles or peeling, however, those with a medium skin type will experience rather tanned skin following a burn.
Among complexion types, medium skin is right in the middle. People with medium skin complexion types might also have light brown hair or dark blonde and brown or hazel eyes.
Caring for medium skin means:
- Avoiding harsh exfoliants – Your medium skin is still sensitive to the sun, so you don’t want to risk damaging the layers of it that protect you from the UV rays.
- Use gentle cleansers and toner – Medium-types benefit from cleansers that aren’t so astringent they dry skin out. Toners that help your skin soak up moisture are also a good idea.
Stone Crop Gel Wash is a gentle facial cleanser with oil-free extracts from the stone crop plant to wash away impurities without drying out the skin. Ideal for those with even the most sensitive skin, this gel wash helps even skin tone and minimise the appearance of blemishes to impart a healthy-looking complexion.
Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist is a collagen boosting tonique with Natural Retinol Alternative and Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells for all skin types, especially Mature/Ageing skins.
Type 4: Olive or Light Brown Skin
Number four among skin complexion types is olive skin, which appears light brown in colour. If you have this type of complexion, your hair and eyes are probably dark brown. You may experience sunburn on occasion, although you’re more likely to develop tan skin following sun exposure.
That said, the sun can still be detrimental to your skin even if it isn’t causing sunburn. If you have this type of complexion, you should still keep the sunblock handy, apply it regularly when you’re in the sun, and limit your exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
One of the biggest risks of this skin type is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. PIH occurs after the skin becomes inflamed, resulting in discoloration, typically turning the skin one of the following colours:
- Brown
- Purple
- Tan
To avoid PIH, your skincare routine should favour products that won’t irritate your skin. Familiarize yourself with how to read and understand the ingredient labels on the products you use so that you can avoid harsh fragrances, along with other ingredients.
Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel is an enzyme peel that will accelerate the exfoliation process by removing dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines, and sun damage. It’s a delicious purée of yam and pumpkin that leaves the skin looking firm and radiant.
Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturiser is an ultra-light daily moisturiser that detoxifies and clears the appearance of problem skin, while leaving behind the appearance of irritation or clogged pores. Cucumber and tea tree help prevent the appearance of blemishes and reduce the appearance of inflammation while probiotics exfoliate and soothe the complexion.
Type 5: Brown Skin
Among the types of complexions, the fifth type is brown skin. This colour is a few shades darker than olive. People with type five complexion types very rarely experience sunburn, although tanning is very likely. Their hair is usually dark brown or black.
Brown skin is especially prone to a condition known as hyperpigmentation, which causes the skin to visibly darken in small or large patches all over the body. Sometimes, hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin, which is what gives all skin its colour. But other factors, like skin inflammation, can also play a part.
For that reason, people with type five skin should be wary of products that irritate their skin and cause inflammation. Instead, opt for gentle products that calm and refresh your skin, those made with chamomile and calendula extracts.
Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser will gently remove impurities from your skin. Infused with chamomile, arnica and rosemary, this calming cream cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin that is prone to redness.
Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum will reveal the look of your skin’s luminous complexion, it’s an extra strength brightening serum and product enhancer, infused with Natural Hydroquinone Alternative and Gigawhite™.
Type 6: Black Skin
The last of the skin complexion types is black skin. This is the darkest skin on the spectrum thanks to an increased supply of melanin. This melanin helps protect darker skin from sunburn, which very seldomly occurs.
This skin complexion type is also susceptible to hyperpigmentation, which means that if you have type six skin, you should avoid any products that could cause it. Again, inflammation is among the biggest risks here. That means your skincare products should be non-abrasive and free of fragrances and harsh chemicals that dry out skin, like Alcohol or SLS and SLES.
Stone Crop Whip Moisturiser contains the juice and pulp of the stone crop plant. Stone Crop is a natural succulent that’s been used for centuries as a first-aid plant. As a key part of this effective moisturiser, it heals, reduces the appearance of irritation, and gently clarifies the skin’s appearance.
Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream will Stimulate your skin while you sleep. This cream repairs the appearance of ageing skin and returns firmness during a very important time – the most active renewal happens while we rest. By harnessing the active nutrients of blueberry and soy milk, you can wake up looking great.
Discover The Benefits of skincare tailored to your complexion By...
You can also learn more about the key benefits of exfoliation by speaking to a member of our experienced and friendly team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
