How can I determine my skin type?

You can determine your skin type by observing how your skin feels and looks throughout the day, performing simple tests like the blotting paper method, or consulting a skincare professional.

Why is knowing my skin type important?

Understanding your skin type helps you choose the right skincare products and treatments to maintain healthy skin and address specific concerns effectively.

Can my skin type change over time?

Yes, factors like age, environment, hormones, and lifestyle can cause your skin type to change over time.

What treatments are best for different skin types?

Dry skin benefits from hydrating treatments like skin boosters, oily skin can improve with deep cleansing peels and microneedling, sensitive skin requires gentle care, and combination skin may need tailored approaches.

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is a prescription-only, medical-grade treatment that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles by blocking nerve signals. It softens dynamic wrinkles, revealing a naturally refreshed appearance while preserving facial expression.

How long do Botox results last?

Typically, Botox results last 3 to 4 months, though individual factors such as metabolism and muscle strength can influence longevity.

What are dermal fillers and what do they treat?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours such as lips, cheeks, and jawline, creating a youthful, natural look.

How long do dermal filler results last?

Results vary depending on the type of filler but typically last between 6 to 18 months.

What is microneedling and what are its benefits?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment using fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production. It improves skin texture, reduces scars, fine lines, and promotes overall skin rejuvenation.

What is skin rejuvenation treatment?

Skin rejuvenation includes a variety of treatments designed to improve skin tone, texture, and appearance, such as chemical peels, laser therapies, and medical-grade skincare.

Are these treatments safe?

Yes, all treatments are performed by our experienced doctor in a professional clinic environment, ensuring safety, precision, and natural-looking results.

Is there downtime after these treatments?

Most treatments require minimal to no downtime. Some patients may experience mild redness or swelling that usually resolves within a few days.

Close-up side profiles of four women with different skin tones. Photo is an image used for Dr Caroline Warden Aesthetic Clinic in Hale, Altrincham and in Disley, cheshire

Skin Types

What are the different skin types?

Skin care routines do not need to be overly complicated, but they do need to be tailored to your skin type, and your skin type is determined by your genetics. To make building a routine as easy as possible, we can break skin down into 6 main groups:

Oily/ Acne Prone
Dry
Normal,
Combination
Sensitive
Mature

Each group has its own set of traits which can help you to decide which category your skin falls into. It is likely that you are a combination of more than just one skin type

Although you can't change your type, skin becomes drier as we age and is also affected by other factors such as climate, lifestyle, your diet, seasonal changes and hormones.

Dr Caroline Warden in pink dress standing in a room with a dresser and a vase of tulips. Taken at Dr Caroline Warden Aesthetic Clinic in Hale, Altrincham and she also does satellite clinics in Disley, cheshire

How to find out your skin type?

A young woman with long brown hair touching her neck gently, looking downwards with a serene expression. Picture is an photo used for Dr Caroline Warden Aesthetic Clinic in Hale, Altrincham and in Disley, cheshire

Oily/ Acne-Prone Skin

Common Traits

Excessive oil production

Shiny sheen across the forehead
Prone to blackheads and acne breakouts
Large, visible pores
Post-blemish hyperpigmentation
Scarring typically from nodules and cysts damaging the nearby skin

Types of`Breakouts

A diagram of various common skin blemishes including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, with descriptions of each type. Picture is an image used for Dr Caroline Warden Aesthetic Clinic in Hale, Altrincham and in Disley

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

Comedones are considered non-inflammatory acne lesions and may be open or closed. Closed comedones or whiteheads are small plugged follicles, the contents of which are not exposed to the skin.

Blackheads (Open Comedones)

Open comedones or blackheads are small follicles with dilated openings to the skin allowing oxidation of the debris within the follicle leading to the black color. Though many believe these lesions represent dirt, they cannot be washed away and are not representative of poor hygiene.

Papules

Papules are typically found on the forehead & chin, giving skin a bumpy texture. They are small, red bumps with no visible pus. They can feel tender to the touch.

Pustules

Pustules can looking similar to papules in size and shape. They are filled with white or yellow pus, often having a red base and a white top.

Nodules

Nodules are large, painful, solid lumps beneath the skin. They develop deeper in the skin and can cause scarring.

Cysts

Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps. The most severe type of acne, often leading to long-term scarring.

Photo of a group of five women in nude-colored lingerie hugging and smiling joyfully. Picture is an image used for Dr Caroline Warden Aesthetic Clinic in Hale, Altrincham and in Disley, cheshire

The Fitzpatrick Scale

This is a scientific classification that identifies six different skin types according to the amount of pigment in the skin and the skin's reaction to sun or ultraviolet light exposure. These skin types are a guideline.

Some people may not fit exactly into one category. For example they might appear fair, but their skin may actually tolerate the sun better than most other fair skinned individuals.

Why is it important to know your skin type and Fitzpatrick type?

Knowing your Fitzpatrick skin type can help you make better decisions about how to look after your skin in the sun. Those with type l to 2 skin have higher chances of developing skin cancer.

Even so, every skin type needs sunscreen protection. Darker skin pigments need to be careful of treatments which may cause hyperpigmentation, such as deep chemical peels, laser treatment and cryotherapy.

A chart illustrating different skin types, hair colors, and eye colors, along with their tanning abilities and tendencies for freckles and burns, labeled from Type I to Type VI. Picture is an image used for Dr Caroline Warden Aesthetic Clinic in Hale

Fitzpatrick Type I and II

Those with type I and Il skin have a much higher chances of developing skin cancer with prolonged sun exposure because their skin is more sensitive and less able to protect itself. Individuals with this skin type need to use a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50, every single day.

Whilst types I and Il are more sensitive to sun exposure, all skin types on the Fitzpatrick scale need sunscreen protection, so although Types V and VI never burn and are more resilient, they still need vital sun protection.

Fitzpatrick Type V and VI