Skin types

KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPES

WHAT IS YOUR SKIN TYPE ?

It's quite common for people to misdiagnose their skin type: 60-70% believe they have sensitive skin, where as it's estimated that only 15% have truly sensitive skin. Often, skin type is determined by the products you use, or else you identify your skin's needs but don't take into cosideration how modern living influences the way it behaves. Hormonal changes, diet, extreme weather, stress, and external aggressors, such as pollution and smoking, all play a vital role in determining skin type. How skin feels and behaves will change from time to time, with the seasons and as we age. To identify your skin type, try this simple test:

When you wake up, press a tissue into your complexion. If there no oil marking on the tissue, it is likely that you have dry or dehydrated skin. If there is a minimal amount of oil, you probably have normal skin. If oil appears where the tissue was placed around the nose, chin and forehead, you have oily skin and if there are irregular oil patches, it indicates you have combination skin.

All of us would like to have what is considered normal skin, which has an even tone, smooth texture, feels soft and supple, and usually isn't too oily or too dry or prone to break-outs. Provided
you find the appropriate skincare regime, all of us could have near perfect skin. If you have been blessed with a great complexion, look after it.

SKIN TYPES

There are several skin types: dry skin, oily skin, problem skin, combination skin, sensitive skin,and dark complexions. In this article, i define each of skin types as:

Dry skin - Dry skins are lacking in the skin's natural lubricant, know as sebum. This substance is produced by the sebaceous glands, but the activity of these glands does slow down with age. Dry skin also lack the ability to retain moisture effectively. To help preserve this moisture-retaining barrier, avoid using soap and water to cleanse your face. The soap will heighten moisture loss and constant wetting and drying of the skin can step up dryness.

Oily skin - characterised by sebaceous glands which are overactive, oily skin can affect people of all ages. Normally, the production of sebum peaks during puberty and settles after these years but stress, hormonal changes and harsh skincare preparation can step up the activity of the sebaceous glands later in life. Oily skin will age well as the skin always be well hydrated. To keep oil secretion at bay, cleanse the skin thoroughly using an oil or gel cleanser.

Problem skin - acne is becoming increasingly common for people in later life. Now, one in 20 people have acne after 25. Acne is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands which is controlled by androgens. Stress and hormonal changes are the main culprits for triggering serious break-outs. It can be treated with over-the-counter preparations, antibiotic creams, oral antibiotics, the pill, or in severe cases, Roacutane. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate and fatty foods have not been proven to make problem skin worse.

Combination skin - is typified by oily areas around the nose, chin, and forehead, and dry patches on the cheeks. You don't need to splash out on numerous skincare products to treat the different areasm but be aware of how you use the preparations. Cleanse twice a day using a gentle, soap-free cleansing wash or an oil-based cream cleanser, massaged into the oily areas and lightly worked over the rest of the face.

Sensitive skin - is not a necessarily a hereditary condition. it is often caused by external factors such as harsh ingredients in cosmetic preparations, surfactants (detergent in cleansers and soaps) or stress. Usually, it's because the skin has a overactive immune system or supersensitive nerve endings which are triggered by the slightest irritant. Keep your regime very simple and use skincare products which are hypoallergenic and allergy tested, and do not contains irritants such as fragrance, alkohol, chemical sunscreen and colourants.

Dark complexions - are thicker and more resilient than lighter-coloured skin. They have numerous sweat glands which can cause problems with oiliness but also mean the skin will age well. To keep oil secretions under control, use specialist products and oil-free preparations or cosmetics which have a matt finish. Dark complexions naturally renew themselves quicker than paler skin, which is why they usually look much smoother and feel softer.