Skin Types
A person's facial skin can vary at different times during our lives due to diet, lifestyle, habits, illnesses, and any other number of reasons. Skin Classifications (from pale to dark brown) can be ANY skin type. There are no rules when it comes down to Skin Classifications and Skin Types. There are five basic face Skin Types: Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive, and Combination.
It is recommended that each one of us knows what kind of skin type we have. This is necessary so we can work out how to take care of our skin and what products we should use. Remember, our skin is a living organ and not all skin types are the same or react the same to products out in the market. It is all about trial and error. What works for me may not work for you and viceversa. Also, if you become ill or even moving to a different area may affect the way products work. If you were using a product before and something in your life changes, that product may not work as well or at all anymore. Your skin adapts just like the rest of your body to any changes.
So, let's move on to describing each Skin Type and how to take care of it based on the type you are:
DRY SKIN
Dry Skin is caused by underactive or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It usually has a dull appearance with a thin and papery texture to it. It feels dry and itchy to the touch. Sometimes, because of the lack of sebum in the skin, it may be sensitive. The pores tend to be very fine and a patchy discoloration is not uncommon.
After a wash, the face skin feels tight. By midday, flaky patches appear on the skin. This type of skin is not prone to acne; therefore, it hardly ever breaks out.
How do I take care of my Dry Skin?
Dry skin must be hydrated regularly from the inside and the outside, which means drinking LOTS of water, misting your face throughout the day and using rich, hydrating moisturizers. A cream cleanser or make-up removers are best for this type of skin.
NORMAL SKIN
In Normal Skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state - not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. The pores on normal skin are visible (but not large or clogged), and by midday it still looks fresh and clean. It may or may not occasionally break out in spots.
How do I take care of my Normal Skin?
It is a blessing to have this type of skin, although it is uncommon. Regardless, it still needs attention and care. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
To cleanse your skin, start by using a gentle foaming facial wash and massage it into your face. Rinse with cool water and apply toner. Dot moisturizer onto your skin and massage it in with your fingers. Voilá!
OILY SKIN
Oily Skin is caused by glands that produce too much sebum resulting in skin that has a greasy, slippery texture. It appears shiny and has large, clogged pores. Oily skin is prone to develop acne. Despite many drawbacks, oily skin generally remains looking younger and more supple over time than other skin types.
How do I take care of my Oily Skin?
Make sure to use a foaming facial wash twice. The first wash you will remove dirt and oil and will bring up oil from the underlayers to the surface. The second wash will remove the additional oil that was brought up to the surface without stripping away moisture. This prevents skin from further break-outs. Soak cotton wool in a gentle, natural astringent (such as Witch Hazel) and sweep it over your skin to refresh and cool it. Never dry your skin with a towel, you want that extra moisture to stay on the surface. Do NOT skip using moisturizer! Skipping on moisturizer will allow your skin to replenish any oils it feels it's missing aggravating the problem. Instead, with a wet face, apply your moisturizer and rub onto your skin until it sinks into it. You will notice the difference within 2 weeks :)
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive Skin can be dry, normal, or combination. It is characterized by its delicacy, which is why a lot of dermatologists believe this is a condition more than a skin type. This skin type frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and cosmetics containing alcohol, synthetically manufactured oil-type ingredients, and artificial colors. It often requires special treatments in order to remain in good condition.
How do I take care of my Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin benefits greatly from natural, gentle, or mineral skin care products and treatments, including light steaming and some essential oils.
Also, do not use facial washes or soap, instead use a light, hypoallergenic cleansing lotion. Use a moisturizer to strengthen your skin and provide a barrier against irritants. Make sure to use unperfumed moisturizer so you don't irritate your skin.
COMBINATION SKIN
Most people have at least two different types at any given time. It is the most common skin type in the world. Combination skin is usually characterized by an oily "T-Zone" area (forehead, nose, and chin) while the skin around the cheeks, eyes, and mouth is normal or dry.
How do I take care of my Combination Skin?
The different types of skin call for different treatments, so people with combination skin should assess their skin regularly and use different products on different areas of the face.
In the mornings, used a foaming facial wash to cleanse your skin. In the evenings, use a cream cleanser to soothe the dry areas. This will keep a balance between excess dryness and excess oiliness. Use a strong astringent for your oily areas and a mild skin freshener for the dry areas. Use moisturizer on your whole face, but make sure to concentrate on the drier areas.
It is recommended that each one of us knows what kind of skin type we have. This is necessary so we can work out how to take care of our skin and what products we should use. Remember, our skin is a living organ and not all skin types are the same or react the same to products out in the market. It is all about trial and error. What works for me may not work for you and viceversa. Also, if you become ill or even moving to a different area may affect the way products work. If you were using a product before and something in your life changes, that product may not work as well or at all anymore. Your skin adapts just like the rest of your body to any changes.
So, let's move on to describing each Skin Type and how to take care of it based on the type you are:
DRY SKIN
Dry Skin is caused by underactive or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It usually has a dull appearance with a thin and papery texture to it. It feels dry and itchy to the touch. Sometimes, because of the lack of sebum in the skin, it may be sensitive. The pores tend to be very fine and a patchy discoloration is not uncommon.
After a wash, the face skin feels tight. By midday, flaky patches appear on the skin. This type of skin is not prone to acne; therefore, it hardly ever breaks out.
How do I take care of my Dry Skin?
Dry skin must be hydrated regularly from the inside and the outside, which means drinking LOTS of water, misting your face throughout the day and using rich, hydrating moisturizers. A cream cleanser or make-up removers are best for this type of skin.
NORMAL SKIN
In Normal Skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state - not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. The pores on normal skin are visible (but not large or clogged), and by midday it still looks fresh and clean. It may or may not occasionally break out in spots.
How do I take care of my Normal Skin?
It is a blessing to have this type of skin, although it is uncommon. Regardless, it still needs attention and care. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
To cleanse your skin, start by using a gentle foaming facial wash and massage it into your face. Rinse with cool water and apply toner. Dot moisturizer onto your skin and massage it in with your fingers. Voilá!
OILY SKIN
Oily Skin is caused by glands that produce too much sebum resulting in skin that has a greasy, slippery texture. It appears shiny and has large, clogged pores. Oily skin is prone to develop acne. Despite many drawbacks, oily skin generally remains looking younger and more supple over time than other skin types.
How do I take care of my Oily Skin?
Make sure to use a foaming facial wash twice. The first wash you will remove dirt and oil and will bring up oil from the underlayers to the surface. The second wash will remove the additional oil that was brought up to the surface without stripping away moisture. This prevents skin from further break-outs. Soak cotton wool in a gentle, natural astringent (such as Witch Hazel) and sweep it over your skin to refresh and cool it. Never dry your skin with a towel, you want that extra moisture to stay on the surface. Do NOT skip using moisturizer! Skipping on moisturizer will allow your skin to replenish any oils it feels it's missing aggravating the problem. Instead, with a wet face, apply your moisturizer and rub onto your skin until it sinks into it. You will notice the difference within 2 weeks :)
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive Skin can be dry, normal, or combination. It is characterized by its delicacy, which is why a lot of dermatologists believe this is a condition more than a skin type. This skin type frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and cosmetics containing alcohol, synthetically manufactured oil-type ingredients, and artificial colors. It often requires special treatments in order to remain in good condition.
How do I take care of my Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin benefits greatly from natural, gentle, or mineral skin care products and treatments, including light steaming and some essential oils.
Also, do not use facial washes or soap, instead use a light, hypoallergenic cleansing lotion. Use a moisturizer to strengthen your skin and provide a barrier against irritants. Make sure to use unperfumed moisturizer so you don't irritate your skin.
COMBINATION SKIN
Most people have at least two different types at any given time. It is the most common skin type in the world. Combination skin is usually characterized by an oily "T-Zone" area (forehead, nose, and chin) while the skin around the cheeks, eyes, and mouth is normal or dry.
How do I take care of my Combination Skin?
The different types of skin call for different treatments, so people with combination skin should assess their skin regularly and use different products on different areas of the face.
In the mornings, used a foaming facial wash to cleanse your skin. In the evenings, use a cream cleanser to soothe the dry areas. This will keep a balance between excess dryness and excess oiliness. Use a strong astringent for your oily areas and a mild skin freshener for the dry areas. Use moisturizer on your whole face, but make sure to concentrate on the drier areas.