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What is my skin type?

RECOGNISING THE SKIN

Proper protection and care are the essentials of beautiful skin and that means using the right products in the right way. But before you can find the products and skin care program most appropriate for your needs, you must be able to evaluate your individual skin type.

Skin changes for many reasons- it may occur due to improper diet and nutrition, lack of water, lifestyle choices, age, improper skin care, the harsh environment like sun, wind, pollution, stress or from injuries and the seasons. There are 4 major skin types and then within these are some other skin conditions. These are listed below. These 4 major skin types are there to identify the basic skin type.

SKIN TYPES

DESCRIPTION

Normal Skin Type

“NORMAL” does not mean “ most common ”, in fact true normal skin is quite rare. It appears, clear, smooth, soft, and supple, with uniform, even texture and pigment. Excellent circulation, good cell renewal , fine in texture with no wrinkles nor open pores. Normal skin has few or no blemishes, no oily sheen or dry spots and is not overly sensitive to the sun. There is a high water content in the outer most layer of the skin.

Combination Skin Type

Combination skin is a mixture of both oily and dry skin within different sections of the face. Usually there is a greasy or oily panel down the nasal , chin and forehead areas. Dry sections can occur around the outer areas being the cheeks, eye area, mouth and neck. It is necessary to treat this skin type without irritating the different areas. This may require the use of two different products for

moisturising and just one type for cleansing. The objective is to maintain or reduce the dryness of the cheek and neck areas. Deep cleansing is necessary to reduce the sebaceous gland activity on the centre panel, if oily.

Dry Skin Type

Dry skin lacks sebum. Usually noticeable in the t zone and cheeks. Skin appears taut, fragile and dull and there is often flaking especially on the cheeks. The pores are fine, and fine lines appear early around the eyes and mouth and forehead. Blemishes are rarely a problem but dry skin is extremely sensitive to the sun and cold. Our skin can also become dry if we are exposed to the elements, wind, winter or if we lack nutrients like vitamin A & B. This skin type can occur at any age but is seen most often in women over the age of 30.

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin has excess sebum production and is often evident by shiny skin especially on the t zone. Open and enlarged pores are evident particularly on the nose, chin and cheeks. The skin looks soft and supple and there are few wrinkles, but acne blemishes may be a problem. The sebaceous or oil glands are influenced by the male hormones androgens, present in both males and females. They are naturally more active at puberty but will slow with age. Other effects are stress, fatty foods, sugars, alcohol. Regular deep cleansing which does not strip the acid mantle completely is necessary to reduce comedones.

( blackhead development). Oily skin tans easily and seldom burns and is most common in women under 30.

SKIN CONDITIONS	DESCRIPTION
Sensitive Skin	Sensitive skin is usually dry with fine pores. There may be broken capillaries over the cheeks and nose. This condition can be present with all other skin types. It is easily reddened and reactive. Reactions could occur from heat, cold, pressure, irritation or nervous conditions. It often responds to an allergic stimulus. Persistent, heavy treatments or the use of irritating products will cause broken capillaries.
Dehydrated Skin	This skin will often feel taut, scaly, itchy and have surface lines. It can be identified by s extreme dryness. It may be dull or pale due to a poor circulation and have a fine orange peel appearance. This is a skin lacking in water and is often a temporary condition which can be rectified in combined ways. Re-hydration can be achieved by external application in the salon or at home, and by increasing the dietary water intake. Causes may be due to environmental extremes, internal imbalances, medication, extreme alcohol, recent operation, menopause, lack of vitamin A & E and essential fatty acids. Spritzing is an important part of their regime.
Mature or Aging Skin	Mature skin is not always found on a mature person. Premature aging is possible. Possible causes are medication, stress, lifestyle, environment, dieting and ultraviolet light. Characterised by skin loosing its firmness, fine lines turn into wrinkles, brown spots can appear and there may be softness around the jaw line. Facial treatments should aim to improve skin texture , tone and colour and aid muscle strength.
Couperose Skin	The characteristic of this skin type is redness, blochy, dilated and broken capillaries and is usually around and over the cheek area, occurring in finer, thin and sensitive skin types. Probable causes are - heat, exercise and excessive temperatures, diet (spicy foods, red wine), caffeine, nicotine, improper skin care and can also be a genetic inheritance.
Acne Vulgaris	Acne is an inflammation of the pilo sebaceous canals causing blackheads (comedones), papules (inflammation) and pustules (white heads). The skin can look red and sore, clogged and blocked. Scarring can occur. Probable causes are adolescence and hormones.