Know Your Skin Type

When you know your skin type you get a better understanding of what it needs to stay healthy and vibrant. Our skin like everything else, changes as we get older, so it's important to know what type of skin you have.

I have had oily skin all my life, and I have always hated it because it can appear "greasy" and is very prone to breakouts. However, as I have gotten older, I have learned to appreciate my oily skin because my it's noticeably less wrinkled and aged looking.

As our skin matures, oily skin can change to combination, and women who may have had normal skin all their lives, may now notice dry patches and increased sensitivity. Estrogen levels as well as the skin’s moisture balance also starts to decrease, causing skin to lose its elasticity and firmness.

To better understand the changes that may occur in your skin as we age, it’s important that you know what skin type you have in order to keep it healthy and vibrant.

As I mentioned earlier, oily skin tends to appear shiny and greasy. This is caused by an overproduction in the sebaceous glands, making oily skin more prone to acne breakouts. The pores are larger and the texture may appear thick and coarse.

Oil-free or water-based makeup products work best for this type of skin. Despite the increased oil production, oily skin often gets dehydrated because of frequent washings to control the problem. Gentle cleansing and toning with oil-free products work best. Keep oily skin moisturized by using light, oil-free moisturizers to restore balance.

Oily skin benefits from regular facial treatments like clay masks and steam. The upside to having oily skin is that it remains younger looking and more supple than other skin types as it gets older.

Dry

The exact opposite of oily, dry skin is caused by under active oil glands. Because of its lack of natural lubrication and fine pores, dry skin tends to have a dry, dull appearance. It requires a regular amount of hydration both inside and out, so drinking plenty of water and using rich hydrating creams are a necessity.

Cream-based cleansers tend to work best along with thicker moisturizers. Dry skin has a thin, papery texture that is prone to premature ageing and sensitivity. It may also experience increased tightness and irritation during the winter months.

It’s important to keep dry skin protected from the sun by using a sunscreen of SPF of 30 or more during the day, and rich night creams at bedtime.

Normal skin is neither dry nor oily and has a soft and supple surface. The pores are small and refined with moderate sebum production, resulting in a perfectly balanced complexion. This type of skin rarely experiences acne breakouts and it has an overall smooth texture.

When applid to normal skin, makeup looks smooth and is long lasting. This skin type only requires regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing to maintain its glow. However, normal skin is susceptible to premature ageing around the eye area, due to the lack of sebaceous activity.

Combination

Skin that is dry around the cheeks, eyes and mouth, but oily on the forehead, nose and chin, or “T-zone” area is considered combination. Most women have this skin type and caring for it can be quite challenging.

With combination skin you have to balance the two skin types with different products on different areas of the face. Using a mild deep pore cleanser for the whole face will help keep the T-zone clean and clear, and reduce irritation in the dry areas. An alcohol-free toner should also be used, but only on the oily areas.

Use a good moisturizer and exfoliate the skin to keep it looking fresh. Gel masks are recommended for combination skins; however you can use a clay mask for the oily areas and a cream one for the drier cheek areas.

Sensitive skin is unique because it can be dry, normal or oily, which makes it more of a condition than a specific type. Sensitive skin is very fragile, and is prone to irritation and adverse reactions to environmental conditions. This type of skin requires special treatment and care to stay in good condition.

Women with sensitive skin must be careful when it comes to cosmetics, specifically those containing alcohol, fragrance, artificial colors, petroleum and mineral oil.

Natural and Hypo-allergenic products tend to work best, but always do an allergy patch test before using any cosmetic product. Gentle cleansing and moisturizing with natural products, along with light steaming and essential oils are beneficial to the health of sensitive skin. Products like rose water and Witch Hazel can help calm irritation and promote softness.