Skin Care and Types of Skin
Understanding your skin type is one of the first |steps almost all people take when determining a skin care regimen. However, many people don’t consider is that a person’s skin type often doesn’t fall into any one catgory that are often used to outline skin type. Before you can build a skin care plan this is beneficial for you, it is wise to get past the oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin categories and realize that everyone has some form of combination skin. Combination skin is simply a way to say that parts of each person’s skin may have one skin type and some parts will have a different one.
To give you an example, on your face, you may experience dry skin on your cheek and neck areas and at the same time have oily skin on the forehead, nose and chin, also known as the T-zone. For some, this situation may exist on the back, arms, chest, etc. When using skin care products you should be cautious not to just use the ones that treat one unique skin type. A heavy moisturizer on oily skin is not recommended since it can block your pores and promote even more oil (sebum) on the skin.
Below are the four basic skin types and some basic suggestions for good skin care for each. In no way is this a exhaustivecomprehensive guide but can help you in determining which type of products should be used to treat each type of skin.
Oily Skin Type
This skin type is almost always caused by problems related to the sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands generate sebum which is the oily substance that causes greasy, shiny (oily) skin. The areas most associated with this type of skin are in the T-zone on the face, the back and chest. Medium to large pores are also common with this skin type and this is a main reason why acne and blemishes are usually associated with oily skin (although it is clogged pores that are usually the culprit).
Skin care for oily skin should include cleansing with water, gel, milk or clay based cleansers. These eliminate oil without stripping away the moisture in the skin. Herbal astringents are also good to deep clean - avoid alcohol based skin toners. Lightweight moisturizer (aloe based) is a must to avoid stimulating more oil production.
Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks the natural oil and moisture production that the skin relies on to remain balanced and soft. Scaly, flaky texture that is rough to the touch is most often seen with dry skin. Small pores and tightness are commonly related with this skin type and fine lines will appear more quickly on dry skin.
Skin care should likely include a moisture rich cleanser such as those found in milk or cream based solutions. Try to avoid using commercially produced bar soaps and other skin products that may trigger the skin to become even more dry. Essential oils are also a good ingredient to look for. Skin toners should be used lightly. The ingredients used by these can irritate dry skin. Heavy moisturizes are a excellent good way to go after exfoliating the dead cells that show up more frequently with dry skin. These cells can clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
Sensitive Skin
When the skin is sensitive, it reacts quicker to irritants than the other skin types. Substances in skin care products and environmental conditions often leave the skin raw and red. The goal in treating sensitive skin is provide the nutrients and moisture that are required without introducing compounds that cause inflammation and irritation. Sensitive skin also often marked by a dry skin condition.
Skin care for sensitive skin is best when free of all fragrances and color additives. Natural or organic treatments are a good option here, especially those with aloe, jojoba and other organic essential oils. With cleansing and toning, the key goal is “non-abrasive”. What you want to avoid is to directly apply abrasive cloths, scrubs or chemicals. Light to medium weight moisturizers and emollients are a great choice.
Older Skin
Elderly skin type is skin that is starting to show the signs of aging. Loose skin, rougher texture and wrinkles are the hallmarks of skin aging. Almost all of these effects can be directly attributed to sun exposure over time. Though inconvenient for most people to use on a daily basis, sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to dodging the appearance of skin aging.
Skin care for aging skin should also have a nutrient and vitamin rich moisturizing cleanser one to two times a day. Light astringents or skin toners are preferable as is any product that can care for the underlying structures of the skin such as alpha hydroxy acids. Water based moisturizers that are easily taken in by the skin and light to medium weight are preferred over heavy products.