HOW TO KNOW AND MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN TYPE

The skin is a reflection of overall wellness. A lot of people still don't know how to care for their skin, their skintype and the suitable products for their skin. We believe that after using sponge,soap and water we are good to go. We make a lot of mistakes while taking care of our skin and while choosing our skin care products which affects it in so many ways. A lot of skin care products we buy  contains harmful chemicals which damages our skin. 

    Every skin type reacts differently to each ingredient. Commercial products made for the entire population may not really be the best bet for your skin! Which is why knowing your unique skin type is extremely essential for your skincare. 

      

   THE SKIN

The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold. 

The skin has three layers:

*The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.

*The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

*The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

Our main focus is the outer layer which is the epidermis. The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.      

SKIN TYPES

A. Normal Skin

Normal skin also known as eudermic is neither too oily nor too dry. It tends to have balanced pH levels , sebum production and good blood circulation. Characteristics includes:

   Smooth texture

   Fine pores

   No sensitivity

   No blemishes

   Few or no breakouts 

Tips to maintain Normal Skin type 

# Stay Hydrated

# Wear Sunscreen (An oil-free sunscreen is recommended to avoid clogging skin pores.

# Moisturize :Moisturizers are a must for any skin type. They keep the skin moist and prevent it from overproducing sebum.

# Remove Your Makeup Before Sleeping

Makeup can clog pores and lead to breakouts. 

# Wash/Cleanse Your Face Before Sleeping. Wash your face every night before you sleep. Dirt and bacteria from outside can clog pores 

B. Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by a greasy appearance. This skin type is prone to acne breakouts. Oily skin is the result of excess sebum production.

How Can You Identify Oily Skin?

 Greasy appearance

 Open/Big pores

 Prone to breakouts

What Causes Oily Skin?

# Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances during puberty or pregnancy can result in oily skin.

# Climate: If you live in a humid environment, it is likely to result in oily skin.

# Genetics 

# Exfoliating Too Much/Using Harsh Soaps 

Tips For Oily Skin Types:

# Moisturize Regularly

# Stay Hydrated

# Wash Your Face Twice A Day. Don’t overwash. Overwashing can remove necessary oils from your skin. This can result in sensitive skin and make it more oil-prone.

C. Dry Skin

Dry skin is determined by flaky and rough texture. It can at times feel tight and cause irritation.

What Causes Dry Skin?

# Genetics

# Season:Dry skin is more common in dry climates and in the winter season due to lack of humidity.

# Long showers: If you spend long hours in the shower, it can rip your skin of its necessary oils. This contributes to dry skin.

# Age :As you grow older, sebum production in your skin reduces. This can result in flaky skin.

Tips For Dry Skin Type

# Moisturize your skin regularly to keep it soft and hydrated

# Don’t spend too much time in the shower

# Pat your skin gently while drying yourself up

# Drink lots of water

# Use a humidifier to retain your skin’s natural moisture

# Use sunscreen to prevent your skin from getting dehydrated

 

D. Combination Skin

Combination skin is a mixture of two skin types - dry skin and oily skin.

How Can You Identify Combination Skin?

Oily T-zone and dry cheeks, breakouts only on forehead, chin and nose and sensitive cheeks. 

 Causes Combination Skin

# Genetics

# Products: Sometimes, harsh products can cause a change in skin type and contribute to excess sebum production in the T-zone.

# Change in Climate 

Tips For Combination Skin

# Use Cleansers:Harsh products may clog your pores. Using a gentle cleanser is recommended.

# Exfoliate gently and once in a while. 

# Wear Sunscreen: Choose an oil-free sunscreen if you have combination skin.

# Maintain Two Separate Skin Care Routines:Products that work for dry skin may be harsh on oily skin. Follow a separate skincare regimen for your T-zone. Don’t use the same products for your T-zone and the rest of your face.

# Buy Oil-Free Products

Whether it's a sunscreen or makeup, buy oil-free products to avoid clogged pores.

E. Sensitive Skin

If your skin flushes with spicy food and adversely reacts to new products, you may have sensitive skin. 

How Can You Identify Sensitive Skin?

# Skin feels itchy and tight

# Parts of your body have uneven texture

# Becomes oily in summers

# Gets dry in winters

# Reacts to skincare

# Becomes red after a hot water bath

# Feels itchy while wearing tight clothes

# Flushes easily after eating spicy food 

Tips For Sensitive Skin

# Conduct A Patch Test: Don’t use a product without testing it on your hand. Wait for 24 hours after the patch test. If your skin doesn’t react to it, go ahead and apply it to your face.

# Don’t Overdo Your Skincare Routine

Buy a mild cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Don’t apply too many products to your face.

How To Determine Your Skin Type

Step1:Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry to remove makeup,  

oils and dirt that may have accumulated during the day. 

Step2:

After 30 minutes  ,your skin will show the characteristics which will determine your skin type , but please,do not touch your face with your bare hands during this period.

Step3:

Dab your face with a tissue paper. Pay attention to the 'T-zone' (the area of your forehead and nose) 

Step4: 

Observation : Hold it against a bright light. If you see little to no oil, you likely have dry skin. If the sheet picks up some oil from the T-zone, you have combination or normal skin. If it picks up oil from all parts of your face, you have oily skin.