Why do you need to know your skin type?

If you want to avoid repeated breakouts, a face full of spots and problem skin then you need to understand your skin type . Only then, can you choose products for your skin type and go through a trial-and-error process to see which ones actually work.

Using products that are not right for your skin type is comparable to someone treating a cold with products meant for treating warts! Also, using products suitable for your skin type reduces the likelihood of a reaction. Listed below are all of the skin types, their characteristics and top tips for beautiful radiant skin.

Characteristics of normal skin:

• Even-textured
• Problem-free without spots or blemishes
• Smooth, healthy and clear

Tips for normal skin:

• Follow a sensible skincare routine
• Use a good quality facial wash every day and a scrub/mask once or twice a week
• Use a light-weight, mineral oil free moisturiser at least once a day

Oily skin characteristics:

• Greasy and shiny, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin)
• Prone to open pores, blackheads, spots and pimples
• Dull looking and patchy

Tips for oily skin:

• Keep it clean by using a good quality facial wash twice a day
• Use a facial scrub two or three time a week
• Use a mineral oil free moisturiser and powder that will leave the skin matt, once a day
• Use a mask once a week to deep cleanse and absorb the oil, dirt and dead skin cells from the pores
• Don’t over stimulate oily skin with harsh products or those that will over dry the skin
• Avoid soap as it will upset the skin’s natural protective layer and make the skin worse

Dry skin characteristics:

• Feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after shaving or bathing
• Can peel and flake and look scaly and lined
• Looks older as its rough, dull surface does not reflect light very effectively

Tips for dry skin:

• Use a gentle facial cleanser that won’t dry the skin
• Use a facial scrub only once a week to remove dead cells
• Don’t rub the skin too hard or for too long – be gentle
• Use a good, mineral oil free moisturizer, twice a day with an SPF 20
• Avoid shaving foams and soap as they will dry the surface layer of the skin
• Use sun cream or a moisturizer with SPF 20 when you are outside
• Drink plenty of water (beer and wine don’t count!) to prevent dehydration
• Avoid air conditioning – open the windows instead
• Eat oily fish or take fish oil capsules daily to provide essential fatty acids

Sensitive skin characteristics:

• Most skincare and shaving products cause a red, itchy reaction
• Tends to go red when touched, exposed to heat, or to the sun
• Certain foods or fragrances can trigger a rash or skin irritation
• May have broken red veins on the cheeks and nose

Tips for sensitive skin:

• Avoid anything containing harsh chemicals or perfume
• Avoid soap and always try to select products designed for sensitive skin
• Use a SPF 20 in moisturizers and sun creams even in cloudy, cooler weather
• Patch test any new products on the inside of your wrist before using them on your face

Combination skin characteristics:

• A combination of two or more of the above skin types
• Oily areas are normally straight down the middle of your face, the centre of the forehead, nose and chin (T-Zone)
• Dry areas are often the cheeks and sometimes the forehead

Tips for combination skin:

• Don’t use products that are too harsh or that will dry your skin out
• Avoid anything too greasy, as this will only aggravate the problem
• Try specific products for combination skin

 

For more information on teen skin and how to get rid of spots by understanding your skin type, please complete the contact form.