Skin Care and Knowing Your SpecialSkin Type

Understanding your skin type is one of the first |steps almost all people take when putting together a skin care approach. However, what most people don't consider is that a person's skin type often doesn't fall into the common guidelines that are often used to define skin type. Before you can determine a skin care plan this is perfect for you, it is worth it to get past the oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin definitions and realize that everyone has a form of combination skin. Combination skin is simply saying that parts of everyone's skin may have one skin type and some sections will have another.

To give you an example, on your face, you may be dealing with dry skin on your cheek and neck areas and then notice oily skin on the forehead, nose and chin, also known as the T-zone. For some, this type of situation may exist on the back, arms, chest, etc. When applying skin care products you should be careful not to just use the ones that treat one specific skin type. A heavy moisturizer on oily skin is not recommended since it can block your pores and trigger even more oil (sebum) to be produced by the skin.

Below are the four basic skin types and some basic suggestions for effective skin care for each. This is by no means a completecomprehensive guide but can help you in deciding which type of products should be used to treat each skin type.

Oily Skin

This skin type is known to be 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 frequently observed with this skin type and this is one of the reason why acne and blemishes are often connected with oily skin (although it is clogged pores that are usually the main problem).

Skin care for oily skin should include cleansing with water, gel, milk or clay based cleansers. These remove 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 causing more oil production.

Those with 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 frequently on dry skin.

Skin care should likely include a moisture rich cleanser such as those found in milk or cream based sin care products. Try to avoid using commercially produced bar soaps and other skin products that may condition the skin to become even more dry. Essential oils are also a wise choice to look for. Skin toners should be used infrequently. The ingredients found in these can irritate dry skin. Heavy moisturizes are a smart good way to go after exfoliating the dead cells that appear more frequently with dry skin. These cells can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.

Skin Sensitivity

When the skin is sensitive, it reacts much more quickly to irritants than the additional skin types. Elements in skin care products and environmental conditions often leave the skin raw and red. The desired result in treating sensitive skin is provide the nutrients and moisture that that is essential without introducing compounds that cause inflammation and irritation. Sensitive skin also often is accompanied 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 way to go here, especially those with aloe, jojoba and other organic essential oils. With cleansing and toning, the key phrase 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 product to use.

Older Skin

Elderly skin type is skin that is beginning to show the hallmarks of aging. Loose skin, rougher texture and wrinkles are the hallmarks of older skin. Most of these effects can be associated with sun exposure over time. Though inconvenient for most people to apply on a daily basis, sunscreen is crucial when it comes to avoiding the appearance of skin aging.

Skin care for older skin should also have a nutrient and vitamin rich moisturizing cleanser one to two times a day. Light astringents or skin toners are preferred as is any product that can support the underlying structures of the skin such as alpha hydroxy acids. Water based moisturizers that are easily absorbed by the skin and light to medium weight are preferred over heavy products.

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