SKIN CARE TYPES
WHAT SKIN TYPE ARE YOU?
Here are the different Skin Types: Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination, or Sensitive Skin Types. What Skin types are you?
It can change over time. For example, younger people are more likely than older people to have a normal Skin type.
What’s the difference? Your type depends on things such as:
- How much water is in your Skin, affects the Skins comfort and elasticity
- How oily it is, affects its softness
- How sensitive it is
Normal Skin Type
Not too dry and not too oily, normal Skin has:
- None or few imperfections
- None or severe sensitivity
- Barely visible pores
- A radiant complexion
Combination Skin Type
Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. It may need slightly different care in different areas.
Combination Skin can have:
- Pores that look larger than normal, because they’re more open
- Blackheads
- Shiny Skin
Dry Skin
You may have:
- Almost invisible pores
- Dull, rough complexion
- Red patches
- Your skin is less elastic
- More visible lines
Your skin can crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If it’s very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.
Dry skin may be caused or made worse by:
- Your genes
- Aging or hormonal changes
- Weather such as wind, sun, or cold
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds
- Indoor heating
- Long, hot baths and showers
- Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers
- Medications
- Not drinking enough water
- Products that are not Holistic, Contain chemicals and allergic reactions
Use these tips to help your dry skin:
- Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once daily.
- Don’t let your shower water hit you directly in the face. Cup your hands over your face, so that you don’t break any blood vessels in the skin.
- Use holistic mild, gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid deodorant soaps.
- Don’t scrub while bathing or drying.
- Smooth on a rich moisturizer right after bathing. Ointments and creams may work better than lotions for dry skin but are often messier. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
- Use a humidifier, and don’t let indoor temperatures get too hot.
- Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents.
Oily Skin Type
You may have:
- Enlarged pores
- Dull or shiny, thick complexion
- Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes
Oiliness can change depending upon the time of year or the weather. Things that can cause or worsen it include:
- Puberty or other hormonal imbalances
- Stress
- Heat or too much humidity
To take care of oily skin:
- Wash it no more than twice a day and after you sweat a lot.
- Use a gentle cleanser and don’t scrub.
- Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. They’ll take longer to heal.
- Look for the word “non-comedogenic” on skin care products and cosmetics. This means it won’t clog pores.
Sensitive Skin
It can show up as:
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning
- Dryness
If your skin is sensitive, try to find out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. There are many possible reasons, but often it’s in response to particular skin care products.
The 6 Basics of Skin Care
No matter what type of skin you have, these tips will keep it looking its best.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
- Avoid direct sunlight, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Don’t smoke.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wash your skin gently but thoroughly every day and never wear makeup to bed.
- Moisturize
- Get a Facial
Dry Skin and
What You Can Do About It
When Your Skin Is Dry
It can be uncomfortable — rough, itchy, and gray or ashy in color. It may feel tight, especially after you shower, bathe, or swim. You may have unusual redness and lines and cracks in the skin, sometimes deep enough that they itch & bleed. Many things can cause it, and what you can do about it depends on what brought it on.
Possible Cause is Your Age
You can have dry skin at any age, but you’re more likely to if you’re in your 50s or older. This is because the glands that make oil for your skin get smaller as you age and make less. Older adults are also more likely to have medical conditions like diabetes and kidney disease that can cause dry skin.
Possible Cause: Atopic Dermatitis
This is the most common kind of eczema. Dry, itchy skin is the most noticeable symptom, but you may also have a rash inside your elbows, behind your knees, and on your face, hands, and feet. It is most often caused by an allergic reaction and usually can be managed if you moisturize your skin and stay away from what triggered it — detergent, perfume, sand, or cigarette smoke, for example.
Your skin will be pale in color. It may feel tight, especially after you shower, bathe, or swim. You may have unusual redness and lines and cracks in the skin, sometimes deep enough that they bleed. Many things can cause it, and what you can do it about it depends on what brought it on.
Possible Cause: Your Job
You’re more likely to get dry skin and chronic skin conditions if you work with certain chemical and biological materials, or with extreme temperatures. The kinds of jobs that may affect your skin include food service, cosmetology, health care, agriculture, cleaning, painting, mechanics, printing, and construction. You can use protective gear, and try to be exposed to the materials as little as possible, especially if you see symptoms of dry skin or atopic dermatitis.
Possible Cause: Water
Soaking in the tub or showering for long periods is a common cause of dry skin. And the hotter the water, the worse it is. Pools and hot tubs that have a lot of chlorine in them are bad, too, because the chemical dries out your skin. It’s a good idea to keep the water on the cool side and your showers to a minimum — you’ll have healthier skin and a lower water bill.
Possible Cause: Smoking
Along with all the other health concerns around smoking, it also causes wrinkles and messes with the blood flow to your outermost layers of skin. And it leads to coarse, dry skin.
Possible Cause: Your Soap
Many popular soaps and shampoos clean your skin by removing oil. This can cause dry skin or make an outbreak even worse. Your doctor or pharmacist can suggest special cleansers that won’t dry out your skin.
Possible Cause: The Weather
Winter tends to dry out your skin more than other seasons because the humidity (moisture in the air) is typically much lower. Heating systems also dry out the air, and that doesn’t help, either. Take special care of your skin in this type of weather: Cover up, moisturize often, and avoid things that trigger allergic reactions.
Possible Cause: Water
Soaking in the tub or showering for long periods is a common cause of dry skin. And the hotter the water, the worse it is. Pools and hot tubs that have a lot of chlorine in them are bad, too, because the chemical dries out your skin. It’s a good idea to keep the water on the cool side and your showers to a minimum — you’ll have healthier skin and a lower water bill.
Possible Cause: Fish Scale Disease
Known by scientists as ichthyosis vulgaris, it’s an inherited condition that makes dead skin cells bunch together in thick, dry scales. These usually show up on the skin in early childhood and can be tough to manage, both physically and emotionally. There’s no cure, but treatments can help control the symptoms