Taking Great Care Of Your Skin Type

Genetics are in large part responsible for the way your skin looks, feels, and responds to various conditions (like the weather). But while genes determine the skin you’re born with, how you care for it, greatly determines the skin you grow old with.

There are five main skin types – normal, combination, oily, dry and sensitive. Knowing yours is a vital first step to planning a routine, and choosing which treatments are best suited to your skin’s needs.

Normal – If you have a normal complexion, you may consider yourself to be favored by the skin Gods. Normal skin is the least problematic of the five types making up the spectrum. A quick study of your skin in the mirror upon rising in the morning, is unlikely detect any oil; pores are also minimal. Your skin has an even tone, feels smooth to the touch and has a supple or elastic consistency. A minimal or basic skin care routine is usually all that’s required to care for normal skin types, and perhaps the best news about normal skin is that it ages well.

Combination – Because it requires a skin care routine that encompasses both moisture and oil control, combination skin is one of the hardest types to care for. If you have combination skin, you are likely to have an oily ‘t-zone’ (forehead, nose and chin) and pores around your nose are likely to be larger than usual. Around the eyes, and the cheeks are usually dry, and will benefit from rich moisturizers and creams. Thorough cleansing, and oil control products should be focused on the t-zone.

Oily – Oily skins are often problematic. Enlarged pores and excess oil on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin lead to regular breakouts. Your skin care regimen should be carefully chosen. A common mistake oily skin types make is over cleaning, and using harsh cleansers. This constant stripping of the skin may result in excess oil production. Opt for light, oil free moisturizers, although, believe it or not, some natural oils actually help to balance oily complexions. Consult with us to find out more. Finally, the brightest ray of hope for oily skin types is that you age best. Those oils help to keep wrinkles at bay, so that later in life, you may just wake up with the skin you’ve always wanted.

Dry – Dry skin types easily develop fine lines and wrinkles. This skin type is usually tight and may feel stretched or taught to the touch. Because dry skins produce insufficient amounts of oil, this skin type lacks the protective barrier required to protect it from various external elements. Rich and regular moisturizing is required for dry skin types, and extra caution should be taken to protect the skin in extreme or severe weather conditions.

Sensitive – The most problematic and fragile of the five skin types, sensitive skin, is often red, tight and itchy. This skin type is prone to irritation and breakouts. A great deal of research and care should be taken when planning a regimen for sensitive skin types, giving care not to use products that exacerbate your sensitivities. Consult with us so that we may help you choose the right products for your skin care routine.

Finding a skin care regimen that you’re comfortable with and that works can often be a process of ‘trial and error’. Be sure to visit us to discuss your concerns and to get help planning your regime. Once you find a routine that works for you, be faithful to it, because it just may be a key component to helping you grow old gracefully.