Friday, September 16, 2011

Do You Really Know Your Skin Type?

I'm shocked at my clients who have no idea what their skin type is. They tell me that they're dry when they have blackheads galore. They believe that they're oily when they're flakier than a glazed donut. I'm beginning to think that a lot of women just don't know what's going on with their skin. 

There are six basic skin types: Normal, oily, dry, combination, sensitive and aging.

Type 1: Normal skin is usually in good condition. These are the lucky people. They have just the right amount of oil and moisture in their skin. Their skin is soft, smooth, even toned with no visible pores or blemishes, and no greasy patches or flaky areas.

Women with this skin type seem to thing that they can do whatever they want to their skin, but I disagree. It's never good to simply wash your face with whatever is in the shower. My suggestion:

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
A mild gel cleanser that removes makeup and grime. It's foamy and fragrance-free.

What's In It?
Squalane, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, vitamin E and sweet almond oil.


  
Type 2: Oily skin tends to be shiny all over. This skin type has an overabundance of oil. These people tend to have enlarged pores (orange peel texture), and are prone to pimples, blackheads and/or whiteheads.

Women with this skin type believe that they do not need a moisturizer. Most people (unless severely oily) can benefit from a moisturizer. Look for one that is oil-free. My suggestion:

Vichy Normaderm Triple-Action Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion
An oil-free, paraben-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer that hydrates, exfoliates, and helps prevent acne. It leaves behind a matte finish and has a fresh clean scent.

What's In It? Glycerin, salicylic acid, lipo hydroxy acid, and glycolic acid.



Type 3: Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing. This skin type is lacking oil or moisture or both. These people tend to have flaking, red patches and fine lines. In women with darker skin tones, this skin type can appear ashy or dull.

Women with this skin type seem to believe that they need a foamy cleanser to  cleanse their skin. No. They need a cleanser that will not strip their skin of its moisture. My suggestion:

A creamy, gentle, fragrance-free face wash that dissolves dirt and oil without stripping skin of moisture or making it feel greasy.


Type : 4 Combination skin is characterized by an oily T-zones and drier cheeks. These people will usually have larger pores across their forehead, down their nose and on their chin.
Women with this skin type, sometimes, don't know what area to treat. What they can do is gently exfoliate to keep their skin looking smooth and supple. My suggestion:
A gentle, sulfate-free, exfoliating cleanser that polishes the skin, without leaving your face raw.

What’s In It?
Diatomaceous earth. decyl glucoside borago oficinalis seed oil, and disodium cocoamphodiacetate.

Type 5: Sensitive skin is usually thin skin. These people flush easily, and are prone to broken capillaries across their cheeks. They also tend to be allergic to many products, and are aggravated by spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine.

Women with this skin type really need something to sooth their skin every once and a while. My suggestion:

  
A soothing, gentle, hydrating gel masque that help protect skin against free radical damage, reduces under the eye puffiness and soothes sunburn.

What's In It?

Cucumber, Papaya, Pineapple, Sugar Maple, Sugar Cane, Orange and Lemon Extracts, Aloe Vera, Chamomile Extract and natural enzymes that help to soften the skin.


Type 6: Aging or sun-damaged skin has visible wrinkles. These people will have skin that is loose, creepy and lined. Their skin tends to have a leathery texture, sunspots and broken capillaries.

Women with this skin type are always looking for something to slow down the aging process. My suggestion:

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
A lightweight, fast-absorbing, antioxidant serum that fights free radicals to help protect against sun damage and other future skin aging issues.

What’s In It?
Ferulic acid, phloretin, and L-ascorbic acid.



So go ahead and look in the mirror. Do you know what your skin type is?
Hope This Helps


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