A lot of us don't really know what are type of skin that we actually have and we will use products that can be detrimental to our precious organ.
So before, you by something that you see that's heavily advertised, please make sure to understand your skin type and the affect that said product can have on it.
The type of skin that we have is largely based on genetic. We're born with it, however that lifestyle that you choose to live by over the years will also large determine what our skin type will be.
So let's start with the 5 Basic skin type.
1. Normal: requires minimal care. Not very problematic
2. Dry: Easily wrinkle, aging prone, fine pore. Usually feel flaky and itchy. Requires constant moisturizing.
3. Oily: Large pores, Very problematic, acne prone, and can look thick and greasy
4. Combination: Most people have a combination skin, usually consist of both dry and oily skin and different areas.
5. Sensitive: Usually dry, tends to be itchy, easily irritated and extremely problematic.
So now that we know the 5 basic skin types, it's very important to know what you should and shouldn't use on them.
Normal Skin
If you have normal skin, it's very easy to take care of and you can keep doing what you normally do. However, please keep in mind just because you have normal skin, doesn't mean you should abuse it.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, there are many reasons that contributes to making it even drier. The products that you use such as your soap and body washes, water type in your area, and your activities. Here's some types on proper care for dry skin.
- Avoid products with alcohol in it. In fact that goes for all skin types. Alcohol is bad for your skin ladies and gents, please avoid products that have it as active ingredients at all cost, especially if you suffer from dry skin.
- Avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (both acronymed SLS) and their analogs, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate. The problem is, most household cleaners and laundry detergent contain these so you should either wear gloves when cleaning or switch to a detergent that is free of these as well as alcohol.
- Avoid tanning. Yeah a fresh tan looks freaking awesome when you're younger, but when you hit your 30's, 40s, and later years, you're going to regret that tan. Long exposure to the sun and UV rays dries out your skin and effectively age it, causing it to lose it's elasticity faster and wrinkle easier. So the beach, tanning booths, hanging out by the pool.... if you love your skin, be advise to avoid them.
- Keep the makeup to a minimum. Most makeup will irritate the skin. Longer lasting makeup usually contains harsher chemicals, and can cause more damage. I get it, some people love makeup. Some to the point they don't leave their house with it. However a lot of make-up contain drying agents in them which is very bad for your already dry skin. So please ladies, don't overuse it.
- Don't overwash. As I mentioned before in my other blog, overwashing your skin, can lead to more problems than you want. Our body does most of the work for us. If you suffer from dry skin and if you live in colder climate, you're fine washing once a day depending on your lifestyle and activities (Please don't use my blog as an excuse not to take a bath, because that's just nasty IMO no matter what your skin condition is). The reason being, overwashing the skin strips of it it's natural oils and if you suffer from dry skin, you're making the situation worst. If you live down in a hotter climate, you fine showering 1 or 2 times a day.
- Avoid consuming foods and beverages that dry out your skin, such as coffee, soda, and salted snacks. It's just as important to moisturize your skin from the inside as it is from the outside.
- It's best for you not to continue switching to new products constantly because usually these product will introduce foreign chemicals that your body is not used to. Too much washing and “degreasing” can actually make things worse since stripping your skin of oil will cause your oil glands to work overtime in producing more sebum.
- The correct and balanced method is to clean the skin with a very mild detergent or surfactant. It should not contain oils, wax, or other “fatty” substances that can increase the oily condition you already have. This kind of product removes the greasy feel of too much sebum and cleans away the surface grime that has built up because of the oil.
- Stress can also cause the oil glands to kick into overdrive. The wrong cosmetics can easily aggravate an otherwise mild case of oily skin. Some of these causes are within your ability to control, but others you'll have to learn to live with.
Oily Skin
Besides being a pain the butt, oily skin makes it hard for your to find products that effectively maintain it. First of all, you need to know what causes oily skin. Overactive oil glands that produce the substance, sebum (a natural skin lubricant and moisturizer) are the main culprits. As too much sebum accumulates, it becomes thick and heavy in texture making it feel greasy. Left unattended, oily skin becomes the basis of excessive shine, pimples and blemishes.
Caring for this skin type, requires lots of time and patient.
Combination
Combination are even more a pain in the oil skin, because you need to buy products to deal with either the dry or oil. There are many natural and cosmetic products out there to deal with this situation. Just make sure to avoid products with alcohol and sulfate, products that contains wax, and other fatty substances.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin are another problem to deal with. Most products contain agents that can irritate you skin. Again void, products with sulfate and alcohol. If you have sensitive skin, you already know you need to stay away from anything with fragrance as they contain agents that dries out your skin and irritate it. I found that this blog gives the best advice for treating your sensitive skin http://www.beauty-advices.com/how-to-treat-sensitive-skin-properly-and-w...
If any of you girls and gals have any suggestions please share. I'm done for the day.
Red Herring
Thanks myst
1I think overwashing is the #1 thing people with oily skin and/or hair do! I work at Sephora part-time and I tell clients that all of the time. With some people, it seems you really have to drill it into their heads in order for them to get it.
2yw xten and kim you're right. I know a lot of people with oily skin who are constantly washing their face no matter how often I tell them that it's making the situation worse.
3you know what, i have combo skin - dry/oily/sensitive - but it changes in the summer to oily. I totally hear what you guys say about not overwashing, but when you're face feels like an oily slick its hard not to! the worst part is i still have to use moisturizer in the summer because certain parts of my face still retain some dryness so it seems to make the oily parts seem 10x more oily then they are. The way i solved it was to make sure i carry papertowel or napkins with me. I know it sounds silly but honestly blotting papers would be too much $ if i purchased the amount that i would need. I also carry moist wipes, luckily the company i work for makes them so i can raid our sample room for them and not have to spend any $.
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