What Is My Skin Type?
“Understanding what skin type you have will ensure you can chose your products wisely”
Choosing your products can be a daunting task, there are many skin brands and masses of information but to be able to truly understand your skin type and characteristics will enable you to choose your skin care routines wisely.
Understanding the basic terminology and functions of the skin will give you greater understanding of what products are required. There are two distinct skin types which are explained here these are the foundation choices of your skin care routine and there are characteristics of the skin which are factors which to consider when choosing which type of cleanser, serum, or moisturiser you need.
What is Skin Balance?
The skin balance is referring to the level of oil secretion within the skin and the amount of water /moisture it retains. A normal skin is often referred to as a balanced skin as it produces the optimum amount of sebum (oil); the skin is neither too oily nor too dry. It functions perfectly and can hold in the moisture necessary to keep it soft and supple. Unfortunately, this skin type is quite rare in adults and the balance of the skin usually alters at puberty.
Having an oily skin may not be a problem if the skin is cared for correctly. However, excessive sebum (oil) production can result in blackheads and other breakouts. The sebum blocks the opening of the hair follicle and mixes with the dead skin cells forming a plug. The head of the plug is dark due to oxidation by the air. The sebum, which cannot leave the follicle, may be pushed into living tissue causing irritation. Bacteria may enter the follicle and inflammatory blemishes and spots, may develop (acne).
A dry skin is a skin that is unable to retain moisture. The moisture content of the skin is dependent upon three mechanisms: Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) which is a complex mixture of substances, found within the cells that can fix moisture inside the cells. Sebum that helps to lubricate the skin and reduce the amount of water lost from the skin’s surface. A ‘cement’ of fats (glycoprotein, lipoprotein) between the skin cells which forms a watertight barrier. A dry skin is thought to be either lacking in sebum or moisture, or both. As sebum limits the loss of moisture by evaporation from the skin, the skin with less sebum is liable to lose water more rapidly. An emollient or moisturiser is required to improve this condition.
The pH of the skin is between 4.5 & 5.5. The skin is naturally acidic.
The skin has a natural acidity and has the means to resist any change to its acidity.
Only by repeatedly washing the skin with soap (an alkali) and water will its pH be made to greatly change. The acidity is derived from a combination of sebum and sweat. The washing removes sebum, the natural grease from the skin, which also affects the skin’s acidity. This barrier protects the skin from bacterial invasion and is known as the ‘acid mantle’
If the skin natural PH is altered to an alkaline through mis use of products it can remove this invisible barrier of protection this is known as an impaired barrier function. Signs of an impaired barrier function include a dry tight feeling accompanied by some sensitivity and in some cases redness, irritation and an under production of oil creating dryness or an over production of oil as the skin attempts to balance itself.
How can you tell if your skin is dehydrated?
Dehydrated skin often appears as dry skin, however. Dehydrated skin lacks moisture/water whilst dry skin lacks lipids (oil), which are moisture resistant fats, although this can still lead to dehydration.
Tip: A quick test is to push your cheeks towards your nose with your palm, if you can see lots of fine wrinkles appear in the skin, and then it’s a good indicator that your skin is lacking moisture
Each skin type has its own set of characteristics, to be able to determine these characteristics will enable you to treat your skin correctly choosing the most suitable products.
Dehydrated skin characteristics:
• Looks dull
• Feels tight
• Feels rough
• Sensitive
• Superficial fine lines
• Itchy
Sensitive skin Characteristics?
• Blotchy, pink/red skin patches
• Rashes which can become painful
• Irritated, itchy skin
• Broken veins on the nose and cheeks
• In direct heat or sunlight, your skin may quickly feel tight, red or stinging
• Dry, flaky, tight, or sore skin
• Blushes easily
Normal skin
• smooth texture
• healthy glow
• fine pores
• no visible blemishes, greasy patches or flaky areas
• sebum production & moisture content are well-balanced
• often found in young persons
Oily skin:
• Enlarged pores
• Shiny appearance
• Prone to comedones
• Blemishes
• Acne (Blackheads and Blemishes)
Dry skin:
• dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes
• lack elasticity
• visible lines and wrinkles
• Small pores
• Tightness or itchiness
There are other characteristics to consider such as pigmentation and ageing.
Pigmentation has two main types one is caused from over exposure to UV Rays from the sun this has a speckled brown appearance and melasma which has a larger block appearance sometimes with a blue grey tone this pigmentation is usually triggered from hormonal changes, medication, and certain illnesses.
Ageing skin occurs naturally as the structure declines forming fine lines and wrinkles.
Premature ageing can occur from the following factors:
• Overexposure to UV light from sunbeds, sunbathing and working outdoors.
• Toxins (alcohol, smoking, soda)
• Incorrect use/choice of skincare/cosmetics and treatments
• Nutrition (restrictive diets, sudden weight loss)
• Environmental factors (air conditioning, central heating)
• Anxiety/stress
• Sleep deprivation
• Poor general health and medication
Understanding what skin type you have will ensure you can chose your products wisely.