Understanding the Needs of Different Skin Types

While most of us are very careful about what we eat and drink, sometimes we might not pay enough attention to the needs of our skin. This is unfortunate because our faces are usually the first thing others notice about us, and will these first impressions will often form a lasting opinion of us. Keeping our skins healthy and glowing can sometimes take some doing, and can depend upon a number of factors, such as age, ethnicity, and skin type. In order to keep your skin looking its best, determining exactly which skin type you have is important and will help you provide the proper regimen for its care.

Which Is Your Skin Type?

All the different skin types exhibit different characteristics, and will all require care that will not only keep them healthy, but also prevent premature aging. Never take your skin type for granted, every skin type can develop problems, but proper care can help to avoid or lessen them.

• Sensitive skin can be easily irritated, and this irritation will show itself as burning, flaking, or reddening. It can often be difficult to find soap, washes, or creams that will provide cleansing or moisturizing without causing other problems. Acne can be a problem with sensitive skin, as can conditions such as eczema. Problems arise because the outer layer of the skin tends to be thin and will quickly show the effects of wind, heat, and cold.
• Normal skin is lucky to have just the right balance to provide a smooth, clear complexion (most of the time). Normal skin is neither oily, nor dry, and will be less liable to develop acne or other skin conditions. The pores are small, and this skin does not react to the environment excessively.
• Dry skin often looks dull, due to the fact that this skin simply does not produce enough natural oils to keep it moisturized. Although you can experience dry skin at any time of life, it is more likely to occur as you get older. This skin type often develops fine wrinkles, and while blemishes are less likely, flaking and itching skin are common.
• Oily skin is the very opposite of dry skin; now you have oil glands that produce too much oil. Oily skin is often a plague of the teen years and causes pimples and acne. The skin often has a shiny appearance. Over washing can sometimes make the problem worse, which is why the choice of the right acne cleanser is important to control oiliness.
• Combination skin could well be the most difficult to care for since parts of the face might be oily while other parts are dry or sensitive. In many cases, the nose and forehead will look shiny and oily while the cheeks and chin are flaking. Combination skin usually has large pores from which blackheads can develop.

Once you have determined what type of skin you have, you can plan how to care for it properly.

Caring Properly for Your Skin

Taking care of your skin is not difficult, but it does take a bit of thought and effort. When purchasing products for skin care, keep your skin type in mind, and if in doubt, always choose the product that will seem the most gentle – it will be unlikely to harm your skin regardless of what type it is. There are some steps to follow to keep your skin type in condition and also that will help to clear up problems, such as acne, that might arise.

• Do not over wash your skin. While it might seem like a good idea to wash your face frequently, especially if you have oily or combination skin, it can be harmful. You only need to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and when you shower or bathe before bed. Use tepid water, rather than hot, it is much gentler on all skin types.
• Use an exfoliating scrub after washing to remove dead skin cells and help keep the pores unclogged. A gentle, circular motion is much better than digging into your skin; rinse with cool water when finished. You should use an exfoliant no more than twice a week.
• Once your face is clean, it’s time to apply a moisturizer. Apply it sparingly, especially in the morning, taking care to rub it gently into your skin. You can then apply makeup right over it. You should apply a moisturizer before going to bed, too.
• Staying out of the sun is one of the most important ways to keep your skin looking young longer. The UV rays of the sun actually can alter the DNA in your skin, reducing elasticity and making it more likely that you will develop wrinkles.

prevent premature agingIf you are suffering from acne, use a product that will help clear and condition your skin. And, resist the urge to wash frequently, it will not help. Following the above steps, and using a good anti-acne product will help you to achieve a clearer, healthier skin.