Everybodys skin is different, fact. Different products work for different people. Before you think about buying another beauty product it's time to figure out which skin type you are, this will allow you to pick the right products for your skin and therefore give you the best results possible.
It's weird to think that your ancestors are effectively the reason your skin is the type that it is; people that you've never met have shaped your whole face and body. Crazy...
Oily skin:
This is a result of over-active sebaceous glands. It is the most likely skin type to breakout and therefore suffer from acne. Oily skin can also me paired with oily hair and enlarged pores. But there is some good news, when you reach your 20's generally your hormones will stable and skin will undergo changes for the better.How to treat oily skin:
Oily skin will needs efficient deep cleansing. Most Skincare brands such as Clinique and Liz Earl sell products that are specially formulated to treat this skin type. Some skin care specialist advise that people with oily skin cleanse their face morning, mid-day and evening. Instead of just morning and evening. (I have in the past done this, your face feels much fresher for longer and has fewer breakouts due to a smaller build up of bacteria.) Your skin will still need moisturising, but choose a lightweight formula, that look Matt on the skin. Also using a cleansing mask twice a week helps to clear clogged pores and refine the skins texture.Dry skin:
Dry skin tends to flake, it has a Matt texture with little or no shine. This is a result of dehydration, the sebaceous glands are sluggish, or the skin may have been over exposed to the sun, wind or central heating. (Ever noticed that your skin is always dry and flaky in winter, that's why!) This skin type rarely suffers from breakouts, and the pore are hardly visible.How to treat Dry skin:
Skin must be treated with gentle cleaners every morning and evening. Rich moisturiser should be used during the day and a deep nourishing cream at night, it's worth investing in a specialised cream for the eyes and one for the neck. Also an exfoliating treatment once a week with help reduce flakiness and a stimulation mask (self-heating) will encourage the glands to produce more natural oils.Sensitive skin:
Usually a consequence of dry skin, is often allergic to cosmetics and tends to develop red patched due to broken capillaries near the skins surface. Over exposure to direct sunlight, and certain foods and drinks will also affect this skin type.How to treat Sensitive skin:
Much like caring for dry skin, but paying special attention to allergies. Look for sun-care and other products in hypoallergenic ranges. Most large cosmetics companies test their products extensively before putting them on the market. A very well known brand for sensitive skin is 'Simple'.Combination skin:
Combination skin usually has a T-shaped panel of oiliness down the centre of the face and across the top. (Forehead, nose and chin.) This is known as the T-Zone. It can also have fairly dry areas around the cheeks. This is my skin type.How to treat Combination skin:
This skin type consists of dry and oily patches, both skin types need different care. It is caused by natural concentration of glands being heavier in some parts of the face than others. It is often too expensive and time consuming to use different products (face washes) on the different parts of the face. Using fairly mild facial cleansers should keep this skin type in shape. I find that using a fairly abrasive exfoliator /cleansing mask once a week on the problem areas helps to keep pore clean and reduce spots.Balanced skin:
This skin is possessed by few but dreamt of by many. Skin will appear well coloured, fine textured and smooth. It will rarely break-out and will retain it's youthful quality well.How to treat Balanced skin:
Just a simple cleanse, tone and moisturise routine is essential to keep this skin looking flawless.Using a stimulating mask once a week will help to keep skin balanced. Using eye creams will keep the delicate eye area smooth and wrinkle free.
