You might often wonder why your skin reacts to certain changes or products differently from how other people react to them and that is because we all have different skin types. Some of the factors that influence your skin type include but aren’t limited to genetics, age, stress, ethnicity or hormones. Every skin is different and just as the differences exist, so will their conditions differ. This article is focusing on the different skin types and the conditions they suffer from and how to care for them.
The 5 skin types are; Normal skin, Sensitive skin, Dry skin, Oily skin and Combination skin.
Normal Skin
This skin type is neither dry nor too oily. It is a balance of both skin textures and may not really be prone to any kind of skin conditions. Not problematic at all. People with normal skin are likely to find that they have lesser breakouts and do not have to put much effort into taking care of their skin like people with other skin types.
Even while you think that normal skin is pure perfection, it still needs love, care and attention too. However, you are to keep things simple while taking care of your skin if you fall under this category.
Caring For Normal Skin
As stated earlier, you must keep things simple with your normal skin. An uncomplicated skin care routine with the incorporation plenty of water intake for optimum hydration, mild cleansers, toners, gentle exfoliants ,moisturizers are important to take care of a normal skin type as it doesn’t need much to stay looking healthy.
Sensitive Skin
Just as the name implies, a sensitive skin is very prone to reacting to stimuli unlike normal skin which is almost unresponsive to stimuli. Sensitive skin is highly irritable and in other words, very fragile. Little changes can disturb the skin when it is sensitive. It is why your skin changes with products used, the weather, the sheets you lay on etc. A person with a sensitive skin might often suffer from breakouts from foreign substances, itchiness, redness, rashes etc.
Caring For Sensitive Skin
As the skin is irritable, warm baths are a go to for sensitive skin. Bathing with a fragrance free soap is better than doing the opposite because there’s a high chance you will react to the fragrances present in the soap.
Exfoliants may not be very friendly and if they have to be used, avoid harsh ones that can irritate the skin. Essential oils will be your best friend as opposed to using perfumes – this differs in some cases as certain essential oils might contain substances that may not be befitting for your skin.
Dry Skin
When your skin loses water too quickly, it becomes dry. Your skin often has a matte look. As opposed to normal skin, dry skin lacks moisture which can give it a scaly look, cause itchiness and in some cases, redness. It might be difficult for your skin to absorb moisture when you have dry skin. Some of the conditions that are associated with dry skin include but aren’t limited to cracks in the skin, dehydration, peeling skin, flakes, skin infections, painful skin etc.
Caring For Dry Skin
Drinking plenty of water cannot be overemphasized to keep hydrated when you have dry skin. Moisturizers are your best friends and you have to apply them generously to retain moisture on your skin.
When bathing, warm water is advisable as hot water can go further in increasing the level at which the skin is dry by stripping off its minimal moisture. Also, limit your bath time to not more than once daily. Be particular about the fabrics you wear and sleep on as some can assist in drying out your skin further.
Oily Skin
Oily skin equals excessive shine and oils. The production of sebum on the skin helps to keep the skin hydrated and protects the skin, however, an oily skin produces an excessive amount of sebum which causes the skin to appear and feel greasy. The shine is usually focused on the T-Zone (the forehead, the chin and nose). A person with an oily skin is very much likely to suffer from acne breakouts, clogged and enlarged pores, blemishes and excessive greasiness if not properly taken care of.
Caring For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, washing your face frequently is important as it helps keep the oils away from your skin. A skin care routine must be developed in order to keep the skin in check and this skin care routine must incorporate cleansers and toners with salicylic, glycolic acids. You might want to also use blotting papers and facial masks.
As much as you think that your skin is producing enough oils already, you still need to drink enough water and wear water based moisturizers.
Combination skin
When the skin is dry in some areas, oily in some areas and normal in some areas, it is said to be a combination skin. A person with combination skin might find their T-Zones oily, cheeks and temples dry, and with these different skin combinations, you may have to care for your skin differently for different areas.
The production of excess sebum on the T-Zone may often lead to breakouts, blemishes, enlarged pores and clogged pores in some areas of the skin. Having a blotting paper with you always can come in handy to minimize the appearance of oils on your T-Zone.
Caring For Combination Skin
With combination skin, you would be needing to treat some areas of your skin differently as opposed to having dry or oily skin. Avoid touching your face as much as you can because your hands carry bacteria which when transferred to the skin, can clog pores.
Drinking plenty of water also cannot be overemphasized because your skin regularly needs hydration. A gentle cleanser will help in taking care of the oily and dry parts of your skin pretty well enough to not strip the moisture off your skin.
Combination skin requires an exfoliant to gently get rid of the dead skin cells while keeping your skin in great condition.
Sunscreen is your best friend because it is the best way to protect your skin from the sun which can cause damage and lead to visible signs of aging.
A blotting paper will be needed to blot away the oils on the T-Zone.
There are vast products on the market for you to choose from but while you are at it, make sure you’re selecting the skin care products that suit your skin type.
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