Friday, December 3, 2010

Skin Analysis

Hello Hello!

Hope everyone had a great week.  With the change in climate, I often get skincare questions regarding proper care for keeping skin flawless.  My first question is: What is your skin type?  Few people have naturally perfect skin (those who do, I envy).  The condition of skin changes from day to day and season to season.  Hormonal fluctuations, stress, pregnancy, medication, travel, and seasonal changes are only a few of the factors that can cause skin to act up.  If you learn the various skin types, you will be able to choose the right cleansing options and moisturizers.  The following descriptions will help you recognize skin conditions and make decisions about skincare products.


Normal


Analysis:

Comfortable-feeling
Smooth, even texture with small pores
Cheeks are the driest area but not excessively so
May experience some shine and larger pores on the forehead, nose, or chin
Water and oil content in the skin is balanced.

Care:

Normal skin needs routine cleansing with a foaming cleanser, exfoliation twice a week, moisturization with lightweight lotions and the use of a sunscreen to keep it healthy.


Dry/Extra Dry

Analysis:

Feels right after washing
May Look dry or flaky
feels rough and uneven; dehydrated
May be sensitive
pores are small--almost invisible
shows fine lines faster than other skin types

Care:

Dry skin requires special care.  Using richer cleansers, limiting sun exposure, and using a good moisturizer can protect your skin's natural oils.  Layering different textures of moisturizers can do wonders to hydrate the skin.  Begin with a lightweight face oil, and ten layer richer cream over that.  Night creams with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) help remove the dry, dead skin while moisturizing the new.  Air-conditioning and heating create dry environments.  Put a humidifier in your room to help with this.


Oily Skin


Analysis:

Oily skin is shiny, especially through the T-Zone
May have large, visible pores
Frequent breakouts
Few signs of aging, such as fine lines

Care:

Cleanse the face at least twice a day to prevent dirt buildup and to keep pores open.  Use an alcohol-free astringent to remove excess oil.  Use oil-free moisturizers to keep the skin from overdrying.


Combination Skin


Analysis:

Oily through the T-Zone
Dry cheeks or spot dehydration
Larger pores on the forehead, nose, and chin

Care:

Care for this skin type requires regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing of the oily areas and the use of a milder cleaner and denser moisturizer for dry areas.  Moisturizers containing AHA will benefit this skin type.


Sensitive Skin


Analysis:

Can range from dry to oily
Easily irritated by cosmetics, moisturizers, and cleansers.
Sensitive and prone to redness
Itchy or blotchy

Care:

Sensitive skin requires mild, nonperfumed cleansing products.  Use an alcohol-free toner formulated for sensitive skin.  Also, use cleansers and moisturizers specifically formulated for this type of skin.



Figure out your skin type and buy appropriate products; these don't have to be super expensive items.  Stick with a regimen for at least a month to give your skin a chance to adjust.  Hope this helps :)  Let me know if you have any questions.  Have an AMAZING weekend everyone.


Xo

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