Skin Types - Which type of skin are you having? Caring for different types of Skin

There are five basic skin types: normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and combination. Recognizing which category your skin falls into can help you determine the skincare routine you should follow to make sure that your skin looks and feels its best. Your skin type owes much to your heredity, your hormone levels, and your lifestyle. But because the skin is a living organ, its needs can change from season to season and year to year. The skin type you had when you were young may not be the same as the one you have now, so review the condition of your skin at intervals, and make any necessary changes to your care routine. All skin types need to be protected from strong sunlight.

Normal Skin

Normal skin, for those who are lucky enough to have it, looks smooth and is firm to the touch. There are no areas of excessive oiliness or dryness, and it doesn't develop spots or problems. It is common in children but much less so in adults.

Proper Care for Normal Skin

Cleanse thoroughly, using an appropriate product, at least once a day.
Choose a lightweight moisturizer.
Wear a sunscreen when outdoors to protect from sun damage.

Oily Skin

Oily skin can develop after puberty, when changes in hormone levels increase the amount of sebum produced. This causes the skin to be greasy, with visible pores, a shiny appearance, and a tendency to spots or acne. The advantage of having oily skin is that it tends to develop lines and wrinkles at a much later age than other types, so you look younger longer.

Caring for Oily Skin

Use a cleanser formulated for oily skin.
Don't overcleanse to try to eliminate oil. This simply stimulates the sebaceous glands.
Use a skin toner or astringent after cleansing to improve the appearance of large pores.
Apply a light moisturizer designed for oily skin.
Seek early treatment for any skin problems, including outbreaks of blemishes or spots. This helps keep the condition from worsening.
Apply a non-oily sun lotion when outdoors.

Dry Skin

Dry skin tends to have flaky patches and chaps easily. It is fine-textured, with small pores, and can feel tight when you cleanse. It is most prone to signs of premature aging, such as early lines and wrinkles. It rarely develops spots, but may be vulnerable to itching and irritation.

Essential Care for Dry Skin

Change to a non-soap cleanser if your skin feels tight after washing with soap.
Use a good moisturizer, especially on the very dry areas. Try a heavier moisturizer at night.
If you like the feel of a toner after cleansing, avoid alcohol-based astringents, which are too drying.
Use eye cream or lotion from an early age.
Always apply a high-factor sunscreen when going outdoors.

Sensitive Skin

Similar to dry skin, sensitive skin is the type that tends to develop broken veins and allergic reactions to irritants in cosmetics and fragrances. It often shows in a high cheek color. Extremes of weather may worsen any problems.

Caring for Sensitive Skin

Choose hypoallergenic, unscented skincare products to reduce the chances of an adverse reaction.
Apply a heavier moisturizer to the cheek area to help prevent broken veins.
Do not use astringents and toners.
Use a high-factor, hypoallergenic sunscreen whenever you are outside.

Combination Skin

This is probably the most common skin type, especially among older people. The central area of the face- the forehead, nose, and chin- is oilier and more coarsely textured than the rest of the face. The cheeks are usually dry or normal. Combination skin can be prone to the occasional blemish.

Guide to Combination Skin Care

Cleanse with a non-soap product to prevent the dry areas from becoming drier and to avoid stimulating the sebaceous glands.
Apply a moisturizer in the dry areas. If necessary, use a lightweight product on the oilier areas.
Try an astringent or toner on the oily areas to improve the texture of the skin.
Use a sunscreen outdoors.