Identifying Your Skin Type

Do you know your skin type? Are you using several products hoping that one will work? Most people are in a hit or miss situation with their skin care regimen because they do not know their skin type.

Your skin is sensitive and sensual. It helps keep the body temperate and it breathes and eliminates wastes. Being acquainted with your skin type will help you to better understand its function.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the external protective covering of the body and is composed of multiple layers of protein called keratin. This protein is what protects your skin from the cold, dryness and bacteria that can cause skin problems. The cells on the surface of the epidermis die daily and are shed everyday. New cells rise to the top and become the surface as the outer layer is removed. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for new cells to rise to the surface.

Dermis

Beneath the epidermis is the dermis. It is composed of connective tissue, elastin, collagen (a protein that gives your skin elasticity, keeps it firm, well toned and youthful), nerves, blood vessels, hair follicles, the sebaceous and sweat glands. The dermis is the skin`s principle layer where most essential activities occur. The dermis is the support system of the skin. It helps keep the outer layer of the skin soft and supple. It also contains two protein substances called collagen and elastin which stretch and flex with every movement of the body. Collagen is a basic part of the body`s connective tissue and make up about one-third of the body`s total protein. Elastin is the chief ingredient of elastic fiber.

Subcutaneous Tissue

The Subcutaneous tissue is the insulation layer of the skin, containing mostly fatty tissues.

SKIN TYPES

DRY SKIN has fewer sebaceous glands than are needed for natural lubrication. At times there`s an actual feeling of tightness. Dry skin is sensitive; tend to wrinkle early and have a dry, ashy appearance with fine pores. Dry skin must be continuously nourished to replace the missing natural lubricant. Oil glands in face and neck also slow down in production.

NORMAL SKIN is soft, smooth and satiny. It is a result of perfect gland functioning and the proper amount of secretions. It is rarely blemished and is smooth and finely textured. It is essentially healthy in its appearance and responsive to proper attention.

OILY SKIN has an excessive amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. Oil reaches the surface through ducts and pores and spreads over the skin. Glands are more numerous than in other skin types and they work harder. Oil is often visible on the skin`s surface. It attracts and holds dirt particles making it easy prey for blackheads and blemishes. Pores become clogged and enlarged.

COMBINATION SKIN is healthy skin with oiliness in the T-zone area, and some dryness on the cheek and outer edges of the face.

CHARACTERISTICS OF . . .

Dry Skin
- more adversely affected by extremes of climate than other types
- tautness replaces suppleness
- complexion turns rough, uneven and itchy
- you have dry patches, especially in winter
- complexion is ashy with thin lines around the eyes and mouth
- pore openings not easily discernible
- skin is parched, tight and feels uncomfortable

Requirements: Gentle cleansing (Moisture Protecting Cleansing Lotion or Ultra Gentle Cleansing Lotion) and toning (Visibly Moist Toner), intensive moisturization both day (Continuous Moisture Crème) and night (Hydrating Vitamin Crème), non-drying, soothing masques (Silk Amino Moisture Masque) as needed.

Normal Skin
- skin has a smooth, even surface
- retains moisture well on skin
- rarely blemished; displays no visible pores
- comfortable, slightly moist

Requirements: Regimen of cleansing (Pure & Simple Cleansing Lotion), toning (Oil Neutralizing Astringent) and moisturizing (Oil-Free Hydrating Fluid). Regular applications of masques (Silk Amino Moisture Masque) and exfoliations (Foaming Facial Refiner).

Oily Skin
- shiny nose, forehead and chin
- dilated pores, thick grain
- poorly elastic, non-resistant surface
- thick, firm, shiny and porous
- face shines a few hours or even sooner after makeup application
- face tends to easily attract debris of all kinds and you find that it needs washing more frequently than twice a day.
- skin feels slick, oily and coarse.

Requirements: Regimen of cleansing (Pore Clearing Cleanser) and toning (Pore Purifying Astringent) and oil-free moisturization (Oil-Free Hydrating Fluid or Stress Recovery Lotion). Masque (Camphor Pore Minimizing Masque) and exfoliation (Camphor Blend Exfoliating Gel) to remove dead surface cells and to unclog pores.

Combination Skin
- shiny on forehead, nose and chin
- dry and taut on cheek and outer edge of face
- parched cheek area with oily, coarse t-zone tending towards blemishes.

Requirements: Regimen of cleansing (Panthenol Cleanser or Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel)and toning (Oil Neutralizing Astringent), proper level of moisturization (Moisture Replenishing Crème) for all areas. Masques (Silk Amino Masque) and exfoliation (The Ultimate Scrub) when needed.

Do you know your skin type? Are you using several products hoping that one will work? Most people are in a hit or miss situation with their skin care regimen because they do not know their skin type.

Click here to read the rest of Identifying Your Skin Type. If you enjoyed this article, you also might like our other stories that talk about Beauty Care and Makeup for Ethnic Women of Color.

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