Analysis of the skin

By Bobbi Brown

The following descriptions will help you to recognise 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 this skin is balanced

Care

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

A diet rich in vitamins A, C and E helps to keep skin smooth and soft. Sufficient fluid intake is important to maintain hydration and rid the body of toxins.

DRY/EXTRA DRY

Analysis

–   Feels tight 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. A lifestyle that includes a healthy diet with foods high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables and at least eight glasses of water a day keeps this skin type hydrated.

Caffeine and alcohol cause dehydration, so limit intake to two cups or glasses a day.

Use richer cleansers, limit sun exposure and use a good moisturiser to protect your skins natural oils. Layering different textures of moisturisers can do wonders to hydrate your skin.

Begin with a lightweight face oil, and then layer a 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 a dry environment. Correct this in your home by using a humidifier.

OILY SKIN

Analysis

–   Oily skin is shiny, especially through the T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin); it is as condition caused by overactive sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands

–   May have large, visible pores

–   Frequent breakouts

–   Few signs of aging, such as fine lines

Care

Management of oily skin and the prevention of breakouts requires a healthy diet and regular skincare routine.

Cleanse the face at least twice a day to prevent to prevent dirt accumulation and to keep pores open. Use an alcohol-free astringent to remove excess oil. Use oil-free moisturisers.

COMBINATION SKIN

Analysis

–   Oily through the T-zone

–   Dry cheeks or spot dehydration

–   Larger pores on the forehead, nose and chin

Care

Care for the skin type requires regular cleansing, toning and moisturising of the oily areas and the use of a milder cleanser and denser moisturiser for the dry areas. Moisturising products containing AHA will benefit the skin type.

SENSITIVE

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, non-perfumed cleansing products. Use an alcohol-free toner formulated for sensitive skin. Also, use cleansers and moisturisers specifically formulated for this type of skin.

MISLEADING SKIN CONDITIONS

Don’t be fooled. The skin’s condition can be quickly impacted by changes in the environment, health, diet and even current product choices for cleansing, toning, moisturizing, or makeup.

There are many skin conditions that can hide your actual skin type. Redness, dryness or flaking can be caused by a medical condition or medication.

Skincare products can be overused, causing oily skin to become dry and flaky. Dry skin that is over moisturised can appear greasy.

Redness and irritation can be caused by low-grade allergies to cleansing, moisturizing, or makeup products., necessitating a change to gentler products .

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