Skin
typically falls into one of three different types. Read and
review the following categories to best determine the skin you
are in.
TYPE
1- Sensitive, Fragile or Dry. Your skin may fit into
this category because of light coloring with little natural
sun protection. It also may have skin sensitivies or allergies.
Certain medications can push you into this category also. Gentle
products, no harsh acids or alcohol and added moisture are needed.
TYPE
2- Balanced Not too oily, not to dry and no extreme
challenges. Primary goal is to keep healthy condition and promote
protection and preventative lifestyle.
TYPE
3- Oily or Acne Prone. Usually thicker skin with less
wrinkling. Excess oil may need control. Acne lesions may need
treatment.
BASIC
CARE
The
basic steps of skin care are: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Protect. The
key here is to find the product type that works best for your
skin type. Choosing the wrong products can be worse than doing
nothing at all, and with the myriad of choices on the market,
confusion can reign. Here are a few tips for your skin type:
TYPE
1
Cleanse
Generally
does best with non-soap cleanser, which may be in a bar or creamy
form. Gentle is the key, so look for non-abrasive textures.
New ways to cleanse include fruit sugars (beta fructans)and
hydrating ingredients. Aloe, cucumber and hyaluronates are in
the "safe bets" category.
Exfoliate
Mild
exfoliation will remove dead skin cells without irritation and
allow moisture and special care products to work more efficiently.
Exfoliation can be achieved manually, by simply using a wash
cloth. Make a compress with cloth soaked in warm water and place
on skin for a few minutes. Then use cloth in gentle, circular
motion across skin. Enzymes also work well. Choose a gentle
enzyme mask meant for sensitive skin. The enzyme acts as a "proteolytic"
to ingest dead cells. Gently remove the sticky residue with
warm water and a wash cloth. Exfoliate the skin twice weekly
for best results. Stay away from strong acids (glycolic, salicylic)
typically used in skin care, buffing granules and clay type
masks.
Protection
The
goal is to create an environmental barrier while adding some
protective moisture and strengthening the somewhat weak lipid
(oil)barrier of the skin. Choose products that have chemical
free sunscreen protection and moisture enhancing ingredients.
Sensitive skins usually do best with fewer additives, although
some calming essential oils and botanicals may help. Calendula,
lavender and vitamin E are favorite additives.
TYPE
2
Cleanse
Your
skin type has more flexibility in choices. Cleansing bars, gel
or creamy cleansers may all work for you. Mild alphahydroxy
acids formulated into the cleanser can make a nice addition
for smoother, fresher skin (look for lactic, glycolic and fruit
acid complexes). Allow cleanser to remain on skin for one to
two minutes to loosen debris before rinsing. Stay away from
traditional soap bars, which may leave a film (like soap scum)
or act harshly and overdry normal skins.
Exfoliate
As
we age, our skin metabolism slows, causing the shedding function
to be less efficient. By removing surface layers, we stimulate
new cell growth to help maintain a healthy, viable dermis (the
functioning layer). This will discourage lines and loss of elasticity,
while keeping skin looking smooth. Light strengths of alphahydroxy
acids in a gel base or an astringent form work well. Look for
strengths not greater than 10% combined for your routine maintenance.
Layer on after cleansing or at night.
Protection
Light
moisture is best for daytime or under sunscreen/makeup. Use
a multi- functional product that has sunscreen as well. Tinted
moisture products are an excellent choice for this category
for both male and female. They give barrier protection against
elements while having "barely there" color to make skin look
healthy. Use daily and choose a night time moisture product
as needed and according to seasonal climate conditions.
TYPE
3
Cleanse
Your
skin type is generally strong and may produce excess oil. Natural
cellular exfoliation in follicle walls may be impeded. A stronger
cleanser can be tolerated. Gel based cleansers are effective
for oily skins. Added salicylic acid ( a beta hydroxy acid)
helps reduce oil and blemishes. Tea tree oil can act as an antimicrobial
against acne.
Treatment
Cleansing
bars may have added ingredients to help heal and reduce oil
(sulfur, hemlock or pine oil). Cleanse once to remove makeup,
then lather a second time for cutting oil.
Exfoliate
This
is a must do step for oily skins, but extra care must be taken
with active pustules and lesions. Scrubbing grains can further
irritate inflamed skin. Alcohol will dry oil but may cause a
backlash of oil production later. A two step approach is sometimes
helpful-try daily treatment of a form of topical vitamin A (in
prescription or non prescription forms) plus glycolic. These
two ingredients work synergistically for a greater effect, and
will both exfoliate follicle walls and calm oil secretions.
A clay-type mask with added sulfur or benzoyl peroxide twice
weekly can lift surface oils and debris while minimizing blemishes.
Protection
Sun
and environmental protection is the primary need for this skin
type which secretes enough oil to hold in natural moisture.
Look for silicone based systems in an oil-free "moisturizer"
or barrier lotion. This should be a chemical free sunscreen
as well, because the chemical versions of sunscreens may further
irritate acne prone skin. Micronized titanium dioxide is a best
bet for blending into oil free sun screen products. If salicylic
acid is added, it will help absorb oil and keep makeup from
sliding during the day. Night time moisture is not usually necessary,
but special treatments for problem areas may be indicated.
