subject: From Dry To Oily, How Do I Care For My Skin? [print this page] Skin types include normal, oily, dry, and sensitive. Some people may have a combination of skin types in different areas of their skin. Additionally, your skin type can change over time-younger people tend to have a normal skin type while older people may not. Varying depending on a combination of factors, your skin type is determined based on:
*Water content - this affects your skin's comfort and elasticity
*Oil (lipid) content - your skin's softness and nutrition is affected
*Sensitivity level - this displays your skin's tolerance to certain substances
Depending on your skin type, there are specific ways in which you should care for your skin to maintain a healthy glow and feel.
Do You Have Normal Skin?
If you are one of the lucky ones to have normal skin, this means that you have a good balance and the right amounts of water and oils. Normal skin also has:
*None or few imperfections
*No severe sensitivity
*Barely visible pores
*A radiant complexion
How About Combination Skin Type?
A combination skin type combines dry or normal in some areas, while being oily in others, such as the T-zone, which is the nose, forehead, and chin area. A common skin type, common skin may benefit from slightly different types of skin care in different areas. If you have combination skin, it can produce:
*Overly dilated pores
*Blackheads
*Shiny skin
You develop combination skin as a result of genetic or hormonal factors that cause an imbalance in how much and where oils are produced. Your combination skin can also vary depending on the weather.
Could it be Dry Skin?
Dry skin can produce almost invisible pores, dull, rough complexion, red patches, less elasticity, and more visible lines. When exposed to drying factors, your skin can flake, crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If your skin is very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.
To take care of your dry skin, it is important to follow some simple guidelines:
*Take shorter showers or baths - limit them to once a day
*Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers - avoid deodorant soaps
*Don't scrub your skin
*Apply a rich moisturizer immediately after your bath or shower
*Use a humidifier and don't let indoor temperatures get too hot
*Buy natural cleaning products
*Wear gloves while utilizing cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents
Understanding Oily Skin
When we are younger, it is more common to have oily skin, as it occurs when glands in the skin secrete too many oils. If you have oily skin, it can produce:
*Enlarged pores
*Dull or shiny, thick complexion
*Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes
Your oiliness can change depending on the time of the year or the weather, and it can be caused or worsened by:*Puberty*Hormonal imbalances*Stress*Antibiotics*Exposure to heat or too much humidityTo take care of your oily skin you can:*Limit washing your skin to no more than twice a day*Wash after perspiring heavily*Use a gentle cleanser*Do not scrub*Don't pick, pop or squeeze pimples - this prolongs healing time*Use products labeled as "noncomedogenic," as they do not clog pores.Ouch! Maybe I Have Sensitive SkinIf your skin is sensitive, it is helpful to find out why so that you can stay away from things that make it react. You may have sensitive skin for a variety of reasons, but often in response to particular skin care products, and can show up as:*Redness*Itching*Burning*DrynessSome of the most common reasons why you might have sensitive skin is due to:*Acne*Rosacea*Contact dermatitisNo matter your skin type, it is important to take proper care of your skin. Talk to your dermatologist in Boynton for more information about your skin type and how to properly care for your skin all year long. by: Gen Wright
