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By Rashmi Cherian
source: http://www.lifemojo.com
Skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is also the first line of defense against external harsh substances. Your skin is made up of protective layers of cells supported by nerves, glands and blood vessels. These layers move up on the line and then shed off at the end. Beautiful and healthy skin makes you look more attractive, that's why it is important to take good care of it.
Unfortunately, there is no generic formula for facial skin care because different types of skins have different requirements. The type of skin an individual has is dependant on a lot of factors that range from genetics, to diet and exercise, health or even environmental factors. There are five basic types of skin:
- Normal
- Oily
- Dry
- Combination
- Sensitive
Normal Skin
Normal skin is the most coveted of all skin types and very rare too. Normal skin displays a smooth texture and a rosy, clear surface, with fine pores. It possess a perfect balance of natural oils and moisture which results in a soft, supple & firm skin. The pores of normal skin are small and the overall skin tone is even. The skin is neither dry nor greasy. It looks clear with even skin pigmentation. It reflects good health and needs gentle treatment.
Normal skin usually requires less attention than other skin types. Cleansing with a mild soap every day and using a light moisturizer if needed is usually enough for this low-maintenance skin type.
Oily Skin
As its name implies, oily skin is slightly to moderately greasy. Oil is important because it prevents the skin from drying out and flaking. However, an over reactive sebaceous (oil-producing) glands can lead to oily skin. The excess oil on the surface of the skin attracts dirt and dust from the environment as a result it is more prone to pimples, blackheads and acne breakouts. Oily skin is characterized by a shiny look and greasy feel. It occurs more often in men than in women, and it predominantly affects adolescents and younger persons. It is thick and heavy in texture and often has large pores.
Frequent steam cleaning and exfoliation can help reduce these problems. Stay clear of refined sugar, salt and food with unhealthy fats.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is characterized by a lack of moisture in its corneous layer, resulting in tightness and even flaking. This kind of skin appears fine textured, transparent, patchy and fragile. It feels tight, even during midday, because its sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It can be itchy, red, aggravated and inflamed. It may lack elasticity, with accentuated fine lines and wrinkles.
Look for facial cleansers and soaps with moisturizing agents and be sure to effectively moisturize your skin after cleansing with products that contain natural oils. Have a healthy balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and have at least 7-8 glasses of water and at least eight hours of sleep.
Combination Skin
This type of skin is very common and if you are between the ages of 25 and 45, you are probably in this category. Combination skin is rather dry in some parts of the body and oily in other localizations. The greasy areas usually are the forehead, nose and chin. The dry areas are cheeks, the skin around the eyes and mouth.
Use astringents to soak up excessive oil from oily areas and moisturize the dry ones afterwards.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin tends to be thin, delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic and can be rashy. This skin type can be either oily and/or dry and tends to be easily disturbed by skin-care products and cosmetics. It is easily susceptible to freckles, itchy spots and blotches. Sensitive skin can be easily irritated. Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and stinging.
The best way to take care of sensitive skin is to avoid using products with harsh and unknown chemicals, and use products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.
How do I determine my skin type?
Determining your skin type is an important first step in knowing how to treat your skin and what products to use. To clean away any dirt or oil that may have accumulated during the day, wash your face with a skin cleanser and pat dry. Wait for an hour to allow your skin to return to its natural state. Now, press a seaparate piece of tissue on your chin, center of forehead, outer forehead, center of cheeks, outer cheeks and nose. Examine the tissues:
- If you see oil on each tissue (seen as transparent spots on the tissue), it indicated an oily skin type.
- If you see oil on only some tissues, especially on the T-zone (forehead, node and chin), it indicates a combination skin type.
- After wiping if the skin is left too tight or streched with a feeling of dryness or you notice flaky skin residue on all tissue then it indicates a dry skin type.
- No oil and no flaky residue on the tissues along with skin feeling supple and elastic indicates a normal skin type.
Once you have identified your skin type, you can take the necessary steps to get the most healthful glow out of your skin, whatever type it turns out to be. Remember, irrespective of your skin type, washing your face with a facewash, twice a day, is very important.
source: http://www.lifemojo.com
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