4 Major Skin types

Most of the skincare issues or conditions you have are due to ignorance about your skin type. While some know their skin type, it never occurs to them to use skin care products for their skin types.  When you know your skin type, you have solved 70 per cent of your skin issues.

Firstly, what does skin type means, and how do I know my skin type? Skin type is the amount of oiliness produced on your face. And skin type means your face. The oil produced on your face can either be small or too much. The basic but not all skin types are;   

Dry Skin Type

The amount of oil produced is not enough, or the skin cannot retain the oil produced. Significant characteristics are; pulling, scaling, little or severe dryness on the skin, and wrinkling.

Solution

• Apply Shea butter, olive oil or coconut oil. Products formulated with ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin helps soothe and retain moisture.
• Wash with mild soaps or black soaps infused with honey.

Oily Skin Type

The skins produce excess oil. This skin type can only be managed by controlling the oil secreted through conscious skincare routine. Significant characteristics are; constant oil on the skin, large pores, occasional acne, pitted acne scars.

Solution

•  Salicylic acid treats black and white head, benzoyl peroxide to treat pimples and witch hazel toner to clean dirt and balance your pH.
• Apply stabilized aloe vera gel, vitamin E gel, hyaluronic gel as a moisturizer.
• Wash with pH regulated face wash once daily—micellar water at night before final washing. Avoid alcoholic toners or cleansers.
• Detoxify with bentonite clay mask once a week. 

Normal Skin Type

This skin type is near to perfect; it is also known as balanced skin. Characteristics of this skin type are; balanced sebum production, fine pores, uniform complexion.

Moderate and consistent skincare regimen is what this skin type’ needs. Exfoliate once a week or month, hydrate, and moisturize. Wash with mild washes.

Combination skin type

Some part produces excess oil, and the other part has little to no oil. Characteristics; oily T- zone, dry or flaky cheeks, visible pores on the nose, and acne on T-zone. This skin type is the most complex to manage. While you use oily skin care products or regimen for the oily part, dry parts also require different regimen, ideal for dry skin type.

Solution

Use mild to non-soapy cleansers, tone with salicylic or witch hazel toners. Moisturize with non-clogging products, use a hydrating mask, use chemical peel in place of physical scrubs.

 Sensitive skin types

The skin appears red or inflamed after using harsh or fragranced products. The solution is to use very mild washes and confirm ingredients you are allergic to, hydrate more, and use soothing exfoliants like oatmeal or licorice root.

Another skin type is dehydrated skin. Lack of hydration makes the skin to produce oil to lubricate the skin falsely. A compromised or damaged skin barrier also dehydrate. Characteristics are; dull skin, dark cycles around the eyes, dark cast around the mouth, and wrinkles.

Solution

• Use mild washes or black soap infused in honey or vegetable glycerin. Exfoliate once in a week with non-abrasive scrubs. Spend less time in the bathroom. Apply stabilized aloe Vera gel before moisturizing, use creams instead of lotions, and heavy oils and butter.

Hormones can sometimes change your skin type such as puberty; wrong skincare products can also change your skin type. Identify your skin type, know the right regimen for you, and be consistent.