Beauty Freak
Archive for December, 2007
Determine your skin type
The first step in basic skin care is determining what “type” your skin is: Dry, Oily or Combination. Your skin type is determined on the amount of oil your body produces – genes, diet, medications, stress levels and even how you care for your skin affect this process.
The first step in any skin care regimen is to determine your skin type. An easy, simple way to determine skin type is to first wash your face and pat it dry. Then take a few sheets of rice paper or camera lens-cleaning tissue and apply to your face. If the paper sticks or picks up oil spots, you have “oily” skin. If the paper remains dry and does not stick to your face, you have “dry” skin. If the paper picks up oil spots or sticks to the “T-Zone” (forehead, nose, and chin) but not to the cheek area, you have “combination” skin.
-Oily skin is often shiny with larger pores and tends to breakout in blackheads and blemishes.
-Dry skin usually feels tight, especially after cleansing. It has smaller pores and had a tendency towards fine lines and flaking.
-Combination skin has medium sized pores and tends to be dry in the cheek area and oily in the T-Zone. The majority of women have combination-type skin.
Once you have determined your skin type, caring for your skin becomes much easier. Follow these basic steps for brighter, happier skin!
1. Be sure to cleanse twice a day – over cleansing can lead to dryness and irritation and can cause your body to produce more oil than normal. Find a cleanser that works for you. After cleansing, your skin should feel refreshed, not tight or oily. Oily and combination skin usually does better with a light exfoliater mixed into the cleanser (if you have sensitive skin, do not use an exfoliater). Dry skin does better with a moisture-heavy, creamy cleanser.
2. Pat your skin dry – this will prevent the breakdown of collagen in delicate areas such as the eyes.
3. Follow with a toner – this is similar to conditioner for your hair. Toner is conditioner for your pores. It helps to tighten them up and regulate the amount of oil produced.
4. Complete your routine with a moisturizer. Oily skin prefers a light moisturizer while dry skin performs better with a heavier one. Combination skin does well with a light to medium moisturizer.
Should you have trouble determining your skin type or finding a cleanser that works for you, try checking out your local department store. In the beauty and make-up section of the store, you will find several counters with specialists on had to help. They will be able to recommend specific products for your skin type.
If any changes in your skin cleaning regimen cause a severe irritation or a rash, see your doctor or dermatologist.
This post has been submitted by Charlie Wilde. Charlie is also one of the main writers on Modern Cleo and has written many different press releases on oak.