Skin Type

Know your Skin Type

The first step towards beautiful skin is working out what your skin type is. This is necessary so that you can work out how to care for your skin, and what products you should use.

The major kinds of facial skin types can be categorized as follows :

1. Normal skin
2. Dry skin
3. Oily skin
4. Combination skin
5. Sensitive skin

Normal skin - Normal skin has a fine even texture with a supple and smooth surface. It has a proper balance between oil and moisture contents and is therefore moist and neither greasy nor dry. It looks clear and does not develop spots and blemishes. The pores of the skin are fine and barely visible. It reflects good health and needs gentle treatment.

Dry skin - Dry skin has a dry parched appearance and has a tendency to flake easily. It is prone to wrinkles and lines. It is due to the inability to retain moisture as well as the insufficient production of sebum by  the sebaceous glands. Dry skin often has problems in cold weather and ages faster than normal or oily skin. Constant protection is very important. It needs a moisturiser during the day and a good cream at night.

Oily skin - Skin that looks oily, feels greasy to touch and is prone to blackheads and pimples is known as oily skin.It is imperative to keep oily skin clean and to control the excess secretion of oil.On the positive side, oily skin tends to age more gradually as compared to other skin types, as natural oil protects oily skin from fine lines and wrinkles.A simple but regular skin-care programme coupled with a well-balanced, healthy diet helps manage oily skin and minimises skin break-outs.

Combination skin - Skin that is oily in some parts but dry or normal in others is considered as combination skin.The oily skin is concentrated on the T-zone, which is across the foreheat, down the nose and chin.Whenever you wash your face, you may find that some areas of your face feel tight after washing; and that these parts look dull or feel dry and rough whereas the T-zone looks shiny, feels oily to touch and is prone to pimples and blackheads.Combination skin needs special attention because the dry parts of your face need to be considered, whereas the oily parts need to be kept clean to avoid breakouts.

Sensitive skin - Sensitive skin can be easily irritated. Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and stinging. After a wash a wash it feels dry and itchy in places. By midday there are flaky patches and some redness. Occasionally break out in spots.