A Guide on How to recognise your skin type

Do you know what skin type you have?

As we are unable to get to our Beauty Skincare Specialist we are having to do DIY beauty.
This is essential to know your specific skin type to ensure you are using the correct skincare routine at home, using the wrong skincare products can actually give you additional and preventable skin problems, such as over sensitising your skin – resulting in tight or itchiness , over stimulating sebum production and oil – which can cause spots, dehydrating – dull appearance, or causing blockages resulting in milia.

This guide will enable you to give yourself a skin analysis

As a professional skin specialist at the beginning of every facial I carryout a skin analysis, this enables me to determine which products would most benefit your skin or your individual concerns.

First Cleanse the skin, you need to be able to see your skin

Remove all make up, Double cleansing is a must, the first cleanse removes make up and surface dirt and oil, while the second cleanse actually cleanses the skin removing dirt and oil that has collected during the day.
We then use a skin toner, make sure this is suited for your skin type, A toner will remove any residue of cleanser, tighten the pores, mattify the skin and if using the correct toner leave a natural antibacterial film to help stop spots forming
When you carryout your skin analysis it is useful to do it in good light, A magnifying mirror will help you see close up and determine pore size.
There are four main skin types
*We look at pore size
*Fines lines or wrinkles
*colour of the skin
*texture of the skin

Normal Skin

*Small, fine pores
*Even texture
*No blemishes
*Good balance of oil
*Healthy colour

Dry Skin

*Fine pores
*Fine lines and wrinkles
*Matt & uneven texture
*Dry patches
*Can have redness dilated capillaries across cheeks

Oily Skin

*Enlarged pores
*Thicker coarser skin
*Spots or blackheads
*Shiny / Oily appearance
Combination
*Any of the above together
*i.e. Oily t zone, dry cheeks

A skin can also suffer from the following conditions either temporarily or consistent.
Dehydrated Skin
*Skin lacking in moisture, superficial flaking
*May feel tight and itchy
*Can be temporary

Mature Skin

*Lack of firmness and suppleness
*Lack of muscle tone
*Pigmentation areas
*Lines and wrinkles

Sensitive Skin

*Flushes easily
*Dilated capillaries
*Itchy skin

Congested Skin

*Infected pussy spots
*Red hard lumps/spots
*Black heads – Blacked blocked pores
*Infected skin

Factors that can affect skin type

*Age – As we grow in years our skins natural production of collagen and elastin slows down resulting in fine lines and wrinkles
*Hormonal imbalance – The over production of different hormones (progesterone or oestrogen) can cause spots
*Incorrect skincare – Using the wrong products can result in dehydration or over stimulating the sebum production
*Climate – The sun can dry the skin, or the wind can sensitise the skin and cause broken capillaries
*Diet – intake of water and food – Water and vitamins are vital in producing cell regeneration
*Smoking & Alcohol – Robs the skin of essential vitamins and can dehydrate the skin

Some Technical Terms For Common skin disorders

Acne – Vulgaris
A bacterial infection of sebaceous glands. Usually caused by hormonal imbalance but can also be aggravated by stress or poor diet. Pustules, which are spots that contain pus and papules which are blind spots so have no head, can be sore and painful, and may be present on the face, neck or back.
Acne – Rosacea
Rosacea is recognised by persistent flushing, which can be aggravated by spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, stress or extreme changes from hot to cold. Papules are usually found and give the skin a lumpy appearance.
Comedomes– Blackheads
A grey spot caused by hardened sebum blocking the hair follicle. It is of black appearance due to oxidation of keratin in the sebum that changes colour when it comes into contact with the air.
Milia – Whiteheads
Milia are small cysts which are white hard pearly lumps under the skin, which can include sebum. Common around the eye area as the skin is thinner. Can be caused by incorrect skincare containing high mineral oil content. Milia can be removed with a sterile micro lance, but must be done by a skincare specialist

Helpful Information on products suited to different skin types

Cleansers
Cleansing milks are usually oil in water composition, making them light in texture; they will benefit a sensitive or Normal skin type. These can be removed with water and face cloth, sponges or damp cotton wool pads.

Cleansing creams are higher in oil to water content and thicker in consistency, these makes them effective in removing oil based make up. Because they have higher oil content they will benefit a mature, dehydrated or dry skin type. These are better removed with a muslin cloth or face cloth.

Foaming cleansers are gel based with a mild detergent that when mixed with water produces foam. This is idea for clients who like the feeling of washing with water, and suitable for an oily or combination skin type.

Skin toners generally contain a small amount of astringent or alcohol which gives the slight feeling of tightening; it also removes any residue of cleanser and closes the pores. Toners are applied to the skin on cotton pads.

Masks are applied to the skin in a thin layer to aid easy removal. Masks may contain ingredients such clay for oily combination skins which set on the skin, or non-setting masks which may contain oil or cream for Mature, dry or sensitive skins. Masks are deep cleansing and can be used to push in moisturisers and oils for a more nourishing effect. Masks can be applied with a facial mask brush or the fingers, they are removed with water.

Moisturiser lotions are light in texture and are usually a high water to oil content, making them a good choice for oily, combination or sensitive skins.
Moisturising creams are richer in consistency and texture because of higher oil content, so perfect for Mature, dehydrated or dry skins.

Written By Louise Baxter
www.templespa.com/louisebaxter
Louise Baxter Skincare And Beauty Specialist