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Factors affecting skin type
Your skin type is a result of many factors. Heredity plays a large role in determining your skin type and condition based on your parents. People in hot, dry climates need oily skin to lubricate and protect it, which is why Indian skin is oilier than European skin. Cool, moist climates result in fine, translucent skin which has a tendency to become dry. Skin type often changes with age - babies tend to have beautiful soft skin as it has been protected from the outside world and is free from the hormonal changes that occur throughout adolescence and adulthood. Skin generally becomes oilier in your youth and will get drier as you age, as sebum output and the skin's natural moisture content decrease. Men's skin is usually oilier and thicker than women's, and their facial skin, due to regular shaving resulting in constant renewal of upper skin cells, often results in men aging better than women. Environmental factors such as central heating and pollutants, bodily changes such as periods, pregnancy, hormonal changes and the menopause, as well as stress, emotional factors and diet can all have an effect on your skin type.
Skin type classifications
Skin types classifications are given below, but please be aware that your skin type can transition from one to another depending on your own body and circumstances in life:
'Normal Skin' is 'perfect skin. It is soft, smooth and finely textured, does not flake, become dry or oily or develop spots. Babies and children usually have normal skin, but it needs attention, tender care and a good diet. Never take it for granted. Use gentle cleansers, toners and moisturisers daily and use a face mask once a week.
'Dry Skin' is close textured and fine, but it can feel tight, flake and is predisposed to developing facial lines. Keep this fragile skin away from extremes of temperature and from wind. Moisturisers to replace the lack of natural skin lubrication are essential for this type of skin. Avoid soap and instead use gentle cleansers, alcohol-free toners and day moisturisers. Use a night cream. Use a moisturising face mask once a week.
'Sensitive Skin' is fine and transluscent, but it can develop lines and small surface veins. It can suffer redness and irritation when exposed to allergens in the air or pollutants and to products such as perfumes. Keep it away from extreme weather and complex cosmetic products which may contain synthetic chemical allergens. Use cleansers, toners and moisturisers that are alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Try to avoid face masks and face scrubs.
'Oily Skin' has an increased sebum production and hence a characteristic shiny look and is prone to developing spots. The skin is thicker and can have enlarged pores, with a tendency towards blackheads and blemishes. Avoid the temptation to use harsh cleansers which can make the problem worse by overstripping the natural oils and hence overstimulating the oil production. Gentle cleansing is best to maintain the skin's balance. Use a mild. PH-balanced soap or a cleanser, toner and oil-free moisturiser. Apply a facial scrub and a deep-cleansing face-mask once a week. Some oily skins can benefit from a weekly steaming session.
'Combination Skin' is common between the ages of twenty and forty. The chin, nose and forehead, the T-zone of the face, are oilier than rest of the face. The skin around the eyes, cheeks and neck will be dry. Do not be tempted to use products made for oily skin on areas other than the T-zone. Use gentle cleansers and toners and oil-free moisturizers, paying particular attention to the drier areas. Apply a facial scrub once a week to the T-zone and a gentle face mask once a week.
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