Skin Types - Know Your SKin Type

It is really very important for you to be able to identify your skin type. This is to enable you to look after your skin correctly. Also the selection of your cosmetics is, to a considerable extent, influenced by your skin type. Although no two skins are exactly similar most have characteristics which enable them to be grouped into one of the following types: normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin.

Like many women of color, you may have always believed that you had oily skin. Even some dermatologists believe the myth that most black skin is oily because oil is more visible on a darker skin surface. But, in fact, skin of color comes in all types, and each type has specific characteristics and needs. The major skin types are dry, oily, and normal. A combination of dry and oily types is known as combination skin or T-zone (to indicate the "T" of your forehead and nose where combination skin tends to be oilier). In addition to these types, your skin may be "sensitive" or particularly prone to irritation, redness, or rashes from commonly available skin-care or hair-care products, a problem that is prevalent among Black women. Finally, some Black women may have skin that is hyper pigmenting. That means that given certain conditions, such as irritation or injury, the skin will form dark marks. These dark marks may develop anywhere on the skin and may require months or years to fade. A common example of hyper pigmenting skin is the formation of a noticeable dark mark that remains after an acne bump disappears and that may take months to fade.

How can you be sure of your skin type? First try the tissue blot test. (You'll need to perform this test several times a year-during spring, summer, fall, and winter-because your skin changes with the seasons.) Here's how to do it: Wash your face with a neutral (not made for a particular skin type) soap or cleanser (such as Neutrogena for normal skin). Rinse with water. Pat dry with a towel just enough to absorb moisture; do not rub. Wait one hour, and then blot your entire face with a large facial tissue. What do you see?

. If you see oil throughout the tissue, you most likely have oily skin. .
. If you see oil only in the T-zone (across Forehead, down nose and chin), you most likely have combination skin. .
. If you see very little oil throughout, you most likely have normal skin. .
. If you see no sign of oil at all and your skin is taut, you most likely have dry skin.
. If your skin feels irritated or slightly itchy, you most likely have sensitive skin. .
. If your skin has dark marks that have been present for one month or more, you most likely have hyperpigmenting skin.

A Closer Look at Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is simply skin that reacts easily to very common irritants, such as fragrances, dyes, oils, lanolin, soap, alcohol, chemicals, and preservatives. Sensitivity can affect any skin type. The signs include redness, itching, burning, or bumpiness that develop after product use. ( Contrary to popular belief, foods rarely cause skin sensitivity.) Many women of color have skin that becomes easily irritated and dry in reaction to various common over-the-counter products. For Brown women, having sensitive skin can be especially troubling because the irritation may lead to pigmentation problems or the development of dark or light marks.

The good news is that some women who think they have sensitive skin actually don't. Your sensitivity may actually be explained by other skin conditions, such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, which can be treated. If you suspect you have sensitive skin or if you're not sure, consult a dermatologist. If in fact you do have sensitive skin, you'll have to be especially careful about what. products you use on your skin and how you treat it.

Here's what to avoid or use on sensitive skin only under a doctor's direction:

• Toners or astringents containing alcohol
• Products containing essential oils (concentrated oil extracts from plants) Witch hazel
• Moisturizers containing fragrance, lanolin, dye, vitamin E
• Sunscreens containing fragrance, oil, PABA
• Makeup containing oil
• Alphahydroxy acid or retinol products (Retin-A)
• Acne medications
• Bleaching creams
• Detergents and fabric softeners containing fragrance or preservatives

To protect your sensitive skin, shop for products and makeup with labels that say "alcohol-free," "fragrance-free," "hypo allergenic," "sensitive skin;" or "non comedogenic."

SKIN TYPES

There are four skin types. Different skin types may need different approaches to achieve healthy skin. It is important to use the appropriate skin care tips for each skin type.

1. Normal skin has the proper balance between oil and moisture, so that it is not greasy or dry. It looks clear, supple and healthy. Normal skin still needs good skin care, but requires less treatment than other skin types.

2. Dry skin cannot retain moisture as well as normal skin. It may flake and it is prone to wrinkles and lines. Important skin care tips for dry skin include the regular use of a good moisturizer.

3. Oily skin has an over secretion of sebum. There is excess oil on the surface of the skin. Oily skin often develops spots and pimples. Important skin care tips for oily skin include regular and thorough cleansing.

4. Combination skin is a combination of both oily and dry skin. The forehead, nose and chin may be oily, and the cheeks and other areas may be dry. Each area should be given the right skin care that is needed for that skin type.

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