Why Your Skin Type Matters?

According to top dermatologists, 5 in 10 people are ignorant of their skin type and needs. Knowing your skin type is the first step towards healthy skin care.

Our skin is exposed to all kinds of toxins and pollutants that permeate our immediate surrounding's. Hence, taking the time to learn about your skin's unique needs can help you select the best solutions for achieving a more radiant and healthy skin.

You can choose the best products and medicines that would be most beneficial for your skin. You can also eliminate the risks of exposing your skin to products that do not match your skin type.

Test Your Skin Type

Oily, Dry, and Combination are the most common skin types. Here are two simple methods you can try at home to know your skin type:

1. The Bare-Faced Test:

Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser first. Next, gently pat dry it and allow the skin to breathe. Do not apply any additional moisturizers, serums, or treatments.

Examine your t-zone ( chin, nose, and forehead ) for any shine after 30 minutes.

After another 30 minutes, check if your skin feels tight and dried. Try to smile or make facial expressions to see if your skin  feels itchy.

Your skin is :

●          Most likely dry if it feels tight.

●          Most likely a combination if there is a significant shine on your nose and forehead.

●          Most likely oily if you have shine on your t-zone i.e. chin, nose, and forehead.

2. The Blotting Sheet Test:

This procedure is much faster, and it's most commonly used to distinguish between oily and dry skin. Gently pat the various parts of your face using blotting paper. Hold the sheet up to the light and see how much oil is absorbed by the sheet. 

If the sheet absorbed next to no oil, you probably have dry skin. If oil from the forehead and nose can be seen on the blotting sheet, your skin is a combination. Finally, if the blotting paper is completely drenched with oil, you most certainly have oily skin.

SKIN TYPES: Common Problems and Cure

Dry Skin

If your skin is stripped of its natural oil and moisture, it can feel itchy and tight throughout the day. Genetics, lifestyle and diet, cold weather, allergies, and hormone fluctuations all contribute to dry skin.

For Dry Skin Prevention:

●          Wash your face gently at least twice a day.

●          Use moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid.

●          Use a hydrating soap that is free of allergens.

●          Make use of a humidifier.

●          Wear clothes that are gentle on your skin.

Combination Skin

Combination skin has an oily or well-moisturized T-zone (the area around your forehead, nose, and chin). The rest of the face is usually dry. Combination skin is characterized by dry skin spots, mild breakouts, and dryness at the same time. During the winter season, large pores form on the nose, chin, and forehead.

For Combination Skin Care:

●          Use A Gentle Facial Cleanser

●          Exfoliate every day

●          Hydrate Your Skin

●          Avoid over-moisturizing and stressing the skin

Oily Skin

Oily skin is the result of excess sebum released by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum is essential for healthy skin. It keeps our skin hydrated and protected. But excess sebum leaves the skin pores congested, clogged, and prone to acne.

For Oily Skin, Follow these skin care tips:

●          Wash your face twice a day

●          Use blotting papers and medicated pads to pat dry

●          Follow up with a toner to absorb leftover sebum

●          Apply moisturizers

●          Drink lots of water

Skin Care Facts That Most People Miss

1. Cleansing: For removing dirt, excess oil, and  pollutants

When choosing a cleaner, start with the mildest choice available for a healthy skin. Your cleanser should  remove dirt, debris, and excess oil without removing the skin's natural hydration..

2. Daily Moisturising: For skin hydration and replenishment

Moisturization will protect your healthy skin against cold and dry weather. Moisturizers are formulated with ingredients like glycerin, petrolatum and vitamins B3 and B5 that retain the skin’s natural moisture. Moisturizers protect your skin gains irritation and acne.

3. Applying sunscreen for protection against UV rays

The impact of Ultraviolet ray exposure on skin is often overlooked. Sunscreen with the right skin-type ingredients should be an essential element of everyone’s daily skin care routine.

How to Treat Skin Problems?

How you treat your skin varies depending on the skin problem.

For a healthy skin, start by drinking a lot of water and add a lot of fruits to your daily diet. Sleep too plays a key role in your skin’s health, Make sure that you get a sound sleep every night. If your issues remain unresolved, the best thing to do is consult a dermatologist.

Also, it is never wise to use skin scare products that are not recommended by an expert. Claims made by nearly 99% of the skin-care products are always too good to be true. So, make sure you consult an expert who can help you out with the right solutions that best fits your skin type. 

Last but not least, stress can make skin problems worse. Acne and skin rashes, burning or itching skin, and flare-ups can be a symptoms of stress. Consulting an expert is the best thing to do when these problems cannot be resolved using primary over-the-counter medications.

When to See a Doctor or Dermatologist?

If you have a simple, common skin concern, you should definitely see your primary care provider first.

Anything that affects a large area of the skin, should be evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible. Moderate acne, pimples, warts, minor rashes, bug bites, simple cysts, athlete's foot, dandruff, and mild, benign lesions can all be treated by primary care providers.

Consult a dermatologist right away if a rash or other skin problem covers more than 10% of your body, especially if you have a fever, joint aches, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing, or can't sleep.

If an ulcer persists after a week or two, consult a dermatologist. These exposed sores have the potential to become infected.

Skin Protection and Care

Prioritize your skin’s need when using any over the counter skincare product. Read the labels and do a patch test first.

The patch test will help you identify any possible allergic reactions or irritation. Stop using the product immediately  if you notice any itching, redness, burning, or swelling.

Finally, never try too many products together. Try new products one at a time. This way you will be able to identify the products that are not best match for your skin type easily.

Treat your Skin Gently

Don't have time for a thorough healthy skin care routine? You can still treat your skin with care by simply following the basics. There are three key steps for maintaining healthy skin:

1. 1. 1.     Cleansing — Washing your face.

      2.    Toning — Balancing the skin.

      3.     Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin

   2. Easy Skin-Care for all Skin Types:

      ●          Use a gentle daily cleanser.

      ●          Always wear sunscreen

      ●          Exfoliate occasionally

      ●          Always wear sunscreen

      ●          Stay hydrated.

      ●          Don't overthink it

      Avoid these DIY Skincare Hacks

      ●          Lemon juice: It is far too acidic and can cause dark spots, dryness, and irritation.

      ●          Baking soda: Baking soda, with a pH of 8, will stress your skin and lead to  dryness.

      ●          Toothpaste: Garlic can induce skin allergies, skin irritation, and watery blisters when eaten raw.

      Is Steaming your Face Good?

      Steaming your face is no doubt a great way to pamper your skin. However, it should never be done daily. The many benefits of steaming your face regularly include:

      ●          Hydrates the skin

      ●          Increase the effectiveness of beauty products and therapy

      ●          Release bacteria and impurities

      ●          Deeply cleanses your skin

      ●          And removes toxins

      Conclusion

      Healthy skin is similar to a beautiful smile. It makes you stand out and creates a great first impression. 

      Unresolved or ignored skin problems not only detract from your beauty, but they can also be harmful to your health, such as acne breakouts and painful fissures. A good skincare routine makes us look younger, more confident, and healthier.

      Do you want to learn about the best healthy skin care routine for your skin type? Fill out this form right now to speak with the best dermatologists in your area.