Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Skin Analysis

I'm a firm believer that a beautiful face, starts off with the skin. Our skin is put up to harsh weather, pollutants, make up, and anything else we expose it to. If you're looking for a flawless make up look, then we need to be conscious of how to best work with our skin.  There are numerous skin conditions and issues out there than can easily be addressed at home. First off, let's go into the skin types:

1) Normal. Unfortunately only a few people are blessed with this skin type. It has fine texture, very smooth, pores are nearly invisible, and no blemishes. I wish!

2) Dry. Just like me. The skin feels tight, may get flaky and feels rough in certain areas. This type of skin may be more prone fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth. Damn- well I guess anti-aging creams are a must for me at the age of 25. Check out Flaky and Dried Out!

3) Oily. Skin usually appears shiny, pores look large, blemishes and blackheads are more noticeable. This is due to the overactive oil glands clogging the pores. 

4) Combination. Basically, you're a mix of oily and dry skin types. This skin type often has an oily T-zone (down the center of the face- forehead, nose, inner cheeks, and chin), while other areas of the face tend to be normal or dry. Most people have this type of skin.

I know some of you may be aware of these skin types and do have some clue about this, but for others this may be news. Depending on your skin, you should use specific products.

For people with dry skin, look at using a cream moisturizer instead of a lotion.  Lotions are usually meant for normal or combination skin types as they don't need a massive load of hydration.  Dry skin types also require the use of a cream cleanser instead or a gel or foam because it tends to be more nourishing.  Oily skin types on the other hand, are better off with either a gel moisturizer, or lotion for the face. In terms of cleansers, a gel cleanser would also be best for this skin type, to decrease your pores from clogging up.  Combination skin types should use a lotion moisturizer to compensate for both the dry and oily areas of the face. The best cleanser for this skin type, would be a foam cleanser, as it works with both areas.  Normal skin, well your the lucky ones. Go with what works best for you. I would suggest sticking to a lotion, as well as a foaming cleanser.

I think it's also important to address the different issues some skins may have. Some of the most common skin conditions are as followed:
Dehydrated- When the skin lacks water. Often crinkly in appearance.
Comedones- A fancy word for blackheads. Basically, dirt and oil get trapped in the pores.
Milia- Also known as whiteheads. Theses are hardened oils trapped underneath the skin. Usually located around the eyes and due to too many or too much product around the area.
Asphyxiated- Dull in color, meaning the skin lacks oxygen.
Flushed- The after the bedroom shenanigan look, of a flushed red face.
Acne- Obviously every teenagers nightmare. One word- breakouts.
Hyper pigmentation- Darker pigmented skin.
Hypo pigmentation- Lighter pigmented skin.
Superficial lines- Fine lines.
Deep lines- Those horrible age defining WRINKLES.
Couperose- Enlarged capillaries at the surface of the skin.
Last but not least: Sensitive- Often little red bumps or areas, dry patches, itching, peeling, flaky skins.

Analyze your skin and figure out what works best for you. Take a look at the products you use at home and see if they are right for your skin type. There's so many products in the market, it's best to have an idea about what you're looking for and what you need, before you head out into the big bad world of cosmetics. I was totally oblivious to this information prior to having gone to school for it. It helps a lot to know your own skin as well as any skin conditions that you may have when looking for products.

Last but not least: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

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