Skin type based on surface characteristics

Beauticians and cosmetic consultants will frequently classify an individual’s facial skin type according to surface characteristics. Their five classifications are useful in the sense that they provide some practical recommendations for daily care. It should be remembered, however, that surface characteristics of skin will vary considerably according to factors like general health, ageing, stress, diet, and exercise. Below we take a look at each of the five facial skin types and consider some of the steps that can be taken to optimize the appearance of each skin type.

Normal skin

Normal skin is smooth and firm to touch with no evidence of dryness or excessive oiliness. It has its own natural resilience that helps to prevent common problems such as broken capillaries, spots, or redness. Most commonly seen in children, adults who maintain these normal skin characteristics are both rare and fortunate.

The recommendation for maintaining normal skin is one gentle cleansing each day using an organic soap or facial scrub. Apply a light moisturiser each evening, preferably one based on natural plant materials such as avocado, lavender, and hemp extracts. Overexposure to harsh Australian conditions is damaging for all skin types. Maximum protection sunscreen and wide brimmed hats are the best strategy for outdoors.

Oily skin

Oily skin is often caused by hormone signals that increase the normal rate of sebum production and release. Typically, the surface feels greasy to touch while the appearance is shiny, often with visible pores. Acne and other blemishes are commonly associated with oily skin, although this negative aspect is balanced by it being less prone to wrinkles and other signs of advancing age.

The recommendation is to use organic products formulated for oily skin. Moisturise each evening but avoid the temptation to cleanse too frequently. Rather than removing excess oil, this action stimulates the sebaceous glands and may exacerbate the problem.

A healthy diet with lots of raw fruits and vegetables combined with outdoor exercise will help to balance the endocrine system and alleviate minor problems associated with oily skin. As with other skin types, adequate protection against the damaging ultra violet components of sunlight are required.

Dry skin

Dry skin is usually fine textured with a slightly dull appearance. On closer inspection there may be some flaky or granulated sections evident, particularly around the corners of the mouth, eyes, and forehead. Dry skin often feels tight or mildly uncomfortable. Without daily attention and careful nurturing, dry skin has a tendency to wrinkle and become more brittle with age.

The recommendation is to use organic products formulated for dry skin. Dry skin requires a non soap cleanser with additional moisturising action. Lightly moisturise during the day and apply a night cream before going to bed. Most natural beauty consultants will also recommend a hydrating eye gel. In order to improve the function of chronically dry skin, a careful consideration of diet and lifestyle is required. Several medical conditions are strongly associated with dry skin so a thorough medical assessment will help to eliminate these.

Ensure that your diet is rich in essential fatty acids, including the omega 3 and omega 6 oils. Good sources include deepwater fishes like cod, tuna, and mackerel, flax oil, organic avocadoes, olive oil, and raw almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower, and sesame seeds. Zinc and Selenium are essential minerals often taken in supplement form by individuals with dry skin. Alternatively they are present in nutritious foods like shellfish, green leafy vegetables, complex grains, nuts, seeds, and sea vegetables. Always drink plenty of water during the day and try to restrict the intake of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

Two of the worst irritants for dry skin are tobacco smoking (passive or active) and modern air conditioning systems that remove moisture in order to protect computer terminals. Dry skin is extremely vulnerable to the elements and needs to be protected with an appropriate sunscreen during outdoor activities.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin often has similar qualities to dry skin with the addition of areas that tend to react against both internal and external influences. Sites of reaction may be caused by allergies, pollution, chemical irritants, illness, extremes of temperature, and other unsuitable environmental conditions. The visible signs of reaction include redness, dermatitis, chafing, broken veins, capillaries and mild bruising. The care of sensitive skin is similar to that recommended for dry skin.

It is advisable to arrange a medical consultation to eliminate systemic problems prior to considering any lifestyle and dietary factors that may have contributed to the skins overall condition. Sensitive skin needs to be cleansed and maintained with a hypoallergenic and unscented range of products. Most of the synthetic chemicals contained in conventional skincare treatments are unsuitable for sensitive skin. Products formulated with natural organic ingredients are safer in this respect. It is worth the effort of ordering small samples of any organic treatments that are specified for sensitive or dry skin, and to compare their effects and results over a period of time.

Understandably, sensitive skin requires a high degree of protection against adverse weather conditions and ultra violet radiation. Wide brimmed hats and loose cotton shirts with long sleeves are sensible choices for summer. It is generally safer to choose clothing made from natural plant or animal fibres and to avoid synthetic garments, particularly those containing viscose polyester and rayon.

Combination skin

Combination skin is most common amongst adults, increasingly so after the middle period of life. It is characterised by a central band of skin which is oilier and more coarsely textured than the rest of the face. In contrast to the oily central band, the cheeks are usually normal or dry in condition.

When caring for combination skin it is important to choose products that will neither stimulate the sebaceous glands nor increase the dryness of the throat and cheek regions. Non soap cleansers and gentle moisturisers made from natural plant extracts are highly recommended for combination skin. As with other skin types, adequate protection against the damaging ultra violet components of sunlight are required.