Normal Skin

It is very rare to find normal skin, and needs careful handling to maintain the balance between oil production and oil loss.

Normal skin has a clear fresh appearance, rarely develops blemishes and has an even pore size.  There is no evidence of lining or flaking, indicating a well moisturised skin.

Normal skin is characterised by:

• Even texture and pores

• Feels firm to touch

• Texture is even

• Elasticity is good and skin is free from spots or blemishes

• Moisture content is good

• Colour is pink because of good circulation

• No evidence of lining or flaking

Dry Skin

Dry skin is caused by insufficient secretions of sebum, which is the skin's natural oil that keeps the skin soft and supple.  Insufficient sebum causes the skin to become flaky and dry to the touch and it will feel dry and tight especially after washing.

Dry skin ages rapidly and can be identified by fine lines around the eyes, mouth and neck, which is caused by poor elasticity.

Dry skin is aggravated by dry atmospheric conditions, harsh weather, poor diet and harsh skin care routines.

Dry skin is characterised by:

• Small tight pores

• Flaky skin

• Redness, uneven pigmentation and visible dry patches

• Milia (a type of cyst)*

• Fine texture and skin looks thin

• Tendency to sensitivity shown by broken capillaries

• Signs of premature ageing are common, especially around eyes, mouth and neck.

>>> Skincare products suitable for dry and mature skin types >>>

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be caused by dry skin that has been either neglected or treated harshly, or reactions to foods or cosmetics. 

Sensitive skin is characterised by:

• Redness on touch

• Broken capillaries, especially on the cheeks

• Feels tight and uncomfortable on application of products (in extreme cases burning and instant rashes are experienced)*

• High colouring and easily flushes for no apparent reason*

• Feels warm to touch

• Superficial flaking

• Black skins turn darker if they are sensitive

• Skin produces more sebum to protect, causing further oiliness/combination skin problems*

Avoid ingredients such as Beeswax, Wheatgerm Oil and Rose Hip Seed Oil - of course, it does depend on how much is in a product, but these ingredients can suffocate sensitive and reactive skins if they are in higher proportions.

>>>Unscented skincare products suitable for sensitive skin>>>

Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by an over secretion of sebum, so anything that over stimulates the sebaceous glands (oil glands) should be avoided.  For instance:

• Excessive cleansing or handling the skin

• Overheating

• Poor diet

Oily skin easily collects debris and in severe cases lead to cysts and pustules that are found in cases of acne vulgaris.

Oily skin is characterised by:

• Shiny patches

• Large open pores

• Coarse skin texture

• Sallow skin caused by sebum holding dead cells on surface

• Blocked pores leading to comedones (blackheads)

• Good skin tone caused by grease protecting skin from dryness

• High moisture content

If you also suffer with a few sensitivities, avoid ingredients such as Beeswax, Wheatgerm Oil and Rose Hip Seed Oil - of course, it does depend on how much is in a product, but these ingredients can suffocate oily, sensitive and reactive skins if they are in higher proportions.

>>>Skin Care items recommended for Oily Skin Types >>>

Mature Skin

Almost everyone over the age of 25 years has mature skin.  As the skin ages it becomes dry because the glands are less active and it loses its elasticity. 

The epidermis grows more slowly and so becomes thinner and facial contours change as muscle tone is lost.

Blood circulates more slowly, therefore nutrients are not as available so new skin cells are replenished less often.

In the same way, waste products are removed more slowly, therefore the skin can look puffy due to water retention.

Mature skin is characterised by:

• Puffiness under the skin

• Dark circles under the eyes

• Hair growth on upper lip and chin that darkens with age

>>> Skincare products suitable for dry and mature skin types >>>

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydration is caused by insufficient moisture in the skin and can affect any skin type.

It may be caused by illness, excessive sweating, drastic dieting, not drinking enough water or air conditioning.

Dehydrated skin is characterised by:

• Fine superficial lines

• Fine 'orange peel' effect

• Broken capillaries

• Flaking

>>>Quick Fixes for Dehydrated Skins >>>

Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterised by:

• A T-shape of oily skin that crosses the forehead and runs down the side of the nose and onto the chin

• The pores within the T zone are larger than elsewhere on the face

• A sheen across the forehead, on the sides of the nose and on the chin

• A tendency to congestion of the pores within the T zone

• The skin outside the T zone may be normal or dry

If you also suffer with sensitivities, avoid ingredients such as Beeswax, Wheatgerm Oil and Rose Hip Seed Oil - of course, it does depend on how much is in a product, but these ingredients can suffocate sensitive and reactive skins if they are in higher proportions.

A combination skin type is a dilemma!  I thought it was just me!  The most contact us emails we receive daily are related to combination skin problems.  'Products work one day, then cause problems the next...?'  No, apparently us combination skin types (and also throw in some sensitivities too - just to make it a bit more of a challenge) is complicated.  The only way around combination skin types is to go with the flow - this means that combination skin types will probably need around 2 to 3 skincare routines dotted around the month, juggling with two cleansers and perhaps a reliable skin toner or two with perhaps 2 to 3 different moisturisers (this is for predominantly females, due to hormone fluctuations). 

The type of skin care routine that will suit you one day will cause you problems for another.  Basically, it's like this... if you wake up in the morning and use the same products you used the day before (which you thought were fantastic and can't wait to try them again!!!) and you experience problems today*, this is a combination skin type... (*of course, there are occasions when this may be an allergy forming).  I know I know, how can you tell?  Well, I can't promise you its easy, because its not, you need loads and loads of patience to understand what your skin is trying to tell you what it wants!

The problem is that most of us think that we should have one skincare routine, and that should be it... this works for most skin types - but not for combination skins, I am so sorry to say...  I have highlighted lots and lots of possible skincare products for this most complicated and frustrating skin type... you may make some mistakes to begin with, but please bear with the experimenting.  By all means, please contact me if you need any further advice before purchasing products.

To help you along the way, I am currently adding a few extra notes below each product, hopefully, you will find these helpful?  Please do let me know your feedback, as there are a lot of us out there!

>>> Combination Skin Care Products >>> 

However, if your sensitivities are on the rampage, even though you have combination tendencies, your sensitive skin type needs to be taken care of as a priority, please see >>> Unscented Products >>> for skin tlc.

Copyright Anne Thomas 2005

* Added notes by Angie Coleman, There Must Be a Better Way