What’s Your Skin Type?

Setiap orang mahukan kulit yang cantik berseri, tapi tak semua yang memperolehinnya. Jadi bersyukurlah dengan kulit yang kita ada, yang pentingnya jangan abaikan penjagaannya. Produk penjagaan kulit yang baik tidak semestinya yang berjenama dan mahal harganya, terdapat juga cara atau produk penjagaan kulit alternatif yang lebih murah dan berkesan.

Penjagaan kulit yang baik berkait rapat dengan jenis kulit masing-masing kerana jenis kulit yang berlainan memerlukan kaedah penjagaan atau rawatan yang khusus. Secara amnya, kulit dibahagikan kepada 4 jenis asas, iaitu kulit normal, berminyak, kering dan sensitif. Jenis kulit yang berbeza ini bergantung kepada kandungan air, lemak/ minyak dan tahap sensitiviti terhadap bahan-bahan tertentu. Namun begitu, selalunya kita mempunyai kombinasi jenis-jenis kulit di atas, terutamanya di kawasan-kawasan tertentu di muka (hidung, dahi, dagu).

Penggunaan alat solek atau produk kecantikan juga mestilah sesuai dengan jenis kulit masing-masing. Orang yang mempunyai kulit normal adalah bertuah kerana mempunyai kecantikan kulit semulajadi yang menjadi idaman kebanyakan orang.

Perincian bagi sifat setiap jenis, penyebab dan cara penjagaan kuli dipanjangkan untuk dikongsi di bawah ini…..

What’s Your Skin Type?

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Skin types include normal, oily, dry, and sensitive. Some people also have a combination of skin types in different areas of their skin. Your skin type can change over time. For example, younger people are more likely than older people to have a normal skin type.

Skin types vary depending upon a combination of factors. They include your skin’s:

* Water content, which affects your skin’s comfort and elasticity.

* Lipid (oil) content, which affects your skin’s softness and nutrition.

* Level of sensitivity, which affect’s your skin’s tolerance to certain substances.

Here’s what you need to know about what skin type you have and how to take better care of your skin.

Normal Skin Type

If you have a normal skin type, you’re lucky to have skin that has a good balance and the right amounts of water and lipids. Normal skin has:

* No or few imperfections

* No severe sensitivity

* Barely visible pores

* A radiant complexion

Combination Skin Type

A combination skin type can be dry or normal in some areas, and oily in others, such as the T-zone. The T-zone is the nose, forehead, and chin area. A common skin type, combination skin may benefit from slightly different types of skin care in different areas.

Combination skin can produce:

* Overly dilated pores

* Blackheads

* Shiny skin

This type of skin results from genetic or hormonal factors that cause an imbalance in how much and where lipids are produced. It can also vary, depending on the weather.

Dry Skin Type

Dry skin can produce:

* Almost invisible pores

* Dull, rough complexion

* Red patches

* Less elasticity

* More visible lines

When exposed to drying factors, skin can flake, crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If your skin is very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.

Dry skin may be caused or worsened by:

* Genetics

* Aging or changes in hormones

* Weather such as wind, sun, or cold or ultraviolet (UV) radiation

* Indoor heating

* Long hot baths and showers

* Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleaning agents

* Medications

Here are some tips for taking better care of dry skin:

* Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once daily.

* Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid deodorant soaps.

* Don’t scrub while bathing or drying.

* Apply a rich moisturizer right after bathing. Ointments and creams may work better than lotions for dry skin. Reapply as needed throughout the day.

* Use a humidifier and don’t let indoor temperatures get too hot.

* Buy natural cleaning products.

* Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents.

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin is more common in youth. It occurs when glands in the skin secrete too much oil (lipids). Oily skin can produce:

* Enlarged pores

* Dull or shiny, thick complexion

* Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes

* Oiliness can change, depending upon the time of year or the weather. Oily skin can be caused or worsened by:

# Puberty or other hormonal imbalances

# Stress

# Antibiotics

# Exposure to heat or too much humidity

Here are some tips for taking better care of oily skin:

* Wash your skin no more than twice a day and after you perspire heavily.

* Use a gentle cleanser and don’t scrub.

* Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. This prolongs healing time.

* Use products labeled as “noncomedogenic.” They don’t tend to clog pores.

Sensitive Skin Type

If your skin is sensitive, it’s helpful to find out why so you can stay away from things that make it react. You may have sensitive skin for a variety of reasons, but often in response to particular skin care products.

Sensitive skin can show up as:

* Redness

* Itching

* Burning

* Dryness

These are a few of the most common reasons for sensitive skin:

Acne is from oil in the skin that clogs pores and allows for the overgrowth of skin bacteria. Certain ingredients such as coconut oil and avocado can cause acne outbreaks. Ask a dermatologist what might work best for this type of sensitive skin.

Treatment may include:

# Tea tree oil

# Antibiotics

# Benzoyl peroxide

# Salicylic acid

# Retinoids

# Rosacea is a common skin condition with symptoms including flushing, pimples, and broken blood vessels. Avoid products that contain vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids. Treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatories.

Contact dermatitis can be caused by allergens or irritants. If you’re allergic, your immune system makes antibodies against certain substances, causing a reaction. A dermatologist can perform patch testing to see if you are allergic to a substance such as a fragrance or preservative. You can also be sensitive to irritants, but not truly allergic. It’s important to realize that even natural or organic ingredients, such as essential oils and fragrance, can cause reactions in sensitive skin.

Common skin irritants include:

* Bath soaps

* Detergents

* Eye cosmetics

* Moisturizers

The Basics of Skin Care

These tips will help your skin stay healthier, no matter its type.

# Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid direct sunlight and wear a hat and sunglasses.

# Don’t smoke.

# Stay hydrated.

# Wash your skin thoroughly every day and never wear makeup to bed.

# Moisturize your skin.

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