Skin Types and How to Determine Yours

(picture from dermaessentia.com and the following is information from the Milady Esthetics text book)

Today I will be talking about skin types! I'm going to try to make this short and sweet so it's not information overload! SO... Unfortunately your skin type never changes because it all has to do with the size of your pores. A common misconception and false claim some products have is that you can shrink your pores but, they actually stay the same size all of your life. The things that you CAN change are your skins conditions!

Skin conditions: Things that can be changed or helped within your skin because they are caused by external or internal factors. 

Everyones skin conditions can be different but the most common ones are; dehydration, hyperpigmentation (sun spots, dark spots/freckles), acne/oil, wrinkles and sensitivities.

Dry skin- The skin is lacking the oil it needs to nourish itself. Our natural oils (aka lipids) actually help the skins' natural barrier to protect us from aging, so dry skin tends to be more sensitive and prone to wrinkles later in life. Typically, the pores look very small all around the face or almost nonexistent (but they are there).

Normal skin- The skin is usually well-balanced. Sometimes it can be oily or dry but is usually free of blemishes (unless the wrong products are being used). Typically, the pores look small-medium all around the face.

Combination skin- The skin is usually unbalanced. T-zone tends to be the most oily so this type is more prone to acne but with the right products can be managed very well. Typically, the pores look medium-large all around the face, with the biggest ones in that T-zone area.

Oily skin- The skin can have an excess of oil production. This type is the most acne prone if not properly cleansed or exfoliated. This type needs the most care and attention although wrinkles tend to stay away for a while since your skin has a good barrier. Typically, the pore size is large all over the face.

Sensitive skin- The skin is very easily irritated and red. This type is becoming more common due to being exposed to pollution in the air and sun exposure. This is a condition but also a type that happens genetically. Typically, the pore size is small like dry skin.

A FEW MORE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

• Oiliness can also be a condition and can happen in any skin type.
• Dehydration is completely different from having a dry skin type.
• Just because you have acne doesn't mean that you have oily skin. 
• Oily skin needs to be moisturized too.
• If you are not sure what skin type you have PLEASE book a skin consultation with your local Esthetician. You really don't want to misdiagnose your skin type because it may lead to other problems in your near future! 

Next week the topic will be about products that I really like and recommend for all the skin types. What you should be using and what you need to watch out for!!

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read what I have to say. Be good and stay safe 💕 ~ Emma