	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Health & Fitness Articles

What is My Skin Type?

By Amanda Stone

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 05Jul2009
Word count: 806
Viewed: 162 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

It is important to identify your unique skin type before choosing your facial care products. When you maintain the proper skin care routine, your face will be cleaner and exude a healthy glow, and you will enjoy beautiful, bright, healthy skin. This is the first step toward achieving beautiful skin. If you use the wrong product for your skin type, you may trigger skin problems to develop. To properly care for your skin, choose your skin type based on the following skin type descriptions.

Normal skin is usually silky smooth in texture, has tiny pores, and a glowing appearance. The oil glands produce sebum at a regular rate which leaves the skin well balanced. Normal skin will have an even tone and a translucent glow. To maintain this ideal skin condition and keep it even and toned, a good skin care routine including cleansing, toning, and moisturizing is a must.

Combination skin is common, and usually requires use of different products for different areas of the face. This skin type is often normal skin, but may have occasional changes. From time to time you may experience oiliness on your chin, nose, and forehead. You may also experience occasional dryness on your cheeks, lips and around the eye area. It is important to cleanse, tone and moisturize the entire face regularly, with special attention to cleanse and tone the oily area and moisturize the dry area.

Dry skin occurs when the oil glands do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin lubricated. This skin type often feels dry and itchy. Dry skin can also be sensitive. You may see dry flakes on your cheeks, chin and forehead. Fine lines may be present around your eye and lip areas. Mature skin often falls in this category. Dry skin is also more prevalent in drier climates and during the winter season. Dry skin should be hydrated on a regular basis using weekly moisturizing masques and daily hydrating toniques and serums. Rich hydrating moisturizers should also be used regularly.

Oily skin occurs when the skin's oil glands produce too much sebum. The affected skin appears shiny and has a greasy texture. This shiny appearance is particularly noticeable on the nose, forehead, and chin areas. Oily skin also has large, visible pores that are prone to becoming clogged. These clogged pores commonly develop into acne and blackheads. Oily skin needs special cleansing to keep the pores unclogged and to prevent the accumulation of dirt on the skin's surface. On the positive side, oily skin usually stays younger looking and more supple than other skin types as you age.

Acne can affect your skin at any age from adolescent to adult. Acne occurs when sebum trapped inside the skin causes lesions known as comedones. Acne skin is usually characterized by normal to oily skin that persistently breaks out. It has clogged pores and is often inflamed. Acne is caused by a number of factors including dirt, stress, hormones, pollution and diet. The good news is that acne skin can be alleviated over time by lowering stress, following a healthy diet, and by using natural, oil-free, water-based products to keep skin clear and healthy.

Sensitive skin can be normal, dry, or oily but is easily prone to irritation, which is why we feel it is more of a skin condition than a skin type. Sensitive skin is often affected by environmental conditions, and requires special treatment to remain in the best condition. It often appears blotchy, reddened, flushed, and may even itch at times. Sensitive skin often reacts adversely to cosmetics that contain synthetically manufactured ingredients, artificial colors, alcohol, and fragrances. It is recommended to use natural, organic, gentle skin care products and treatments for sensitive skin.

As skin begins to mature it loses elasticity and firmness. The reduction in oil production makes mature skin prone to dryness. Wrinkles appear due to weakening elastin and collagen fibers beneath the skin. The decrease in subcutaneous fatty tissue makes mature skin looser and it begins to sag, with the help of gravity. It is recommended to use products that are aimed specifically to firm and tone ageing skin. Special treatments are also available to smooth and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Sun defense is very important to prevent ageing skin. Always use appropriate skin block and try to avoid sun exposure.

Maintaining a daily skin care routine using products specialized for your specific skin needs is very important to keep your skin clean, healthy and glowing. It is important to know your skin type, and choose facial care products tailored to fit your own needs. Using the wrong product for your skin may cause problems to develop. Overall, maintaining a healthy balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and regular exercise, reducing stress levels, and reducing sun exposure will help every type of skin.

Renaud Professional will help you look and feel fabulous using all natural, organic products. To learn more about natural skin and body care, visit http://www.RenaudProfessional.com . Renaud Professional "Where Science and Nature Become One"

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here