Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Starting Point for Gorgeous Skin: Your Skin Type.


Before investing in expensive skin care products, it pays to have a professional skin care therapist assess your skin type. This is completed during a comprehensive skin analysis:  examining the skin under a magnifying lamp as well as touching and pinching the skin to determine its texture and elasticity.  Don’t worry eye pads are permitted.  There are five different skin types:  oily, normal, combination, dry and sensitive.  Oily skin produces excess sebum (oil).  Larger pores in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), as well as other areas of the face characterize this skin type.  Breakouts are common.  Many individuals make the mistake of over-cleansing, which can send oily skin into overdrive.  Balancing oily skin requires a water-based hydrator and proper exfoliation.  Normal skin has a good oil-water balance.  The pores may change from small to medium just outside the T-zone and it is usually blemish-free.  Maintenance and prevention are the keys to treating this skin type.  Combination skin can be both oily and dry or oily and normal.  At the T-zone, pore size changes from medium to large.  Combination skin requires balancing; deep cleansing and regular exfoliation keep it clear.  Water-based products work best.  Smaller pores characterize dry skin.  Due to insufficient oil production, dry skin is more susceptible to environmental factors.  It can feel rough or tight.  Oil-based products can help hold in moisture and protect dry skin.  Sensitive skin is characterized by redness and can be fragile or thin.  It is easily irritated by products and by the environment.  Nonirritating, calming products work best for this skin type.  Make sure your beauty dollars produce results:  invest in a comprehensive skin analysis.

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