Taking care of your skin is one of the best methods to appearing younger and retaining elasticity in your skin. There are several steps to caring for your skin, but the basics include cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Cleaning and caring for the skin prevents cracking, inflammation, and infection as well as wrinkling, dry spots and age spots. Protecting your skin is equally as important as cleansing it. Using an SPF moisturizer will help protect your skin from sun damage which can lead to wrinkling, dry spots and age spots.

Different skin requires different methods of care. In this series you will learn more about caring for your skin. Will explains various methods of caring for oily skin and regular skin. Learn how to cleanse your oily or combination skin and compare facial masks for different skin types. We will demonstrate skin care on-the-go and the benefits of moisturizing, exfoliating and toning and moisturizing are the most important steps of skin care because they regulate the oil glands in your face and neck.
There are five basic face skin types however a person’s facial skin can vary at different times during our lives due to illness or for other reasons. The information below regarding skin types will give you some idea of where your skin fits and how best to care for it.

Here are the five different skin types and their characteristics,
•Type 1: Oily, Oily skin tends to shiny with enlarged pores, and is prone to blackheads and blemishes. You might experience some tightness. Oily skin is caused by glands that produce too much sebum, resulting in skin that has a greasy slippery texture, appears shiny and is frequently has large, clogged pores. Oily skin types are prone to develop acne, a condition resulting from sebum trapped inside the skin and causing pus-filled lesions known as comedones. Despite these drawbacks, oily skin generally remains younger looking and more supple over time than other skin types. Oily skin benefits from periodic herbal steam treatments and clay masks.
• Type 2: Combination, This skin type has medium pores, a smooth and even texture, good circulation, healthy color, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone. In normal skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state, not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. What a great blessing but it still requires no less attention than other skin types. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

•Type 3: Sensitive, Sensitive skin tends to be thin, delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic and can be rashy. Sensitive skin can be dry, normal, or oily and is characterized by delicacy which is why we feel it is more of a skin condition than a skin type. It frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition. This skin type is prone to react adversely to cosmetics containing alcohol, synthetically manufactured oil type ingredients, fragrance oils, and artificial colors. Sensitive skin benefits greatly from natural, gentle, skin care products and treatments, including light steaming and some essential oils.

•Type 4: Dry, Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing. You have a tendency towards fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches. In women of color, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin buildup. Dry skin is caused by under or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It usually has a dull appearance, feels dry and itchy and is sometimes sensitive. Dry skin must be hydrated regularly from the inside (with fresh water) and outside with (mists), as well as moisturized with rich hydrating creams or lotions.

•Type 5. Normal. Normal skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state, not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. What a great blessing but it still requires no less attention than other skin types. It benefits from regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

What Type of Skin Do You Have? (Next week)