What skin type are you?

I was thinking about what the first blog should be and it occurred to me that a general remark I get from people is "I don't know what skin type I have". So let's begin there.

It can be very easy to get your skin type and skin condition mixed up. There are four skin types excluding normal/young skin which is perfectly plumped, smooth and supple, oil and moisture balanced and flawless. Probably what most of us strive to get again.

So which skin type are you?

Oily Skin

Oily skin can appear sallow and dull or shiny and hard with uneven texture and enlarged pores. It can be particularly oily on your T-zone, which is your forehead, nose and chin.

Comedones (blackheads) and papules (spots) are common due to the over production of sebum (oil) in the skin.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can appear pale and thin, with fine lines and no visible pores. It can feel and look tight especially straight after washing your face. If it's very dry, the skin can be flaky and there could be some broken capillaries.

Combination Skin

This is a combination of any two skin types. Generally combination skin is an oily T-zone but the cheeks could be dry or normal. This is a very common skin type.

Mature Skin

As we age the skin loses its firmness and elasticity resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. The skin can feel looser and thinner. Contours may be less defined. The skin can become dry due to sebum production slowing down. Small capillaries can become visible. Puffiness can occur around the eyes as the lymphatic system that takes away waste has slowed down.
Pigmentation can form in patches on the skin which is known as lentigo or chloasma.

No matter what skin type you have, basic skincare hygiene is essential and you really cannot get more basic then cleansing your face correctly and applying a SPF. I'm finding it hard leaving it at that as I want to add in anti-oxidants to fight free radical damage, Vitamin A for general skin health, probiotics for gut health and so on but I'll stop :)