DEFINITION

There are several types of skin including Disturbed Skin, Normal/Combination Skin, Oily Skin, Dry Skin, and Sensitive Skin. Skin type is determined by the amount of oils or sebum or lack thereof in the skin. The following is a list to help identify the skin type.

DESCRIPTION

DISTURBED SKIN To recognise this skin type there are four main features. 1) It usually has all the signs of an oily skin. 2) It is prevalent among teenagers although the condition may extend to the adult years. 3) Possible obvious signs include pimples, large protruding blackheads and acne. 4) The texture of the skin is coarse. PHARMACIST/COSMETICIAN 1) Regular and thorough cleansing with a suitable cleanser. This will help to clean out the pores and stop the build-up of bacteria in the skin. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for a cleanser which is recommended for your particular skin type. 2) Use a suitable treatment to help keep the pores clean, treat any blemishes and control the oily condition. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for a cream or lotion to be used after the skin has been cleansed with the correct cleanser.

NORMAL/COMBINATION SKIN This is the common skin type. There are four features to help identify this type of skin. 1) The skin is smooth with an even colour and texture with tiny visible pores. 2) There may be occasional blemishes and blackheads. 3) The Combination Skin feels and looks dry in some areas. 4) Other signs to look for include oily breakthroughs in the T-zone area of the face. PHARMACIST/COSMETICIAN 1) Maintain a proper moisture balance so that the skin is not too oily or too dry. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for a suitable moisture balancer. 2) Use the correct cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the skin. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for a cleanser which is recommended for your skin type. 3) Use a toner which is specially formulated for a normal/combination skin. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for the best available. 4) In all cases use a moisturiser on your skin. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for the correct moisturiser which should be used after cleansing. 5) Show special care in cleansing and moisturising the wrinkle-prone area of the skin.

OILY SKIN There are several signs to identify an oily skin. 1) The oily skin may shine in the light. 2) It generally has large pores. 3) Blackheads and blemishes are common on this skin type. 4) Sometimes the skin has a coarse texture. 5) It is possible for an oily skin to have a dull, sallow appearance. PHARMACIST/COSMETICIAN 1) Use a suitable cleanser. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for a recommended brand. 2) Use a skin toner. This will help control the oiliness. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for advice. 3) Stimulate the skin to brighten and refine the skin texture eg. by using a deep cleansing mask or an exfoliating cream.

DRY SKIN There are six signs to look for. 1) The skin is fine and thin with almost invisible pores. 2) There is a dry, taut look and feeling to the skin. 3) There are occasional dry, thin and flaky patches. 4) Break-outs eg blemishes are rare (except allergic reactions). 5) A dry skin may promote early signs of ageing, including wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth and throat. 6) This type of skin is sensitive to the sun, wind, cold weather and other environmental conditions. PHARMACIST/COSMETICIAN 1) Always use an extra gentle cleanser. It is very important to ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for advice. 2) Maintain the moisture levels of the skin. Use a suitable moisturiser recommended by your Pharmacist or cosmetician. 3) Use a gentle, non-drying skin toner. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for advice. 4) Use an extra moisturiser to improve the elasticity and resilience of the skin. Remember to ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for the best brand. 5) Every night before bed use a treatment of the wrinkle-prone areas of the face and neck. A suitable nourishing cream will be suggested by your Pharmacist or cosmetician.

SENSITIVE SKIN There are six signs to look for. 1) This type of skin often has the signs of a dry skin but may be a combination or oily skin. 2) There may be visible broken capillaries. 3) Sometimes the skin has dry and flaky patches. 4) This type of skin may suffer from blemishes which are caused by allergic reactions. 5) The skin may react adversely to some cosmetic ingredients. 6) Sun, wind, cold weather and other environmental conditions may cause a reaction in this skin type. PHARMACIST/COSMETICIAN 1) Because the moisture levels are so low it is important to maintain moisture levels. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for the correct moisturiser for your skin and how and when to use it. 2) Because it is so fine the skin needs a gentle, irritant-free treatment. 3 Look to extra gentle cleansing of the skin. Ask your Pharmacist or cosmetician for advice. 4) Use a gentle skin toner twice a day, night and morning. Your Pharmacist or cosmetician will suggest the best brand. 5) Use a moisturiser and a skin protector day and night. Because your skin is sensitive it is important to discuss the using of suitable skin products with your Pharmacist or cosmetician. 6) If the skin develops a rash your Pharmacist may suggest an antihistamine tablet to offset the effects.