As the seasons begin to change in my part of the country, I always notice that my skin likes to start misbehaving to some degree. It seems to act up more so in the summer and then again as the seasons transition into winter. My skin type is oily and boy does it seem to have a mind of its own at these times.
If this is happening to you (whether you're oily, dry or combination with or without blemish flareups) then NOW is the time to begin evaluating your current skin care & skin care products. Most likely it's time to switch things up a bit.
YOUR SKIN TYPE
What you first need to understand is that your SKIN TYPE isn't changing; it's simply a SKIN CONDITION your dealing with. Skin type directly correlates to the amount of sebum (facial oil) that is produced by the sebaceous glands. Skin type is also hereditary and for the most part cannot be changed by esthetic treatments (i.e. facials) and skin care products.
YOUR SKIN CONDITION
SKIN CONDITION is something that is considered as a disorder and can be improved upon and changed with esthetic treatments and products. For example, my skin type is oily but it can get dehydrated in the colder months and excessively oily in the warm months. My skin type will always be oily-that doesn't change. It's the skin condition I'm experiencing (dehydration, excessive oiliness) that can be dealt with.
THE BASIC SKIN TYPES
Let's review the characteristics of some basic skin types because it's essential to understand this information in order to create a successful skin care routine.
~ Oily/Acne Skin: Occasional to frequent breakouts, congested skin. Pores are enlarged and visible. You're likely to have oily shine all over the face within 1-3 hours of cleansing.
~ Combination Skin: Oiliness is usually contained to the T-zone. Pores are visible in this area. You may have occasional breakouts and skin congestion in the T-zone. Other areas of the face can be normal to dry. Oily shine in the T-zone can be seen within 4-6 hours of cleansing.
~ Dry/Sensitive Skin: Skin may feel tight and itchy. Flakes of skin are usually visible but pores are not. Breakouts are rare. Congestion may only be confined to the nose if at all. Sensitive skin can easily become inflamed and irritated.
~ Normal Skin: Breakouts are very rare and the skin's surface is even and smooth. There's typically not a denotation of either dryness or oiliness.
If you're unsure as to what your skin type is, it's always best to have a proper skin analysis performed by a qualified skin care professional such as a dermatoligist or licensed esthetician. They can help determine your skin type and can recommend a course of treatment for any skin conditions you may be experiencing.
This is me examining a client to determine her skin type before I prescribe a course of treatment for her skin condition.
In Part 2 of Your Skin Type Versus Your Skin Condition, I'll discuss common conditions associated with skin types as well as the best methods & products to use in order to effectively deal with them.
What About You?
Do you experience changes in your skin during different times of the year? Do you find yourself frustrated with the way your skin is behaving? Do you tend to 'self-diagnose' and run out to purchase products that you feel will help your skin get back to normal? Share your experiences in the comments area below.
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Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
I tend to have dry skin that gets oily when I dont keep it properly moisturized. I also have acne prone skin, but the acne is mostly hormonal. I guess my skin is more T-Zone. The good news is, it has gotten better over the past few years. I mostly use products by Dr. Hauschka and Jurlique to keep my skin balanced. Sometimes I moisturize with just plain organic avocado oil (mostly at night).