Skin Type Analysis

Normal Skin

Normal skin is constantly renewing, healing and moisturizing itself in a balanced way. This type of skin has an even tone and a smooth texture, free from greasy patches or flaky areas and there are no visible pores or blemishes. Normal skin has an inner glow that stems from good blood circulation and excellent health. You may notice the occasional pimple just before your period, as increased hormonal activity over-stimulates the sebaceous glands.

Combination Skin

If the skin on your forehead and around your nose (the “T-Zone”) is oily while the rest of your face is normal or dry, you have combination skin. Your skin may be aggravated by changes in the weather, climate, diet exercise and emotional wellbeing.

Oily skin

This type of skin has hyperactive sebaceous glands, working overtime to produce excess oils and sebum and cellular renewal is speeded up too. This results in shiny skin, visible pores, pimples, blemished, acne and inflammation. Oily skin can be due to poor diet, fluctuating hormone levels, hormonal contraceptives and choice of cosmetics. Humidity and hot weather can make the skin even greasier.

The flow of sebum or oil often increases during adolescence, pregnancy and after the menopause, again because of hormonal changes. The problem can occur at any age but tends to decrease with age. One advantage of oily skin is that it ages at slower rate than the other skin types.

Dry skin

A slowing down of sebum production results in dry, flaky and easily chapped skin. This problem is exacerbated by environment factors such as strong sunshine, wind, cold, extremes of temperature (two-third of women in the northern hemisphere suffer from dry skin in the winter months), air conditioning, central heating, atmospheric pollutants and strong exfoliators, which strip the skin of moisture.

Harsh cosmetics, alcohol-based personal care products and excessive bathing with strong detergents such as sodium lauryl sulphates all add to the problem.

Dry skin can also be a sign of dietary deficiencies, especially of essential fatty acids and vitamins A and B complex. Alcohol and caffeine are both diuretics and can dehydrate the skin. Dry skin can also be a sign of an under-active thyroid. Certain medications, such as diuretics and antihistamines contribute to dry skin.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is usually thin or fine-textured with blood vessels lying close to the surface. As a result, it is easily affected by chemicals and atmospheric irritation leading to blotchiness, redness, dehydration and irritation. Sensitive skin is prone to dermatitis, acne, eczema, nettle rash, blackheads, rocacea or non-specific inflammation (erythema), dryness, stinging, itching or blistering.

Sensitive skin reacts to both heat and cold and so burns easily in the sun and wind. It is easily stimulated by stress, alcohol, spicy food and harsh climate, which all cause dilation of the fine blood vessels close to the skin surface as well as chronic dehydration and often irregular oil production. Cosmetics and skin treatments containing alcohol, perfume, detergents or other harsh ingredients can all cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy.