Know your skin

SKIN DIAGNOSIS AND BASIC SKIN CARE

The Gender Gap

When it comes to differences in skin, the variations between men and women begin deep in the structure of the dermis and fat layer.

Men literally have thicker skin than women and thicker skin ages more slowly. Men also secrete slightly more oil onto their skin than women, which keeps their skin more moisturized. However in late middle age hormone levels start to decline, which results in thinner, more fragile skin.

In women this drop in hormone levels is more dramatic, so the effect is more apparent. Therefore keeping the skin moist and hydrated is very important.

The best way to do this is to apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin to lock in water.

What skin type means is whether your skin tends to be oily, dry or a combination of both. Skin can also be dehydrated and sensitive (easily stimulated).

Regardless of your skin’s tone or type, a little care goes a long way.

Dry skin

Dry skin is most commonly found on white skins and is recognized by a fine texture, with no apparent pores and often has areas of sensitivity, dry flaky patches, dilated capillaries and a tight feeling.

Dry skin can be caused by using a cleanser that’s too harsh or a moisturizer that’s not rich enough for your skins needs.

Use a mild, soap-free or milky cleanser to wash your face, never soap, and a moisturizer, which delays moisture loss, thus preventing further dryness.

A thin layer of olive oil, applied to the face, makes a good before bed treatment or try applying the contents of  a vitamin E capsule to your face and neck once a week.

Dry skin is more prone to inflammation because of its lack of oil, so always use a total sunblock on your face, neck and chest.

An oil-based foundation and cream-based make-up will help to soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Oily skin

Oily skin is most commonly found on adolescents and brown skin. It has a general sheen and course texture and may also have an unstable pH. Generally oily skin is more acidic than it should be, which can cause a patchy complexion and can cause tinted foundations to change colour when applied.

The good news is that if you have an oily skin you are blessed because oil is our built-in lubricant, so you won’t wrinkle nearly as early as dry skin does. The solution is to not fight the oiliness, but to control it.

Use oil-free sunscreens and oil-free moisturizer and foundation, if you need it. Use powder make-up to head off shine, but don’t keep reapplying it or your face will start to look chalky.

Cleanse morning and night with a cleanser formulated for oily skin and don’t over scrub the skin.

Sometimes oily skin has lots of blackheads and pimples, this is called acne and can cause serious disfigurement and permanent scarring. It can occur on the face, neck shoulders and or the back.

Acne medications should be used with caution as they can further irritate and inflame the skin therefore medical advice should be sought for this condition.

Combination skin

The combination skin type is usually oily down the centre of the face and forehead, called the T-panel, and drier on the cheeks.

Choose cleansers formulated for combination skin together with a moisturizer and or sunscreen.

Use water based or oil free foundations.

For more information contact Carmelle at Jasmine & Ginger Beauty Salon

021 6831404 or carmelle@jasmineginger.co.za