Have you ever wondered what skin type you are? Knowing your specific skin type is a crucial step to know the treatments and products that will work best for you!
Skin Types are Genetically Determined
People are born with their skin type, which is determined by genetics and ethnicity. Just like everything else, this can change over time. Skin type is based primarily on how much oil is produced in the follicles from the sebaceous glands and on the amount of lipids found between the cells. The T-Zone is the center of the face, consisting of the forehead, nose, and chin. How large the pores are in the t-zone and throughout the face are what determines the skin type. Generally our skin will become drier over time. That is because our cellular metabolism and oil/lipid production slow down as we age.
Dry Skin
Dry skin does not produce enough oil. Alipidic skin lacks oil production. The follicles on the T-zone and around the face are usually small and the sebum is minimal. Dry skin is more sensitive because the acid mantle and barrier function are not as healthy due to the lack of lipids. Skin texture can be slightly rough and feel tight. Dry skin can be treated by hydration facials, dermaplaning facial, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid and oxygen infusions facials.
Oily Skin
Oily skin, also known as lipidic skin, is characterized by excess sebum (oil) production. The follicle size on the T-zone and around the face is larger and contains more oil. If the follicle size is visible or larger over most of the face, this indicates an oily skin. Oily skin requires more cleansing and exfoliation than other skin types. It is prone to more blemishes because the pores often get clogged up with oil and buildup of dead skin cells. Oily skin can benefit from deep cleansing facials, chemical peels, and/ or microdermabrasion treatments!
Combination Skin
Combination skin can be both oily and dry, or oily and normal at the same time. The T-zone would be oiler, while the outer face can be drying. The T-zone area has more sebaceous glands and larger pores, while the outer face can be more flakey from either dry skin or a buildup of dead skin cells. If your follicle size is more obvious on your t-zone and it slightly diminishes to your outer face, then you have combination skin. Combination skin needs to be balanced and requires more care than normal skin. Water-based products work best as it helps the water-oil balance.
Normal Skin
Normal skin has good oil-water balance. It can fluctuate and sometimes be more oiler or drier at times. The follicles are normal size and the skin is usually free of blemishes. If the follicle size is smaller to medium just on the edge of the T-zone by the nose, measuring outward from the center of the face, this is typical of a normal skin type. Follicles are not usually that visible towards the cheeks or the outside of the face. Maintenance and preventative care are the goals for this skin type.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is increasingly common. Sensitive skin is a condition, but it is also genetically predisposed. Sensitive skin is characterized by fragile, thin skin and redness. It can flush easily and may appear red due to the blood flow being closer to the surface. Darker skin tone can also have sensitive skin, however, it’s not as visible. Sensitive skin is easily irritated by products and exposure to heat or sun. Telangiectasis, couperose skin, and rosacea are also noticeable on sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can also be due to the result of age or medications. Primary treatment for sensitive skin is to soothe, calm and protect!
Boston Skincare is your local facial spa ready to start your skincare journey with you!