Which One Are You?

Self Skin Analysis

Being able to identify the type of skin you have will help you to make more appropriate product choices to achieve optimum results.

There are five basic skin types…

1. Normal
2. Dry
3. Sensitive
4. Greasy (oily)
5. Combination

Identifying your skin type.

In good light (daylight is best) look carefully in a mirror at your skin and see if you can recognise any of the characteristics that are identified in each of the five categories.

1. Normal Skin – This skin type is not often seen accept in pre-puberty children (before the hormonal changes occur). Characteristics include…

> Even colour and texture
> Clear and blemish free
> Feels soft, smooth and has an even texture
> Neither too dry or too oily, not shiny not dull
> Is firm and plump
> Has a pink radiant glow

2. Dry Skin

> Tends to feel tight after washing
> Often looks pale
> Tends to be flaky
> Can become irritated & red easily
> Pores look small
> Prone to milia (white spots)
> Broken capillaries (‘spider veins’) are common
> Can look prematurely aged/lined
> Can be inherent or caused by inappropriate product application or environmental factors (such as the sun or dry living/working environments)

3. Sensitive Skin

> Can go hand in hand with dry skin
> Can display all/some of the characteristics of a dry skin
> Reacts easily to environmental factors or the application of an inappropriate product by becoming red, inflamed, itchy or blotchy
> Skins affected by acne will often be sensitive

4. Greasy/ Oily Skin – The skin contains oil glands (called sebaceous glands) that secrete oil (sebum) onto the skin’s surface. This has a protective role so its presence is important. However, an over production of sebum (oil) can result in oily skin, which is characterised by the following…

> Skin can have a shiny appearance or develop one over the course of the day
> The pores appear enlarged and often become congested (black heads)
> Prone to spots and even acne
> The skin can appear sallow
> Often prevalent in teenagers (hormonal)

Oil secretions are largely governed by the hormones although diet, lifestyle and methods of skin care also have their influences

5. Combination Skin – Probably the most common skin type and is characterised by combination of two or more skin types mentioned above. A typical example of a combination skin might be an oily T-zone (forehead, nose & chin) & dry/sensitive cheeks.

When the skin shows signs of having combinations that are in extremes, for example an extremely oily T-zone and extremely dry cheeks, it might be worth considering treating them separately, using separate products designed to for each skin type.

This will, hopefully, help you to establish your basic skin type and with this knowledge, you should be better able to select appropriate products to suit you. However, it is always best to consult a qualified therapist who will be able to answer any particular concerns and give you guidance on product choices and advice on how best to use them.

You will find lots of information & recipes for skin care at Fresholi. If you don't want to make if yourself, there are lots of Fresholi members who make gorgeous natural, handcrafted soaps, creams, bath and body products there too (see galleries, links etc...). If you are wanting something a little more specific, why not make a request on the forum?