YOUR SKIN TYPE
Understanding Skin Type
Your skin is part of what makes you unique. To many
skin type is referred to in terms of oily, dry or combination.
But your total skin type definition includes:
- Skin Color
- Skin Tone
- Skin Texture
Your skin type is a product of these three factors.
Skin Color
Skin color almost always has a yellow undertone; the
natural color of melanin. The best place to determine
the natural color tone of the skin is the nail bed or
underarm. You will note that the color conforms to one
of the following: reddish-orange, reddish-blue, pinkish-blue,
peachy or yellowish?
Another simple method of determining skin color is
whether your skin burns or tans when exposed to sun:
- Pink (Light) - Those who burn
and either tan minimally or not at all have significantly
less melanin, which results in a pink, bluish-red,
or ruddy skin tone. A ruddy complexion has obvious
signs of redness or tends to flush easily. Some neutral
skin tones fall into this category, particularly if
rosacea is a factor.
- Yellow (Light or Medium) –
If you are Caucasian and have beige or yellow undertones
you should choose Yellow. Asian or Light Mixed Race
also fall into Yellow. Most Caucasian women fall into
Yellow so if you are unsure select Yellow. A yellow
("sallow") tone is predominant, looks worse
with cosmetics with too much yellow.
- Olive (Medium) – If you
tan easily and do not burn, your skin's natural melanin
(the pigment that gives skin its color) level is higher,
and you most likely have a yellow-to-olive undertone.
Olive skin tones are typical in those of Mediterranean,
Latino, a Fair-skinned African American, or dark mixed-race
descent. Olive skin tones can look rather ashen or
gray, from the combination of the common natural yellow
undertone combined with the greenish hue unique to
olive skin.
- Brown (Dark) – If you are
African American, deep complexioned Indian or any
other dark skin color then you should choose Brown.
Neutral skin tones are those with no obvious overtones
of olive, sallow, or pink.
Skin color changes in heavy smokers to take on a grey-yellow
tinge. It may also change with certain illnesses, such
as liver disease. Skin tone determination is most useful
in the selection of cosmetics. Foundation is used to
neutralize overtones, thus matching the skin’s
natural undertone.
The most common skin color problem with aging is the
darkening of skin colour. The main rfor this is the
over-absorption of the natural colouring pigment, melanin,
by the top most cell layer in our skin. Melanin is produced
in the basal cell layer and dead cells on the surface
absorb this colouring pigment. With aging, the natural
sloughing of these upper layers slows down, causing
a build up of melanin.
Skin Tone
Body tone is a factor of lean muscle mass and skin
tone. Those cellulite dimples that appear even on lean
people tend to disappear when the skin in pulled taut.
Exercise does little to improve skin tone. Skin tone
is more affected by a healthy cellular, where toxins
are effectively removed from the skin and nutrients
can boost collagen production.
A good facial skin tone helps to prevent wrinkles and
sagging with age.
Skin Texture
Skin texture is a result of smoothness of the skin's
surface, hydration of the skin, and the collagen, elastin
and glycosaminoglycan content of the skin. All of these
properties are affected by hormones, diet, skin care
products, and various cosmetic procedures. In addition,
there are great treatments for oily skin, dry skin,
rough skin and yellow "sallowed" skin. You
must be evaluated by one of our doctors in order to
form a regimen specific to your skin's needs.
Causes for the Deterioration of Complexion and Texture
A gradual decline in skin rejuvenation and improper
sloughing of the skin surface affects the complexion
also. The general deterioration in skin is very obvious
with age. The diminished blood circulation, the loss
in activity of oil and sweat glands and degeneration
of body tissue causes dryness and wrinkles on the skin.
Antaging Care For Your Skin Type
The 5 most important things you can do for your skin
to prevent aging damage are:
- Protect your skin from UVA PhotoDamage - use SPF15+
- Protect your skin from the environment - skin moisturizing
creams
- Keep your skin nourished - skin nutrition supplements
- Keep body toxins low - don't smoke with low toxic
foods, environments
- Keep your skin hydrated - drink plenty of water
and limit your alcohol intake
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