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Dry Skin

Today the term ’skin type’ is something of an anathema. We all know that our skin can change – from greasy one day to dry the- next (depending on fluctuating hormones and outside factors like the weather), and that we need to change our skincare routine accordingly. While it is true that Mediterranean skin can be prone to greasiness, or an English rose complexion to sensitivity, remember that ‘it isn’t necessarily so.

If crocodile skin describes your face as well as your handbag, you probably have dry skin. While you do not suffer the acne angst of your oily counterparts, you are a walking advertisement for Old Mother Time. Dry skin tends to age quickly and can be flaky. Although its pores are barely visible, and sebum production is minimal, the idea that dry skin suffers no break-outs is a myth.

Most people try to combat dry skin by saturating it with oil- not the best plan if you realize that dry skin is actually thirsty. What it needs is a regular supply of water (taken internally) as well as a boost by using the right face creams.

Oil Skin

You win the jackpot on the ageing lottery if you suffer from oily skin. But while the unsightly lines and wrinkles of premature ageing are kept at bay until later in life, oily skin presents its owner with something of a paradox. Both the best and the worst thing about this skin type (typical of those with olive complexions and Mediterranean features), is that it secretes a lot of sebum. On the one hand this natural moisturizer protects the epidermis from external aggressors such as climate change and central heating, and keeps it young and supple, but on the other hand it leaves the skin susceptible to seborrhoea (overproduction of oil) and the accompanying open pores, angry red spots and break-outs.

In the vigorous attempt to combat the notoriously greasy T-zone, those with oily complexions are prone to over wash and over stimulate the skin. Sadly, instead of minimizing the problem, this serves to increase it as the sebaceous glands work overtime to produce even more sebum to compensate. Avoid the temptation to use harsh strippers in the treatment of oily skin, for although products with high alcohol content give a momentary sensation of freshness, they make it much worse in the long term.

If you do not want your beautifully painted face to slip down your chin and on to your cashmere sweater, you had better learn the meaning of some beauty jargon. Avoid, at all costs, products that claim to be ’satin finish’ or ‘glossy’. These contain fats and silicones that will slide around your face and end up looking greasy. Opt instead for ‘oil-free’ make-up and oil-free moisturizers to stay shine free. Avoid using foundation round the T-zone, and use powder blusher and eye shadow that will not only stay put but also help absorb any excess oil to keep you feeling comfortable. While some cosmetics companies insist that cream cleansers are fine for oily skins, you can find the wash-off type more helpful, as they leave you feeling squeaky clean, just like washing with soap and water.

Combination Skin

This is as near to ‘normal’ as any one skin type gets.Most of us at some time or another, go through dry, sensitive and greasy stages, and sometimes even a combination of all three at once. Combination skins have a T-zone that is generally oilier’ than other areas, with the cheeks suffering from intermittent dryness. Sadly, nobody has yet invented a product that can successfully deliver oil to certain areas while absorbing it from others, so the best way to treat combination skin is to treat it in separate sections. Buying products for dry and oily skin may sound like a double outlay, but each product will last you twice as long, so think of it as an investment.

Make-up choices are easier for combination skin, and really it is a question of a little of what fancy you does to be good. Trial and error is the best method of both elimination and choice here, with no particular rules to go by. The choice of cleansers is also greater for this skin type – either the wash-off or cream versions will do the job. Moisturize only the areas that need it, and do not forget that your skin is a living organism, and as such it changes. Summer and winter months call for different amounts of product, applied in different places.

Sensitive Skin

Nearly everybody experiences the odd allergic reaction at some point, but truly sensitive skin is quite rare. Beware the ‘fragrance-free’ label; however, as often this means that yet more chemicals are included to mask an otherwise noticeable scent.

Although the concept of natural ingredients is an attractive one, remember that sensitive skin can often react violently to products with live plant extracts. Instead, look for products that are labeled ‘hypoallergenic’ (although you would be wise to check the contents just in case), especially ones that contain skin soothers such as kaolin, chamomile and aloe. These days even make-up is packaged with extensive ingredients lists – check your cosmetics in the same way you check your skincare and you will minimize unpleasant reactions. Avoid the sun entirely or protect yourself with a high-factor chemical sunscreen such as titanium dioxide.