CARE FOR THAT SKIN

 I know the skincare trend/frenzy isn't new to our ears again, I mean this Gen Zs are very very particular about how we look and brethren for the greater part I'm here for all that and more(if you know what I mean).

Just like every other thing you have to start from the basics before you go pro, you have to first get a diagnosis before you get a treatment and prescription, so is skincare I've seen so many wild skincare brands, very disturbing skincare routines and advices and all I can say is BEFORE YOU HOP ON ANY BANDWAGON, STUDY IT FIRST AND KNOW IF IT APPLIES TO YOU(not just for skincare but for anything at all). 

Personally I'm not a routine person (which I'm not very proud of) and I know I'm not alone on this table *don't lie* also I'm not so into skincare routines,which in retrospect I should be ashamed of, but I for sure know my skin type and I know what works for me.  I do not have a particular routine or a constant routine but I can say for sure that I have a good skin and knowing my skin type and what works for me has played a huge role in maintaining it.

Skin types and characteristics

We have 5 types of skin 

1. Normal skin

2. Combination skin

3. Dry skin

4. Oily skin and

5. Sensitive skin

Everyone's skin fall into one of this categories and sometimes the type of skin you have can change constantly due to certain factors like weather, menstrual cycle, puberty, pregnancy,age,diet,routines,stress, hormones,genes, medications etc

Normal skin

This particular skin is most likely to be seen in younger people as opposed to older people. In this kind of skin there is balanced sebum production and good blood circulation and Normal skin is characterised by the following

. No of few imperfections

. No severe sensitivity

. Barely visible pores

. Radiant complexion

. No or subtle outbreaks

Combination skin

This type of skin,you observe that your skin can be dry or normal in some places like the cheek but oily in other places such as the T zones (forehead,nose,and chin). It can be characterised by;

. Large pores

. Shiny skin(especially on the oily part)

. Blackheads

Just as the name goes,you'll need a combination of two different routines to care for this skin type(routine for oily skin for the parts that are oily and routine for Dry skin for the dry side)

Dry skin

This type of skin is often seen with people in dey regions and seasons like harmattan and winter can be a major causative factor. It can be characterised by;

. Almost invisible pores

. Dull,rough and flaky complexion

. Visible lines

. Ashy appearance

     Dry skin can peel and crack.

Oily skin

The name of this skin type has said it all. In oily skin type,the production of Sebum is excessive. Oily skin may have

. Enlarged pores

. Prone to blackheads,pimples and blemishes 

. Shiny and thick complexion 

      Stress,puberty, weather and hormonal imbalance can be blamed sometimes for this skin type.

Sensitive skin

Yes!! The gang of i react to this cream,this soap gives me pimples (outbreaks) this is your skin type. If your skin is sensitive,you'll most likely have

. Burning sensation after using certain skin or cosmetic product

. Itching

. Redness

. Outbreaks after using certain skin care and cosmetic products.

Not to worry you're not alone. Also note that allergic reaction and sensitivity when it comes to skin type are not the same, allergies are more severe than sensitive reaction on the skin.

I know most of us are like yes yes it's true I have these characteristics, well you're welcome and let's now learn how to care for these different skin types and overall helpful routine guide 

Care for the different skin types

NORMAL SKIN:

This type of skin just needs maintenance, the right routine and habits to keep it going. Because your skin is considered a normal skin type doesn't mean it should be cared for lesser. Just take it like you have good insulin tolerance and you are not diabetic, that doesn't make taken an insane quantity of sugar and unrefined carbs is good for you, you still have to cultivate good habits to maintain your body metabolism right? That applies to this skin type. So the following are care routines for this skin type

. Moisturize always

. Exfoliate ones in a while(frequent exfoliating causes the loss of essential oils)

. Use mild or more of natural based product(skin). The less harsh the better

. Use sunscreen and avoid going under the sun unprotected

. Stay hydrated. I can't over emphasis the benefit of water to your skin,it's probably the most heard advice but drinking water does a lot good to your skin.

. Avoid tanning

. Wash your face before going to bed(or use a good mild cleanser)

COMBINATION SKIN:

Because you're dealing with a 2 in 1 skin type you'll need a different routine for each part. 

. Don't use harsh products, always option for more natural products.

. Don't exfoliate often at least ones in a 8 days.

. Don't touch your face all the time. This is because your hands carry a whole lot of bacterias that can clog your pores and cause irritations 

DRY SKIN:

Dry skin can be caused or worsen by Genes, ageing/hormonal changes, long hot bathes or showers, uv radiation, ingredients in soap, cleansers and cosmetics, weather etc. Here are some tips to help dry skin;

. Take shorter baths and no more than twice a day.

. Use mild gentle soaps and cleansers

. Avoid deodorant soaps

. Don't scrub while bathing or drying

. Smooth on rich moisturizer or ointment and cream (they may work better than lotions) reapply as often as needed

. Don't let indoor temperature get too hot, you can option for a humidifier

. Use gloves when dealing with household detergents or cleaning agents 

. Stay hydrated.

OILY SKIN:

. Don't wash skin more than twice a day

. Don't scrub while bathing and use gentle cleansers 

. Don't pop pimples, this can cause irritation, scarring and also take longer to heal

. When buying a skincare product or cosmetic, look for the word "NON- COMEDOGENIC" this means it won't clog pores

SENSITIVE SKIN:

The first care step for this skin type is to find out it's trigger. You have to find what product, what ingredient and what brand triggers your sensitive skin

Secondly, no matter how well a product seem or review is ensure you run a patch test before you use it

    A patch test is done by using a good quantity of the product and apply it to other parts of your skin especially the back of your palm. Leave the product on for 24 hours and if no irritation or reaction happens then that product is good for you. Don't test products on your face first because you can never tell if the product is good for your sensitive skin or not.

7 Basic Skincare For All Skin Types

1. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UAA and UVB rays. Wear sunscreen 30mins before you step out irrespective of your skin type just wear a sunscreen.

2. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight (wear a hat or sunglasses)

3. Avoid smoking (hear this and know peace)

4. Stay hydrated

5. Wash skin gently but thoroughly and exfoliate less frequently (we don't want to be loosing essential oils from the skin always)

6. Don't wear makeup to bed and wash or clean your face before bed so your pores don't get clogged.

7. Moisturize and use mild products.

Skincare is broad and with so many skincare brands in the market, getting a product can be tasking. The good news is there are people who are solemnly dedicated to making sure your skin gets the best care possible. The dermatologist should be your best friend simply because they know better and they study these things. Any skin care vendor that don't ask you

Your skin type

Your skin problem

Your allergies or triggers and 

Your skin goal 

Before selling a product to you should be a RED FLAG. Also what works for one person might not work for you, so do what works for you.