As many of my customer know, I used to be a skin care consultant and examine skin and determining the type was a daily routine for me. Learning what your skin type maybe will help guide you to proper skin care for healthier and more youthful looking skin.
In this blog post I will be explaining the differant skin types and sharing some fun and helpful information for natural exfoliation and skin rejuvination. There are 5 skin types I will be discussing. Which one classifies your skin?
The first skin type and the most rare to have is classified as Normal Skin. The skin is soft, supple and smooth. It is fine-textured and free of blemishes (with the exception of periodic blemishes). It has a nice glow and never feels oily or dry. Less than twenty percent of women have this skin type. If this is your skin type you are fortunate; however, this does not mean that you shouldn’t take care of it. Caring for your skin on a daily regimen will maintane it's natural beauty and prolong it's "Normal" skin health.
The second is Dry Skin. This type of skin has a fine texture and is transparent looking. It feels tight and drawn without moisturizer and tends to have fine lines around the eyes and mouth. It feels especially dry after washing and may have whiteheads around the eyes and dry patches. This type of skin needs proper care because it shows signs of aging early.
The third is Oily Skin and the most common skin problem. The oily complexion is greasy, sallow and course. It has large pores and tends to have pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Within hours of washing the oiliness will reappear and makeup is usually absorbed quickly.
The fourth is Combination Skin. This type of skin is oily in the T zone and the rest of the face is dry. The T zone is the forehead, nose and chin. The extent to which both areas are dry and oily may vary; however, both areas require a separate cleaning routine to restore them to balance.
Last but not least, the first skin type is Problem skin is usually oily and has a course texture and is subject to acne. It has large pores, blackheads, red blotches and may become more irritated under stress. If the problem is serious it will require the assistance of a dermatologist.
There are also 2 skin conditions that may occur either together or separately and may occur with any skin type. These are sensitive and allergic conditions. If when applying skin care products you begin to sneeze, wheeze, itch or breakout you are probably allergic. Skin that appears thin, pale and flushes easily and may be sensitive and be subject to allergies. If this is the case, treat your skin gently and use hypoallergenic products. I recommend before using a new skin care product all over your face is to do a "patch test". Use a small amount of the product on your skin behind your ear where it isn't visiable. Do the "patch test" for two or three days before deciding it's safe for your face. Some allergies do not show signs for a few days. I became concerned when my sister used a very well known acne skin care system and she used it all over her face and after two or three days of use her skin was red, swollen and bumpy and her eyes nearly swoll shut.
Now that I've finished with the learning part of this blog, on to the fun part of creating an at home spa in your own bath room. Why not pamper your skin by exfoliating and rejuvinating the delicate tissues with something wonderful from mother nature. Chances are you already have it in your kitchen and your skin will love you for it.
Here are some simple recipes for natural facial masks that work beautifully.
Normal Skin Mask:
1 Banana
1 Chamomile Soaked Chamomile Tea Bag
Steep the chamomile tea bag and set the tea aside. Mash 1 ripe banana and empty the contents of the tea bag into the banana and blend well. Apply to facial skin and allow to set for 20 minutes. Rinse with the chamomile tea you set aside and pat dry. This helps to maintane moisture and balance of the skin and can be applies 1 - 2 times a week. The banana helps maintane elsaticity of the skin and gives it a nice fresh perky appearance. I have heard of super models taking an old bra and placing mashed bananas in each cup and sleeping with it for the maintance of perky breasts. I have never tried it, but it's an interesting idea to say the least. lol
Dry Skin Mask:
1 cup of unflavored yogurt
1 tbs. finely ground almonds
1 tbs. honey
2 tbs. olive oil
Mix all ingredients into a bowl and apply to face, massaging gentle. Allow to rest on your skin until it feels dry, then rince thoroughly.
Oily Skin Mask:
1 cup unflavored yogurt
1 drop of menthol oil
1 tbs. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. inacticve yeast
1 potato
Peel a potato and place it in a bowl of water. Let it stay there for a couple of hours. You will need 2 teaspoons of this water. Mix in all the ingredients and add those 2 tablespoon of "potato water". Apply to skin, let it rest for 20-30 min and rinse with luke warm water.
Combination Skin Mask:
1 potato
Peel the potato and cut it into thin slices. Place it on the face and let it rest for about 15 minutes Rince off with camomille tea.
Problem Skin Mask:
1 tablespoon of active brewer's yeast
Heat up yeast over steam. You can put it on your skin up to 3 times a day.
Now, you're probably wondering, "WHY YEAST?".
Did you know that brewers yeast promotes a diet rich in B vitamins, which are essential for healthy skin. Brewers yeast can aid in prevention and treatment of acne. Consult a dermatologist for information about brewers yeast for acne and for any concerns that may apply. Where as I am not a dermatologist, merely a skin care consultant I am not laying any medical claim on this information, but from research and hours or reading and learning to help my customers promote healthy balanced skin, it's a little FYI I wanted to share with you.
In addition, always drink plenty of water and maintane a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies for a clearer more supple complextion.
This is me playing with my camera. For years my skin has remained pretty much the same. I am classified as having "Normal" Skin, however, now that I am 31, I don't have the exact same texture I did when I was in my late teens. I am determined to age graceful and naturally. So what do I used on my face? Well, Soaps 'N Suds buttermilk soap for a cleanser every day, unless I get that periodical blemish from a hormone imbalance, then I cleanse with Soaps 'N Suds Pine tar Liquid Soap. Once a week I slather on Soaps 'N Suds brown sugar honey scrub and two slices of cucumber over my eyes "to reduce puffiness". I rince with Chamomile tea. I have always been blessed to have "good" skin and I do my best to keep it healthy.
Love, Peace and Soap Bubbles,
Rachel
Pioneer Soap Gal