Skincare is Selfcare

 

Listen to the blog 

By Vartika P

Skincare is Selfcare 

Your overall health and look are strongly influenced by your skin care regimen. The largest organ in your body is, after all, your skin. Skin care regimens that emphasise cleansing, moisturising, and treating particular conditions are primarily focused on the delicate areas on your face, neck, and chest. 

Many experts and celebrities in the fields of beauty and health have probably bragged about their greatest skin care advice, but you might be left wondering why skincare is considered to be so crucial. 

Our internal systems, which are vital to our health and wellbeing, are protected by your skin. Making sure our skin is properly cared for can help maintain the strength of this crucial barrier. Cracks can develop in dry or sensitive skin, which increases your risk of getting an infection. 

It's crucial to take good care of your skin because doing so makes it appear younger. Your skin can begin to show signs of ageing and lose its radiant glow as you age because your skin cells replenish less frequently. Long-term skin health depends on taking precautions with a thoughtful skin care regimen. This can assist you in preventing the onset of specific 

illnesses and ageing-related symptoms as well as easing the severity of any issues you may currently be experiencing. 

Funny how every woman on the planet has nightmares about skin care. After a breakup and after a skin breakout, we experience the same emotional state. 

Speaking of beautiful skin, skin care advice based on skin type is surely the key to achieving it. The greatest skin care routine involves paying close attention to what your skin requires and using the best products in that regard. Basically, a skin care regimen made specifically for you. 

Did you know that each and every skin type responds to ingredients differently? The most ideal choice for your skin may not actually be commercial products meant for the general public! Knowing your specific skin type is therefore crucial for choosing the right skincare products. Here are the methods to identify your skin type. 

Method 1 

Pores are one of the most important indications of our skin type, yet few women are aware of this. Their size and propensity to clog might reveal a lot about the effectiveness of your skin care regimen. 

Dry skin – Typically small tight pores 

Oily skin – Large pores that get clogged very easily 

Combination skin – Large pores around the nose but unnoticeable pores on the cheeks Sensitive skin – Large pores but only as a reaction to an irritant 

Normal skin – Small pores that don’t get clogged

Method 2 

The blotting paper method is a very clever way to figure out what type of skin you have. Checking your face's oily residue as soon as you get up in the morning is the idea. Before going to bed, simply wash your face without using any skin care products. The following morning, use blotting paper to dab specific parts of your face, then look at the results. Dry skin – The blotting paper has little or no oil on it 

Oily skin – The blotting paper has excessive amounts of oil 

Combination skin – Some areas of the paper has oil and some have no oil at all

Sensitive skin – The blotting paper has little or no oil on it 

Normal skin – The blotting paper has a normal amount of oil on it 

Method 3 

Observe how your skin feels after cleansing as one of the best skin care tips. The best time to determine your skin type is then. 

Dry skin – Skin feels excessively taut and dehydrated right after you wash it

Oily skin – Your face feels clean and oil-free at first but not for long

Combination skin – A refreshed T-zone but dry cheeks 

Sensitive skin – A cleanser may trigger itching and irritation 

Normal skin – Skin feels squeaky clean after a wash 

Dry skin type 

A dry, flaky appearance of the skin can be caused by a lack of moisture. We refer to this as dry skin. Less oil is typically produced by dry skin, which is also lifeless. This skin type is susceptible to dryness and changes in the weather. Dryness can be genetic, or be caused by change in seasons, long showers, or ageing. 

Tips for dry skin 

1. After bathing, moisturise your skin frequently to maintain it supple and hydrated.

2. Limit the amount of time you spend in the shower. Take fewer, no more than twice daily, shorter showers.

3. Gently pat yourself dry while you do this. While showering or drying, avoid scrubbing. Keep your skin moisturised by consuming a lot of water.

4. To keep the natural moisture in your skin, use a humidifier.

5. Apply sunscreen to stop your skin from drying out.

6. Put on gloves when using home cleaners, detergents, etc.

Oily skin type 

The main cause of oily skin is an overabundance of sebum production. This type of skin has an overproduction of oil, and it tends to be shiny, sweaty, and more prone to breakouts like blackheads and acne. It may be caused by hormonal or climatic changes. It can also be genetic. 

Tips for Oily skin 

1. Regular moisturising: 

Regular moisturising will keep your skin hydrated and stop it from producing excess sebum. It's crucial to get the correct moisturiser. For oily skin types, a lotion-based, thin moisturiser is recommended.

2. Maintain hydration: 

Take in enough liquids to keep your skin moisturised. By doing this, you can stop your skin from creating too much oil. 

3. Face Wash twice a day: 

To prevent pore clogging debris and bacteria, wash your face twice a day. Avoid overwashing. Your skin needs certain oils, which might be removed by overwashing. As a result, your skin can become more oil-prone and sensitive. 

4. Cosmetic Routine: 

Avoid utilising skincare products and substances that are heavy and chemically-rich. Instead, search for non-comedogenic makeup items to avoid pore clogging. Use soft cleaners as well, and avoid scrubbing. Before going to bed, make sure you remove any traces of makeup. 

Refrain from frequently touching your face: Breakouts and blemishes every now and then are normal if you have oily skin. To stop further spreading, you must refrain from popping or picking any pimples. 

Combination skin type 

Dry skin and oily skin are combined to create combination skin. Since it is oilier than other varieties of skin and more vulnerable to sun damage, this type of skin requires strong sun protection. It can be identified by an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, breakouts on nose, chin, adn forehead, and sensitive cheeks. 

Tips for combination skin 

1. Apply cleansers

If you have mixed skin, the pores in your T-zone are larger than the rest of your face. Your pores could get clogged by harsh products. It is suggested that you use a mild cleaner.

2. Gently scrub your skin once in a while.

Exfoliating everyday isn’t suggested for any skin type. Your skin's vital oils may be removed by it. Avoid over-scrubbing your T-zone when exfoliating [2]. Your skin might be damaged by vigorous scrubbing. 

  3. Wear sun protection. 

 A must-have item for skin care is sunscreen. If you have combination skin, pick a sunscreen that doesn't include oil. 

4. Continue two different skin-care regimens.

On oily skin, products that are gentle on dry skin may be abrasive. For your T-zone, use a different skincare routine. Use different products on the rest of your face and your T-zone. Use a rich moisturiser for your cheekbones and a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser for your T-zone as an illustration. 

5. Invest in fragrance- and oil-free products.

To prevent clogged pores, choose oil-free cosmetics and sunscreen. Additionally, use natural skin care products that calm your skin and are fragrance-free. 

Normal skin type 

Eudermic is another name for healthy skin. It is balanced, as evidenced by this. It is neither very oily nor dry. Normal skin typically produces sebum and has pH levels that are in harmony. 

Tips for normal skin 

1. Drink enough water

Your skin could get dry and flaky if you don't receive enough water during the day. Additionally, it may cause overproduction of sebum. 

  2. Put on sunblock. 

The maintenance of overall skin health requires the use of sunscreen. Your skin may get dry, wrinkled, and develop dark patches if it is exposed to the sun directly. It is advised to use an oil-free sunscreen to prevent clogging skin pores. 

  3. Moisturise

For whatever skin type, moisturisers are essential. They keep the skin hydrated and stop it from creating excess sebum. 

4. Before going to bed, remove your makeup.

Breakouts can result from makeup clogging pores. After a long day, you should take it off to prevent that.

5. Cleanse your face before going to bed.

Every night before going to bed, wash your face, even if you don't apply makeup. Pores can become clogged by exterior dirt and bacteria. 

Sensitive skin type 

Sensitive skin is described as being more reactive and easily irritated than normal skin. This type of skin is delicate, frequently prone to heat, redness, itching, etc., and loses its protective layer, making it more vulnerable to irritations and bacteria that can cause infections and allergic responses. 

Tips for sensitive skin 

1. Perform a patch test.

If you don't want your skin to react, you must do this. Never use a product without first giving it a hand test. After the patch test, wait 24 hours. Apply it on your face if it doesn't cause any reaction in your skin. 

 2. Avoid overdoing your skincare regimen.

  Get a moisturiser, sunscreen, and a gentle cleanser. Don't cover your face in too many products. Start with a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser that does not cause your skin to foam. Pick products with components like chamomile or green tea extracts that offer calming effects. 

3. Don't take the "hypoallergenic" label at face value.

Products labelled "hypoallergenic" may not be suitable for you. Before using these goods, perform a patch test. 

  4. Do not take hot showers. 

While taking long, hot showers can make you feel good, the essential oils they remove from your skin can irritate and make it red. Take cool showers instead of hot ones to avoid irritation. 

For our skin to work correctly and have the finest appearance, it is essential to take the required steps to recognise its needs as those needs vary over time. Knowing your skin is essential for choosing the right products to use on it and for addressing problems like acne and dark spots. Develop a skincare routine that is appropriate for your skin by taking your time. If you are unsure about the products and how they will affect your skin, consult a dermatologist.