Beauty 101 Skincare

Beauty regime for all skin types

Every morning

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Moisturize
• Protect

Every evening

• Makeup remover
• Cleanse
• Night cream
• Eye cream

Weekly

• Exfoliation - For dry skin, once or twice a week is enough. For oily skin, two or three times a week.
  
• Face mask - At least once a week or more often for oilier skin types.

Dry skin

You know your skin is dry when:

Your skin feels tight, rough and itchy especially after cleansing and is sometimes sensitive. Dry skin can also be flaky and dehydrated. Your pores aren't very visible and the skin itself looks dull.

Why it happens:

Dry skin is caused by inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. Your skin could have inherited the tendency to be dry, or environmental conditions like sun exposure or dry air could cause dryness.

Normal/combination skin

You know you have normal/combination skin when:

Some areas of your face, usually the cheeks are dry and smooth. Only your T-zone, that is your forehead, nose and chin, looks shinier and is prone to pimples and blackheads.

Why it happens

Often the T-zone is oily, as the percentage of oil glands in this area tends to be higher than on other parts of your face. This is often due to genetic factors.

Normal/combination skin tips

1. A matte-type face powder is helpful in soaking up oil.
   
2. Refrain from picking at pimples or inflamed areas.
   
3. "Those who are oilier would require products that offer more 'thorough' cleansing, even cleansers containing AHAs or salicylic acid. Products with a higher emollient content will help drier areas," says Dr SK Tan, Medical Director, The DRx Group.

Oily Skin

You know your skin is oily when:

Your pores are enlarged and tend to clog up. Usually, your T-zone area is the oiliest. Also, your makeup tends to wear off within a few hours of application.

Says Angeline Yap, SK-II Training Manager, "Your skin is thick, rough and shiny, and maybe dehydrated and prone to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads."

Why it happens:

When glands produce too much sebum, the result is skin that has a greasy texture and large, clogged pores. But good oily skin generally remains younger looking overtime than other skin types.

Oily skin tips

1. When choosing makeup, especially foundation and blush, buy light, oil-free products. Makeup that is water based and non-comedogenic won't clog pores.
   
2. The primary cause of pimples and blackheads? Dirt and impurities! Never be tempted to go to sleep without removing your makeup.
   
3. Keeping your hair clean and out of your face will help reduce oiliness, pimples and irritation. Do avoid oily hair products.

Sensitive skin

You know your skin is sensitive when:

Your skin is thin, delicate, and has fine pores. You are prone to blotchy skin patches and broken capillaries. Also, skin products often cause your skin to be red and irritated.

Why it happens:

This skin type frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions or from overusing products and using products that are too harsh, especially cleansers and cosmetics containing alcohol and synthetically manufactured oil type ingredients.

Sensitive skin tips

1. Choose products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. If a reaction occurs and preservatives are suspected to be the offending agent, "patching testing" by a doctor may be required to determine the exact cause - it would then be necessary to avoid the particular ingredient at all times," says Dr SK Tan
   
2. Minimise the amount of products you put on your face.

Article first appeared: Female January 2005