Do You Know Your Skin Type?

Knowing your exact skin type is essential for you to continually care for it properly. Skin care maintenance is vital for maintaining that youthful glow, as well as warding off aging and disease.

As the years go by, your skin type may change, but there are always methods you can use to combat these effects. Check out this list and see where your skin type fits right now…

LET’S BEGIN

Take a close look at your skin. If it seems just right, not too dry or oily, with minimal flaws and an overall radiant glow, you have what can be considered normal skin. However, there are many more people with other skin types that need special care, including:

OILY SKIN

Oily skin is characterized by a dull or shiny complexion, large pores and blackheads or pimples (as a result of the buildup of dirt in the pores). Neglecting this condition will only make matters worse, leading to infections and even permanent scarring.

DRY SKIN

The polar opposite of oily skin, dry skin tends to have smaller pores, a rough complexion and red patches. Facial lines become more apparent, and such irritations as flaking and redness can occur. Those with chronic dry skin tend to look older that they need to.

SENSITIVE SKIN

This skin type is most likely to react to the environment. Sun exposure, lack of hydration and smoking can cause flare-ups in those with sensitive skin types. Symptoms include itching, dryness, redness and a burning sensation. Scarring and premature aging are just two of the potential symptoms of sensitive skin.

COMBINATION SKIN

If your skin seems perfectly normal in some areas, yet it appears dry or excessively oily in others, you have what’s known as combination skin. Many people do. It can be characterized by larger pores, blackheads and excessive shininess. Using the same cleansers and moisturizers on every skin area can make matters worse — the dry spots get dryer and the oily areas get oilier.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING ITS BEST

• Use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

UV rays damage the skin and make it age faster. They also put you at risk of contracting skin cancers such as melanoma.

• Use dermatologist-recommended cleansers and conditioners that are appropriate for your skin type.

If you care about your skin, don’t just grab any over-the-counter soap or lotion. Consult your dermatologist for expert advice.

• Remove your makeup before bedtime.

Makeup clogs your pores and inhibits your skin’s ability to breathe. If you sleep in makeup, you’ll continually grind it into your pores, resulting in irritation, breakouts and more.

• Keep your skin moisturized.

Keep in mind that your skin is an organ, and it needs to be respected as such. Moisturizing wards off aging and helps to prevent diseases such as eczema. It also helps your skin to rebuild itself – which it does so normally — to give you that healthy glow.

DeSilva Dermatology in Boerne, Texas, has the experience and commitment to excellence to handle all of your dermatological concerns. Since 2000, Dr. Thushan DeSilva has been providing the Alamo City and Boerne with the finest skin care, both medical and cosmetic. Schedule an appointment now and let DeSilva Dermotology take care of all of your skin care needs.

Dr. DeSilva says, “The single most important thing you can do for your skin is to use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more with zinc oxide. And don’t forget to reapply!”