Your skin type is a major key player

Knowing your skin type is a plus. We all like to think that we might have oily, combination, dry or sensitive skin, and while that may be okay when you do not struggle with skin issues, It is important that you truly know your skin type. Why?, because knowing your true skin type will be a total revelation the next time you’re in the skincare or cosmetic section. You really don’t want to be using the wrong products or any sort of popular hacks. Oh no! Because that could worsen whatever skin problems you have i.e. acne, psoriasis, sensitivity to ingredients or other skin problems.

We will be discussing:

• how to tailor skincare to suit your skin

• how to treat specific skin issues like acne or scars

• how to test for your skin type

Having a daily skin care routine

Regardless of your skin type, a daily skin care routine is necessary to help you maintain a general skin health plus improve targeted concerns like acne, acne scarring, and dark spots. There are four basic steps you can do once in the morning and again in the evening before bed.

1. Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin dry and tight. Your skin has a PH level of between 4 to 6 which means its acidic. If your skin cleanser or wash leaves your your skin dry and tight then it is high in alkaline and you don’t need that. you need to keep the balance. Cleansing twice a day is enough, or just once, if you have dry skin and don’t wear makeup. Avoid squeaky-clean washes feeling because that means your skin’s natural oils are stripped. Cleansers known to work well for all skin types include Maames Gentle & Deeply Cleansing Aloe face wash

2. Tone: Facial toners are a water-based skin care product that is used after cleansing to help hydrate the skin and prepare it for a moisturizer. Toners can boost your complexion and some great for tightening pores. A simple and gentle yet effective facial toners are rose water toners. A great toner for all skin types is the Soothing Hydrating Rosewater Toner by Maames, infused with real damask roses.

3. Serums: They come in different forms and have highly concentrated skin actives. Simple Hyaluronic acid serums are suitable for all skin types, even for those who have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts. Great serums in the morning, would be ones with vitamin C, growth factors or peptides under sunscreen. At night, retinol or prescription retinoids work best.

3. Moisturizer: Even oily skin needs moisturiser, but use one that is lightweight, gel-based, and non-comedogenic, or doesn’t clog your pores, like CeraVe’s facial lotion or benefit from more cream-based moisturizers like Maames’ CBD and Shea Butter Day & Night Cream.

4. Sunscreen: This is a very important last step. Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Believe it or not but Darker skin tones actually need more sun protection because hyper pigmentation is harder to correct. Try EltaMD’s sunscreen, which offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Remember to always read the ingredients on the product to help you select products that suit your skin type and sensitivity.

Bear in mind that some products, such as retinol or prescription retinoids, should only be applied at night.

For all skin types

• Water. Very important. Stay hydrated.

• Apply sunscreen everyday 15 minutes before going out.

• Change pillow cases at least once a week.

• Wash or wrap up hair before bed.

Start with a basic and simple routine to see how your skin reacts. Once you’re comfortable, you can then add extra products such as masks, essential oils and spot treatments to boost your skin’s health.

It’s advisable to do a patch test and wait for 48 hrs for new products. This will help you identify potential allergic reactions. If you notice any irritation, redness, small bumps, or itchiness, wash the area you tested with water and a gentle cleanser.

How to treat skin problems

There are various ways to treat your skin problems without damaging your skin. Whatever you do, don’t pick at it! Picking at your spots or blackheads can cause tears which can result in hyper pigmentation. Open wounds can lead to infections, more acne, or scars.

Below are a few scientifically backed ways to treat problem areas.

Acne

Acne treatment depends on how serious your acne is. Facial skin care is the most important step in treating acne, however mild acne can be treated with over the counter products such as these from your local drugstore:

• salicylic acid

• benzoyl peroxide

• alpha hydroxy acids

• adapalene

• tea tree oil

Always apply sunscreen after using these products in the morning, since they can cause extra skin sensitivity.

Sebaceous filaments

These exist to help oil flow seamlessly to the skin, without pore-​clogging back ups. On the flip side, when too much sebum is produced and mixes with dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria that clog pores, it can lead to the formation of a blackhead. Picking at these could lead to irritation, open pores and infection, dryness, redness and peeling.

Topical products containing retinol or retinoids can help keep the pores clear and clean. Massaging your face with mineral or castor oil for one minute could bring some benefits. Using an extraction tool can also help.

Ideally it is best to have your easthetician or dermatologist remove them for you.

Blemishes, scars, and hyper-pigmentation

Blemishes, dark spots and scars can take from a few weeks to six months to heal and fade. Quick remedies for scars and blemishes include using make-up to cover up and sunscreen to avoid further sun damage and hyper-pigmentation.The following ingredients may also help fade scars:

Silicone: Studies have shown that topical silicone can improve scar thickness, color, and texture. Apply silicone gel for eight to 24 hours daily. Look for products with silicone dioxide listed as an ingredient.

Honey: Honey is known to have healing properties for wounds and scars. This is great for home treatments.

Vitamin C:  Vitamin C works better when combined with other lightening ingredients like soy and licorice.

Niacinamide: Niacinamide works on blemishes and dark spots, especially from acne. Topical two percent to five percent niacinamide is effective for people with lighter skin tones. An affordable option is The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, which costs $5.90.

Retinoic acid: One study found that acne scars improved in 91.4 percent of people who applied a combination of retinoic acid and glycolic acid. The Ordinary also has a product that’s two percent retinoid for $9.80. Use products with this ingredient only at night.

Pick products with these ingredients and add them to your routine after washing your face. Always remember to wear sunscreen after application.

Testing for your skin type at home

Sebum is a waxy, oily liquid that comes from your pores. The amount of sebum your skin produces determines if your skin is: dry, oily, normal or combination.

A clean face will produce the most accurate:

1. Wash your face and dry. Wait 30 to 45 minutes.

2. Gently press oil blotting paper or tissue on your face. Press the paper on different areas of your skin, such as your forehead and nose, cheeks, and chin.

3. Hold the sheet to the light to see how transparent the paper is.

Test results Skin type

No transparency, but with flakes or tight skin means you have dry skin.

Soaked through means oily.

Different levels of absorption on different areas of the face means combination.

Not too oily and no flaky skin means it it normal.

Sensitive skin however doesn’t follow the sebum criteria. But depends on:

• how quick your skin reacts to product, when applied.

• how well your skin protects itself

• how easily your skin turns red

• likelihood of skin allergy

Consult a doctor or dermatologist if:

Your skin problems don’t go away after using over-the-counter products. Severe acne, scarring, or other problems may require prescription treatments like oral antibiotics, birth control, or topical prescription retinoids. Your dermatologist may perform an extraction for cystic acne or acne spots that are stuck underneath your skin.

Remember that your skin type can affect how products work. Using the wrong product, even when natural, can cause breakouts, worsen blemishes, or cause redness. It’s best to find out what skin type you have and build your skin care routine around that.