The Skin Type Identification

If you’ve ever seen a makeup commercial, visited a dermatologist or read anything about skin care, you’ve probably heard the term “skin type.” There are five skin types generally accepted by the dermatology community, and they include dry, normal, combination, oily or sensitive.

While skin type is often determined by genetics, it can change over time. Recognizing your skin type is crucial to determining what skin care routine and products will work for you. Below are some tips for identifying your skin type and how to care for it.

Dry Skin

While dry skin has its downsides, it’s not all bad. Those of you with this skin type will experience smaller, less noticeable pores and fewer blemishes or acne problems.

Signs of dry skin include:

• Small, nearly invisible pores
• A dull complexion
• Redness or peeling, especially after being outdoors
• Fine lines
• Lack of elasticity

 The symptoms of dry skin can be exacerbated by:

• Weather (particularly at high altitudes or in very cold, dry climates)
• UV radiation from tanning outdoors or in a tanning bed
• Long, hot baths or showers
• Some soaps or cosmetics
• Some medicines

 To manage your dry skin:

• Moisturize daily. People with dry skin are more likely to see signs of aging like wrinkles at an earlier age. Choose face lotions and body lotions offering “deep moisture” and watch for ingredients that will help your skin retain the moisture, like:
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Mineral oil
• Petroleum jelly
• Lanolin
• Ceramides
• Dimethicone
• Take shorter showers, and don’t use steaming hot water if you can avoid it. Also, avoid multiple showers in a single day, as hot water can strip oils from the skin.
• Avoid scented soaps or cleansers. Choose mild or unscented products instead.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can check out our blog post on good foods for skin health here.

 Normal Skin

If you’ve got normal skin, consider yourself lucky! Normal skin is most prevalent in younger people. Signs of normal skin include:

• Few, if any, imperfections
• Few, if any, sensitivities
• Small pores
• A clear complexion with a natural “glow”

 For you lucky people with normal skin, you won’t have to follow any sort of strict regimen to keep it relatively healthy. However, it’s important to remember my basic skin care recommendations:

• Moisturize daily
• Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF daily
• Review our “Through the Ages” posts to make sure you’re caring for your skin differently as you age

 Oily Skin

If you’ve got oily skin, you may have noticed that it gets shiny throughout the day or that your clogged pores often produce blemishes. But just as with dry skin, it’s not all bad! People with oily skin tend to retain moisture well, which is great for preventing visible signs of aging later.

Signs of oily skin include:

• A shiny complexion
• Blackheads, pimples or other blemishes resulting from clogged pores
• Larger, more visible pores

 Oily skin is often a result of genetics, but can be exacerbated by stress, humidity, using the wrong skin products or hormonal imbalances from life events like puberty.

To care for your oily skin, remember to:

• Use oil-free cleansers and moisturizers
• Don’t pop your pimples! As stated in our blog post on acne myths, it doesn’t make them go away. “Popping” a pimple can actually push the infection back into the skin and bring that thing back with a vengeance.
• Wash your face regularly, especially after working out or sweating heavily. Don’t wash more than twice per day or you risk your skin creating more oil to replace what has been washed away.

 Combination Skin

This is exactly what it sounds like. Some people experience signs of dry skin, oily skin and normal skin all at once. Usually, the various types are spread throughout the face and body, with oily skin taking over traditionally acne-prone areas like the “T-Zone” (the area that includes your forehead, nose and chin) and dry skin taking over areas that get less attention, like the cheeks.

To recognize or manage your combination skin, identify whether you experience symptoms associated with dry, oily or normal skin as noted above. It’s probably better to use oil-free moisturizers and unscented soaps as these will be beneficial for all skin types.

Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin often experience reactions to a variety of skin care products or outside other outside factors. The most important thing to remember is to understand what causes the reaction and adjust your routine accordingly.

Signs of sensitive skin include:

• Redness or rashes, particularly related to specific products or ingredients
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Varied reactions depending on the product

 If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to discuss your routine with a dermatologist. Sometimes, medicated soaps or other products may be the best route for you.

Have any questions about your skin type, routine or products? Leave the in the comments or make an appointment with Advanced Dermatology!

Skin Through the Ages: The 30s

*This post is the third in a series called “Skin Through the Ages.” The series will focus on how to take care of and manage skin at various points in life.

Do you feel like an adult yet? Ready or not, your face is starting to show it. Now is when you’ll begin to see the results of the work (or lack thereof) you put into your skin in your teens and your 20s. Your skin will start to dull in your 30s due to it not shedding dead skin cells at the same rate it did when you were younger. This is also when you may start to develop lines on your forehead, around your eyes or at the corners of your mouth. You may also see some sunspots, but don’t give up! Although you’re starting to see signs of aging, you can still slow down the process with proper care. Let’s go over what you should do during your 30s to help slow Mother Nature down.

Exfoliation
Now is the time to get serious about exfoliation. In your 30s, the rate at which your skin turns over new skin cells and sheds old ones slows, so you’ll need to help the process. Remember, according to the exfoliation blog post, pick an exfoliating product that is right for your skin, whether you choose a manual or chemical method. Choose a product that is gentle enough to use on a regular basis to keep skin from looking dull.

Anti-aging products
It’s sad to say, but it’s time to start incorporating anti-aging products into your skin care routine. Don’t go overboard and buy every product out there. Your skin is just starting to age and some anti-aging products might be too aggressive, which can irritate your skin. Add a good anti-aging facial cream and eye cream to your routine to help boost collagen levels and plump up those fine lines.

Sunscreen
You knew it was coming. Keep using your sunscreen every day, multiple times a day, regardless of the weather outside. Sun damage is the most preventative aging factor out there. Fair-skinned people will possibly begin to see some discoloration (sun spots) in their 30s if they haven’t been diligent about wearing sunscreen on a regular basis. Unless you want to look like this guy’s bad side, keep using your sunscreen!

In with the good
With all this talk of the body’s processes slowing down, the skin becoming damaged more easily and the body not recovering the way it used to, it’s more important than ever to consider what you’re putting into your body. Make sure you’re drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day to help flush out your body and help carry nutrients where they need to go. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of whole grains, lean meats and good fats, and minimal amounts of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Take a multi-vitamin daily to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Remember, we are what we eat, so eat the best foods possible to give yourself the healthiest body possible.

Are there any other concerns you might have about caring for your skin during your 30s? Post your questions and concerns in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out! You can also schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Patel by clicking here. 

Skin Through The Ages: The Teenage Years

 
This post is the first in a series called “Skin Through the Ages.” The series will focus on how to take care of and manage skin at various points in life. This post addresses the teenage years. 

Do me a favor. Take a minute and close out the chats, games and other apps you have running. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let me get to the point quickly. You’re going to get old one day. Yeah, I know, it’ll happen a million years from now, but one day in the not-so-distant future, you’ll look in the mirror and ask, “What are those lines? Where did I get this spot on my face? I AM getting old!” Then you’ll wonder why you didn’t listen to that blog post you came across when you were still young and had great skin. So consider yourself lucky and listen to these skin care tips that will have your friends in the future seriously jealous of your youthful complexion.

What am I?
You can’t take care of your skin if you don’t know what type of skin you have. The five basic skin types are dry, normal, oily, combination and sensitive. The names describe each skin type exactly as they sound. If you’re still unsure, you can have your skin analyzed at a skin care counter in the mall or make an appointment with a dermatologist or other skin care professional.

Do it to it.
Now that you know your skin care type, it’s time to take care of it twice a day. Wash and moisturize your skin every morning and every night. Use spot treatments as needed for your acne, scars or other problems. Most importantly, use products meant for teenage skin. The stuff your grandma uses is probably not right for you now.

Too slick?
You may think your skin is already soft enough or too oily for lotion, but that isn’t true. After washing, your skin needs moisture. If you don’t use a proper product, your skin will likely over-compensate, producing its own oil to get back to its natural state. This can cause your face to be even more oily and at risk for acne. Use the right moisturizer for your skin type, including an oil-free lotion and one with sunscreen.

Take it off!
Hold on a second, we’re talking about your makeup. Yes, morning-after makeup looks good on TV and in the movies, but it will look quite the opposite in real life. Leftover makeup can suffocate your skin overnight and make your eyes feel gritty and irritated in the morning. Even if you’re too exhausted to do your whole skin care routine, AT LEAST take off your makeup.

Hands off!
Yeah, I know, we’re really bossy when it comes to your skin, but keep your hands off of your face! Unless you just washed your hands, wherever they’ve been is going to wind up on your FACE! Pretty gross, right?  Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

Hands off! (Part deux)
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, don’t pick at your pimples! Although your face is nice, it isn’t magic. You know how when you scrape your knee or arm and get a scar? The same will happen to your face. That’s not cute.

You aren’t a baker…
So don’t cook your skin! Yes, that nice golden glow looks really good, but you should think twice unless you want to look like this. If you must have the tan-like glow, use a bronzer or self-tanner, but leave the frying in the kitchen.

So off you go, and if for some reason your skin confuses you, leave me a comment below and I’ll help you work it out! You can also schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology by clicking here.

The Simple Science of Aging

Aging is one of life’s great mysteries. In elementary school, everyone learns about Ponce de Leon’s quest for the fountain of youth. Unfortunately, he never found it, but dermatology has come a long way in the hundreds of years since. This post will explain the aging process and how to slow down its physical manifestations. Have questions? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll answer them there.

Collagen and Elastin

Skin is the largest organ in the human body. For that reason, it manifests changes that occur on the outside and inside over time. Collagen and elastin are integral parts of the skin, as they provide its supportive structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen starts to break down and it becomes more difficult for our skin to build it back up. Elastin also starts to break down, giving the skin the inability to bounce back once stretched.

Fat…is important!

Aging skin begins to lose fat under the surface, which makes the skin much thinner and gives it a wrinkled appearance. That means that if you get a cut or an ulcer, your skin will take longer to heal than it did before. The skin can rip or bruise more easily than it did after minimal trauma. Sun damage and the release of free radicals (from smoking for example) accelerate this process.

Subcutaneous Tissue

OK, you probably aren’t very familiar with this term. Bear with me. The loss of subcutaneous tissue can also change the appearance of skin by altering skin structures such as pores, follicles and oil glands, making them look bigger or more prominent. These skin structures also become less efficient, meaning that we sweat less with time. Some people notice that their skin is more fragile – meaning that it's more sensitive to light, heat and extreme temperatures.

Combined Natural Effects

With all the combined effects of tissue loss and skin structure break down, the signs of photo-aging, such as sun freckles, moles and liver spots, become more noticeable. The incidence of skin cancer also significantly rises with age. This is especially true after the age of 50 or if you've had years of prolonged sun exposure or a genetic condition that predisposes you to skin cancer. Skin can also show signs of internal illness that become more pronounced over time. Regular skin exams are recommended, at least every year, to evaluate the skin and all of the changes that occur with age.

So how do you avoid or slow the process?

Check out the rest of our blog posts or leave a comment here. Here are a few quick tips:

• Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every day to avoid damaging sun exposure.
• Moisturize! Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing helps your skin keep its elasticity longer, which prevents wrinkles and other signs of aging.
• Eat right. Check out this blog post on the best foods for skin health for a few tips.
• Choose your makeup wisely and, if it’s too late to prevent, cover up your signs of aging. This blog post will help you determine which products are right for you. 

Tips and Tricks for Avoiding a Face Washing Faux Pas

Washing your face is essential to ensure it stays healthy and free of major breakouts. Unfortunately, I see a lot of people washing their faces with harsh bars of soap, a common brand that is not working for their skin types, scrubbing too hard or a host of other face washing faux pas.

There are lots of articles out there extolling the value of various brands of facial soaps and washes. I’ll spare you the commercials and focus on how to choose the best washes for your skin type – and any issues you may have. If you take away one thing from this blog post, make sure it’s this: Never wash your face with a bar of soap or the same soap you use on the rest of your body. That’s just asking for trouble.

If you still have questions after reading this, feel free to ask away in the comments. I’ll be happy to answer you there.

For Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, don’t worry. It may cause a few more breakouts, but it also leads to fewer wrinkles and other signs of aging later on. Elasticity is the true fountain of youth, so don’t despair, oily skinned friend. Just manage your oily skin with the right facial soap. Consider the following:

•  Gel cleansers – Gel-based cleansers absorb excess oil without drying out the skin too much.
• Oil-free washes – If your skin is oily, don’t make it worse by using an oil-based cleanser that could clog your pores! Oil-free washes will help remove the excess oil and, like gel cleasners, will prevent your skin from drying out too much.
• “Foamy” or “soapy” cleansers – These types of soaps tend to be gentle and, like the oil-free and gel washes, will remove excess oil without drying out too much.

For Dry Skin

Dry skin is a tough type to deal with. If your goal is anti-aging, it’s important to maintain moisture. However, too much moisture or the wrong kind of moisture can result in breakouts. With that in mind, consider these points when choosing a facial soap to care for your dry skin:

• Creamy cleansers – Unlike your oily skinned friends, you should be on the lookout for a cream-based cleanser that will both moisturize your skin and remove the excess oil and dirt that clog pores. Creamy cleansers will do just that.
• Non-foaming liquid cleansers – While people with oily skin may consider foaming cleansers, those with dry skin should look for exactly the opposite. Check your drugstore for a liquid-based soap that won’t foam, but that will employ natural oils to both remove makeup and other pore-cloggers while moisturizing.
•  Soap-free – Did you just read that correctly? Yes, soap-free cleansers exist and can be a lifesaver for people with dry skin. Things like cold creams (not just for Grandma anymore!) and creamy cleansers with micro beads are a great alternative. 

For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin comes in all types – dry, oily, old, young – you name it. Caring for it is quite a task, and it really boils down to knowing your own skin. Before you dive into this list, consider whether your skin is dry or oily, if you have any allergies or if you know of any specific ingredients that will irritate your skin. With that in mind, consider these options when seeking out an effective facial soap:

• Organic soaps – Although not everything marked “organic” is a cure-all for sensitive skin, it’s a good place to start. Most of these products are made from natural ingredients and don’t use some of the more irritating ingredients other soaps do.
•  “Calming” products – Again, it’s important to pay attention to the label in its entirety when choosing a product for your face. Still, most facial washes labeled “calming” are made for sensitive skin care.
• Glycerin – This is a key ingredient in many facial cleansers marketed to people with sensitive skin. It helps build an even skin structure, and has no side effects for most people.

For Combination Skin

People with combination skin fall right in the middle of the skin care spectrum. Their skin is neither too oily nor too dry, and there are a huge variety of products marketed to them. As with sensitive skin, it’s important to know whether you fall a little closer to the oily or dry end of that spectrum before you decide on a cleanser. That said, here’s what I recommend:

• Light foaming cleansers – Normally recommended for people with oily skin, light foaming cleansers can be very effective in maintaining healthy combination skin. If you find yourself a little on the dry side of combination, consider skipping the foam.
• Water-soluble cleansers – Unlike the creams often recommended for dry skin, combination skin calls for something a little gentler, but that won’t leave the skin feeling tight or dry.
• Gentle cleansers – Most cleansers marked as “gentle” contain little or no harsh ingredients that tend to irritate the skin. This is especially valuable to those people in the middle of the skin care spectrum!

As always, if I missed anything or if you have a question, leave it in the comments below and I'll answer it there!