Skin Types and Home remedies for each skin type

Who doesn’t love good skin? Our research shows that most men do. Not just on their women, but on themselves as well. Our skincare pattern studies in fact show that men tend to spend 20 minutes on skin care every morning as compared to women who use up only 15 minutes,” says Heena Nagarajan, Country Manager, Mary Kay India, during the launch of the brand’s first range of skincare products for men. The same study also points out that while they like to preen in front of the mirror longer, but they prefer products that are easy to use and are multipurpose utility.

Dr Preeti Salvarker, Dermatologist, and Skin Consultant at Kaya Skin Clinic says, “The male hormone, testosterone, determines the physical and emotional characteristics in a man, such as height, weight, build and even behaviour that differentiates men from women. As with all hormones, testosterone shows its effects on the skin. This gives men’s skin its specific structure and functioning. Due to high testosterone content, men’s skin is almost 16 to 20 percent thicker than a woman’s skin. A man also has thicker, coarser hair growth, which he shaves off about 16,000 times in his life. Daily shaving assaults the skin. With continuous shaving day after day, the skin barrier is unable to regenerate fast enough, and becomes a thinner as days go by, and the thin layer has a certain amount of redness. Weakened, the skin becomes more sensitive. Hence regular care of skin is mandatory for men as well.”

Under the stresses and strains of daily life (stress, fatigue, pollution), cellular energy present in the cells gets exhausted. Skin gets weak - becomes dehydrated and dull. As you age your healing process slows down and sun damage becomes more prominent. However, due to its high testosterone content, men’s skin boasts a much denser collagen matrix, rendering it more resilient to the development of wrinkles. Then again, the cumulative effect of countless facial contractions and repeated exposure to UV rays starts disrupting the natural collagen renewal process. The collagen gets destroyed at a faster rate than it is synthesized, causing localised deficits in skin substance. Your skin appears “broken” and becomes marked with deep-set wrinkles.

Know your skin type — this is the mantra for effective use of any skin care and beauty product. Broadly, you may classify skin under the following skin types:
•Oily skin
•Dry Skin
•Combination Skin
•Sensitive Skin
•Normal Skin

Oily Skin 

Oily in nature, as the name suggests, this type of skin is very prone to dirt accumulation. Regular outbursts of freckles and blemishes are seen with such types of skin. This skin type has over active sebaceous glands which secrete excess of sebum and this leads to its oily nature. You can have natural oily skin. Oily skin can also be caused due to hormonal changes due to pregnancy, using the wrong cosmetic products, and birth control pills. Special care is needed for individuals possessing oily skin. Regular washing with a strong astringent is advised. Medicated soaps may too prove beneficial.


Dry Skin 

When sebaceous glands secrete a smaller amount of sebum than they are supposed to, the skin becomes dry. Dry skin has a look and is prone to chapping and cracking. Dry skin can result through various causes like vitamin deficiencies, environmental exposure, prolonged medication, under-active sebaceous glands or heredity. If your skin is dry you should wash your face regularly with cold water, and use a moisturizer. A lanolin or oil-based moisturizer nourishes and hydrates dry skin. High alkaline soaps are not advised for use.


Combination Skin 

It is a skin type that is both oily as well as dry in nature. The T-zone, that is the area around the forehead, nose and chin has a oily feel whereas, the area around the eyes, the cheeks and the mouth have a comparatively drier feeling. Combination skin is a very common skin type. For treating such a skin type, moisturizers are applied to the drier parts of the skin whereas the greasy portions are cleansed with a toner and an astringent. You may use a moisturizing gel for the drier areas.


Sensitive Skin 

Such type of skin is very sensitive or over-reactive in nature. This skin type is so delicate that it is adversely affected by environmental factors such as heat and cold. Such skin types can be very allergic to soaps, beauty products, alcohol and minor changes in the atmosphere. Individuals possessing such skin types are advised to use sun screen lotions on a regular basis. A mild cleanser like Cetaphil should be used for washing the face. Avoid makeup products and consult a dermatologist before you use any new skin care or beauty care product.


Normal Skin 

Normal skin is considered to be the ideal skin type. It is neither oily, nor it is dry. Those with normal skin are advised to use sunscreen whenever they go out. They should have a regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. They should use a low alcohol content astringent as a toner, and a mild cleanser.


Home remedies for each skin type

Dry skin type: Dry skin type people can use almond oil on skin. Mix hot water and almonds. After drying make powder from it. Now mix milk with it and lightly rub it on your face. This will help you to remove acne.

Oily skin type: For oily skin treatment, prepare a mixture of uncooked oatmeal, honey and lemon juice. Use this on your face and dry this mask for 10 to 15 minutes. After washing get a fresh acne free skin.

Sensitive skin type: To get rid of the problems of sensitive skin type, pour some apple juice in your bath water and get free from your skin problems.

Combination skin type: Engage in cleansing with mild homemade cleansers on your face. This will be beneficial for your skin.

Normal skin type: Though such skin types do not have any major problem still to polish their skin they can pat 1/4 of a banana on their face.