IDENTIFYING YOUR SKIN TYPE :
 Buying toiletries and
cosmetics today can be a bewildering experience. The bug of
super-specialization has bitten even the world of beauty. Everything from
moisturizer to soap to face wash to sunscreen to cleansers and toners is
classified according to the type of skin you have. When you buy beauty
products, you have to know whether you are a dry, normal, oily or combination
skin, just like you have to know whether you are a small, medium or large
when you buy clothes.
In the looking glass
Normal mirrors and
soft lighting can be quite deceptive. The first step in pinning down your
skin type is to get hold of a magnifying mirror to see what's really
happening with your skin. Now brace yourself, because in most cases, this is
not a pretty sight. A magnifying mirror highlights every blackhead,
whitehead, pimple, crater and wrinkle. But if it's any consolation, most
people's skins don't pass the magnifying mirror test.
Tissue test
The next thing to do
is to check on the glandular activity of your skin. As complicated as that sounds,
it's actually a simple procedure that just requires a paper tissue. Press the
paper tissue to your nose and forehead for a few seconds. Do not rub it over
the surface of your skin. Then remove the tissue and examine it.
If your glands are
working overtime, the tissue will have greasy marks on it. If the tissue is
spotless, don't get too excited. It's not a good sign. It means that your
skin lacks lubrication. If the tissue is hardly soiled, you are one of the
lucky ones with perfect skin.
The pH factor
This may sound like
something out of a science fiction novel, but the pH factor is actually a
measure of the acidity of your skin. pH is a measure of hydrogen particles,
which, in excess, cause 'alkalinity' and if deficient cause 'acidity'. If the
pH factor has a value of 7, it is neutral and represents perfect balance.
When the figure is above 7, it is alkaline and when it is below 7, it is
acidic.
To determine the
acidity or alkalinity of your skin, you have to apply litmus paper to the
surface of your skin. First clean your face thoroughly. Then wait for an hour
before you apply the litmus paper so that the test result is not affected by
the remnants of soap or cosmetics. Keep the paper against your skin for one
minute and then remove it.
If the paper remains
blue, your skin lacks acidity and will be prone to infections. If the paper
is a rosy-lilac, your skin is sufficiently acidic. But if the litmus turns a
pinky-red, your skin is too acidic as a result of which is delicate,
sensitive and likely to show the effects of age prematurely.
Skin can be broadly
classified into 5 categories:
 Normal skin: It's ironic, but normal skin is a rarity. It's
the kind of skin you have as a baby and which rarely survives the ravages of puberty
and pollution into adulthood. This type of skin leaves only faint traces on
the tissue and turns litmus paper pink. When you squeeze it, the skin is
smooth and you don't see any pores.
Extra dry skin: The skin is drab and dull and has a flabby
texture. It wrinkles prematurely and its acidity varies from day to day.
 Oily skin: A shiny nose is typical of oily skin. It is
not prone to developing wrinkles and has enlarged pores. It leaves very
visible traces on the tissue paper and usually lacks acidity. Clogged skin: The skin is rough, thick, flecked with
blackheads and whiteheads. It tends to be high on alkalinity and leaves no
traces on the tissue paper.
You will notice that
different areas of your skin exhibit different characteristics. For instance,
your cheeks may be really dry, but your nose is always shiny and your forehead
is a field of blackheads. In that case, you will have to care for each area
of your skin as is required.
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Identifying Your Skin Type
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