Indian Wildlife Club Ezine (October, 2003)

How do you recognize your skin type?

NORMAL SKIN is finely textured with no visible pores, spots, or blemishes, soft and velvety to the touch, and unwrinkled. Normal skin has to be treasured and preserved, as it is liable to change, if neglected.

OILY SKIN is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that give rise to large open pores. Larger pores, in turn, lead to blackheads, blemishes and acne. The appearance of blackheads and blemishes is due to clogged oil and dirt in the pores which is not removed instantly by cleansing. Oily skin begins to have an oily shine within a few minutes after wash or make-up. This makes it difficult to hold make-up. However, oily skin has an advantage of ageing very slowly, but deep cleansing must be thorough.

DRY SKIN is a sensitive skin type which comes in blotches, tends to peel off easily and feels tight after a wash. Lack of moisture results in dry skin and this skin type is more prominent around the eyes, mouth, lips, sides of mouth, and forehead. Cleansing, toning, moisturizing form an integral routine of this type of skin. Dry skin is highly susceptible to diet, extremes in weather and harsh perfumed skin care products. Dry skin also has another disadvantage. Wrinkles appear faster giving you a prematurely aged look. A generous application of moisturizer will produce a skin which would be on par with the 'enviable' peaches and cream complexion.

COMBINATION SKIN as the word 'combination' suggests it is mix of two different skin types on one face. More often this skin type is the result of a badly cleansed and neglected skin. It is easily recognizable as it is oily down the T panel, that is the forehead, nose, chin. The skin gets this oily look down the T panel while the rest of the face appear and feel dry. Combination skin needs scrupulous cleansing. It is a good idea to use a face mask for oily skin down the T panel and a mask for dry skin for the rest of the face. This method of treating the combination skin works ideally to give a perfect, balanced effect.

SENSITIVE SKIN this type of skin is extremely delicate and vulnerable. It is easily susceptible to freckles, itchy spots and blotches. Dermatitis and allergies caused by chemical cosmetics are common problems of a sensitive skin. It is best to discontinue the usage of strong and harsh skin care products as well as perfumed creams and moisturizers

CLEANSING CREAMS Herbal cleansing creams are light creams that remove embedded grime and stale make-up without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Here are some easy to make cleansing potions.

HERBAL CLEANSING CREAM Ingredients----5teaspoon olive oil 5teaspoon fresh coconut oil 5tablespoon cucumber juice 2teaspoon glycerin 4teaspoon beeswax A pinch of borax

Method----Melt the oil and wax by the double boiling method. Warm cucumber juices, glycerin and borax in a separate bowl until borax is dissolved. Add the cucumber, borax and glycerin mixture to the oil and whisk the mixture till it thickens. Cool. Excess may be stored in the fridge.

ALMOND CLEANSING CREAM Ingredients---5 tablespoons almond oil 1 tablespoon white wax 2 tablespoon lanolin 1 tablespoon rose water

Method----Melt wax and lanolin by the double boiling method. Stir continuously. Slowly add rose water and almond oil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. May be stored in a glass bottle.Note--- For all cleansing creams, you may add a few drops of perfume of your choice once the mixture has cooled down.