Indian Wildlife Club Ezine (November, 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

COMPLEXION SCRUB

A complexion scrub works wonders and leaves your skin with a healthy , shining glow. Complexion scrub is an effective means of removing the dead cells from the surface of the skin. The slightly, abrasive tiny grains present in a scrub , stimulates and gently sloughs away dead and flaky skin . A fresh, smooth look is left behind.
A complexion scrub must be used once a week to loosen ingrained impurities from the pores. For dry skin types a scrub once a month, will suffice. Scrubs are an excellent product for oily skin.

HOME MADE SCRUBS

ORANGE PEEL SCRUB
4tablespoon orange peel powder
2tablespoon oatmeal powder
2tablespoon wheat germ powder
METHOD -----
Mix all the three ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use as and when required. For an oily skin, add a few drops of lemon juice or cucumber juice to the water in which you dip the muslin bag containing the scrub. Gently rub the wet muslin bag on to the face and neck for at least fifteen minutes. Use circular movements and wash off with tepid water.

GREEN GRAM SCRUB
4 Tablespoon green gram powder
2 tablespoon besan
2 teaspoon sandalwood powder
METHOD-----
Combine all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

WHEAT GERM SCRUB
1tablespoon oatmeal powder
1tablespoon wheat germ powder
1tablespoon skim milk powder
1teaspoon sandal wood powder

METHOD

Mix the ingredients together and fill in a small muslin bag. Dip the muslin bag in lukewarm water and gently rub on face and neck in circular motion for at least 15 minutes. Finally wash off with tepid water.