What type are you?

Dry, oily, combination, sensitive skin. ‘This product goes with that type and this with the other’… it can be daunting to even think about and frankly sometimes just sounds like someone’s brilliant marketing scheme doesn’t it? The truth of the matter is we just want to take care of our skin the best way we can without having to put too much thought into it so we can get on with our day. But what does that all really mean and just why is it so important to our daily skin care regimen? Quite simply, determining your particular skin type is essential in maintaining a proper regimen that will allow your skin to be its healthiest. Taking a few minutes of your time will reap rewards and fringe benefits that will last a lifetime.

No more blemish breakouts, dry patches or blotches.Determined by how much or how little oil your skin produces, your skin type will be revealed. Thirty minutes after washing your face (and without applying anything else), take a clean tissue and press it against your face. If the tissue shows no trace of oil then you have dry skin. But if there are traces of oil, read on to find out if you might have oily or combination skin.Dry:  Especially after cleansing, dry skin feels tight and uncomfortable until you apply a moisturizer. In addition, you may also have fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches. In women of colour, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin build-up.

Dry skin is caused by under active oil glands that do not produce enough sebum (natural oils) to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It must be hydrated regularly from the inside and outside (drinking lots of water) and moisturised with rich hydrating creams or lotions like Olay’s ‘White Radiance Revitalizing White Moisture’ cream. Oily: While oily skin generally remains younger looking and more supple over time, it also tends to appear shiny or greasy with enlarged pores that can get clogged resulting in blackheads and blemishes. Caused by glands that produce too much sebum, oily skin benefits from periodic herbal steam treatments, followed by something like Olay’s ‘Classic Beauty Fluid’ which is a light, non-greasy formula that works deep down in the skin, locking in naturalmoisture.Combination/Normal: The most common skin type - about 70% of women have combination skin which can be so difficult to contend with since half your face is dry and the rest either normal or oily.

This skin type has medium pores, a smooth even texture, good circulation, healthy colour, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone. Your t-zone covers your forehead, nose, and chin while areas around the cheeks, mouth and eyes are normal to dry. Fortunately for those of us who have combination skin, there are plenty of skin care products to help us achieve great skin. Try our ‘Daily Cleansers Deep Pore Cream Cleanser.

The gentle exfoliating micro-beads clean down to the pores, without over drying the skin and then follow up with a ‘White Radiance Revitalizing White Moisture’ to revitalize your skin.Sensitive:Sensitive skin tends to be thin and delicate with fine pores. It can frequently break out due to allergic sensitivities, flushes easily and is prone to broken capillaries (those little spider veins around the nose)  Sensitive skin frequently also reacts badly to adverse weather conditions, cosmetics containing alcohol, fragrances, or artificial colours or oils and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition. Olay has created a wonderful cleanser for sensitive skin called ‘Gentle Cleansing Milk’ with aloe for a gentle clean, to be followed up by ‘Complete Sensitive Skin Fluid’, a fragrance free, all day moisture with SPF for beautifully-protected sensitive skin.