Factors that can Influence Your Skin Type

Normal skin type

Normal skin is smooth, finely-textured, soft and supple. If you are lucky enough to possess this skin type, treasure it by using light cleansers and lotions and mild toners and fresheners.

Dry skin type

Dry skin is usually thin and delicate and often flaky and prone to fine lines. It sometimes feels tighter than it should. Extremely rich and greasy creams are not good for it because they strangulate the pores, often enlarging them and so creating an extra problem. Use light oils and lotions for moisturising and choose herbal toners, which are mild and not too astringent. Try to restore the pH or acid-alkali balance with the application of such things as cucumber juice or diluted vinegar so that the sebaceous glands are encouraged to function.

Generally speaking, the emollient and hydrating herbs (chamomile, comfrey, cowslip, elderflower, fennel, marshmallow, orange blossom, rose, violet) are the best to use in lotions and toners for dry skin. But there is no hard and fast rule. Astringent herbs can be good for dry skins, for example, if blended with emollient herbs or oils and gels, and many herbs are suitable for all skin types. If the skin is sensitive as well as dry, see the notes on sensitive skin below.

Oily skin type

Oily skin is shiny and coarser-textured, often with enlarged pores. It is prone to blackheads and spots. Don't use alcohol to reduce the oiliness of the skin, as it will only worsen the problem. Many herbal toners are suitable for reducing oiliness and tightening the pores (see list of suitable herbs below). Egg-white makes a nice mild face-mask. Don't over dry the skin; moisturise with a light lotion. Aim to restore your skin's acid-alkali balance so that the sebaceous glands cease to produce such large amounts of oil.

Astringent and cleansing herbs are generally the best to choose when treating an oily skin. These are: cinquefoil, clary sage, comfrey, cucumber, dandelion, horsetail, houseleek, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marigold, mint, parsley, sage, witch hazel and yarrow. But don't forget that many herbs are suited to all skin types and that many of the strengthening and anti-inflammatory herbs (chamomile, cowslip, fennel, lettuce, elderflower, orange blossom, rose, violet) are suitable for oily skins.

Combination skin types

The person with this skin type will have to follow two beauty routines, one for the dry areas, and another for the oily. I think the oily areas balance up more easily in this type of skin than when the whole face is oily, so don't despair.

Sensitive skin type

This skin is usually fine-textured and often prone to reddish veins and patches. Keep to light oils and lotions for cleansing and moisturising, and mild herbal toners and compresses to soothe the skin and reduce redness and veins. It is usually wise for people with sensitive skins to stay away from the stimulating herbs (lavender, lime flower, mint, nettle, sage, southernwood, summer savory, thyme).

Dull skin

Dull skin has lost the bloom of vitality and the soft glow of renewal. It looks matt and lifeless. Its acid balance has slipped. If it is oily or large-pored skin use diluted cider vinegar or lemon juice, or cucumber juice to balance it. If it is dry skin, use buttermilk or cucumber juice.

Mature skin type

Older skin can be toned and softened and restored to much of its former beauty. The skin is a wonderfully regenerating organ, given encouragement. Use a light hand with makeup if you must use it, as this dries and ages the skin.

Other Factors that can influence you skin

The foundation of a healthy beautiful skin is diet. Are you getting sufficient polyunsaturated fats? These are essential to a healthy skin and do not cause facial oiliness. They are found in cereal grains, nuts and cold pressed nut and vegetable oils.

Plenty of vitamin C is fundamental to a beautiful skin, because it builds collagen and elastin, the bonding and structural substances which give tone and resilience. There is no need to resort to tablets. Eat bean sprouts, green and red peppers, black currants, oranges and lemons. Then there are guavas and rosehips, so your diet need not be restricted or dull. There is infinite variety to suit every palate.

Lack of vitamin A can cause dryness of the skin. Eat dandelion, parsley, watercress, carrots, pumpkins, celeriac.

If your skin is unbalanced, either flaky or too oily, or if your lips peel, then check your intake of vitamin B foods. Oats, years, bran, goat's milk, whole rice, sunflower seeds, sprouted seeds and grains are some of the sources.

About The Author

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter ? it's fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.

---

Pierced Ear Problems and Solutions

The practice of ear piercing dates back to thousands of... Read More

Your Skin can Speak Volumes

Everyone dreams of having skin that is healthy, smooth and... Read More

Tanning Salon Equipment

Tanning salons continue to be extremely popular in all areas... Read More

Yet More Care Hair Myths - The Truth And The Lies

Those hair care myths just keep coming! In this third... Read More

Soothing The Itch - Natural Remedies For Itchy Skin

Has your scalp or skin ever been uncomfortably itchy? Do... Read More

The Secrets of Becoming More Beautiful

Like every organ in your body, our skin requires adequate... Read More

How to Use Avocado as Your Hair Care Product

Let's role on?life must go on and the life of... Read More

Look Younger Now!:

While we have made significant progress in our understanding of... Read More

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure... Read More

LipoSelection? by Vaser®

Vaser® LipoSelection? is a revolutionary advance in ultra-sonic liposuction. People... Read More

Top 4 Sunless Tanning Methods

Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work on... Read More

Silicone Breast Implants Revived by FDA

On July 28 2005, the FDA issued a letter of... Read More

Finding a Rhinoplasty Surgeon

"Selecting the right surgeon for you is both the fun... Read More

Natural Skin Care

You work hard to eat a healthy diet and exercise... Read More

Contact Lenses are Easy to Get Online, As Long as You Know How, and You Choose the Right Brands

Eye glasses have really come a long way over the... Read More

16 Tips to Looking + Feeling Great

Do you want to improve the quality of your life?... Read More

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Colors For YOU!

The first thing you need to do before picking out... Read More

Options Available for Cosmetic Surgery in India

Medical Tourism is a new and developing concept worldwide and... Read More

Home Tanning Beds

More and more people are opting to buy their own... Read More

What are Fusion Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions can be attached to your head in many... Read More

Neuropeptide - Amino Polypeptide Skin Care Comparison

To determine why neuropeptide products are different from other effective... Read More

Your #1 Ally to Promote Lucid, Clear-Looking, Supple Skin

Specifically, for longevity and looking and feeling younger, healthier and... Read More

Bariatric Surgery Contributes to Rise in Body Contouring Procedures in Michiana

Elkhart, IN - A newly released report from the American... Read More

The Cost of Rhinoplasty

The cost of a rhinoplasty procedure can vary greatly from... Read More

Toss It? or Keep It?

If you are a product junkie like me then you... Read More