How well do you know your skin?

Skin can be as individual as we are but we can be roughly classified into groups when it comes to skin care. Your skin could be typed as normal, oily, dry or a bit of both and called combination or sensitive.  When it comes to caring for your skin there are different regimes and things to consider for each skin type – so what skin type are you?

What skin type do I have?

Normal Skin

• Face is smooth with no dry patches
• Pores are small and clean
• Spots are few and far between
• Skin feels supple and comfortable
• Skin is not greasy and shiny looking

Oily Skin

• Large pore size
• Pores can be clogged with dirt and oil
• Face is greasy looking, even after cleansing
• Skin can be prone to acne and blackheads
• Skin is thick and sallow looking

Dry Skin

• Skin has fine lines
• Pore size is very small
• Dry patches that can flake off
• Darker skins can have greyish patches
• Skin feels tight and uncomfortable

Combination

• Pores on the nose area are enlarged
• Fine lines around the eyes
• Shiny areas on the nose and forehead
• Dry and or flaking on the cheeks, eye and neck area
• Blemishes on the nose and chin area

Sensitive skin

• Skin can be irritated easily
• Skin is dry and thin
• Skin can feel uncomfortable and sore
• Shaving can  cause discomfort
• Skin products can irritate the skin

Dry skin on hands

Hands are often a neglected part of the daily skin care routine but are always on display and one the first parts of the body to show signs of aging. Simple steps to take care of them will give you better looking hands and nails and the first step is prevention of further damage. Hands are often exposed to the sun, particularly when we are driving, but often a  forgotten part of the body when applying sun block. A broad spectrum sun block should be applied whenever we are outdoors – keep some in the car to remind yourself to apply it. Age spots we see on people’s hands are not really as a result of getting older but of accumulative sun damage.

Hand care

Hands tend to have problems with dryness rather than oiliness as there are fewer glands that produce sebum. Therefore we need to replace the moisture we lose from the constant immersion in water that they undergo daily. Cleaning agents and detergents can be harsh and drying to the skin so the use of rubber gloves when doing dishes or cleaning is advisable. The same applies to gardening – gloves will serve to protect the hands and less scrubbing will be need to clean them. If gloves don’t appeal, the use of a good barrier cream will help stop chemicals and dirt entering the skin.

What to avoid

• Very hot and very cold water
• Harsh soaps and detergents that remove natural oils
• Sun damage from sun exposure
• Cleaning chemicals
• Nail products containing acetone or formaldehyde

What to do to look after your hands

• Always use a broad spectrum sun block
• Use gloves when gardening and using cleaning chemicals
• Avoid immersion in overly hot water and harsh detergents
• Use a hand moisturiser frequently to prevent the skin from drying out
• Moisturise after washing the hands
• Treat  them to a warm oil massage for deep moisturising

Dry skin on the body

While patches of dry skin can appear anywhere on the body it is most commonly found on the lower legs, arms, hands and abdomen. Sometimes dry skin is felt more than it is seen – uncomfortable feeling and itchy but severe dry skin can be both noticeable and embarrassing. Often we are more self conscious about this in the summer months when we have more of our bodies exposed. No more hiding under layers of winter clothes. Dry skin is also more noticeable on people with dark skins and can look a pale, ash grey colour.

Body Basics

Skin that is healthy is covered in a thin layer of natural lipids forming a lipid defence barrier. Lipids are a fatty like substance that helps to protect the skin from foreign invaders but also prevent excess moisture loss, keeping the moisture in and therefore the skin soft and supple. We need to look after this layer to keep our skin looking and feeling good.

External

• Avoid long, hot showers.
• Dry gently.
• Moisturise regularly and  immediately after bathing.
• Combat drying from central heating and air conditioning with a humidifier.
• Avoid clothing or detergents that irritate the skin.
• Gently exfoliate with wash cloth or make your own by mixing soft brown sugar, a little olive oil and add water slowly to get the desired consistency.
• Avoid soaps, detergents and sulphates.

Internal

• Drink enough water to keep the body well hydrated.
• Eat a balanced diet, a broad spectrum of all the colours in fruit and vegetables.
• Keep the body ‘oiled’ with all the good fats such as cold pressed virgin olive oil, avocado, walnuts, flaxseed, evening primrose oil and cold water fish such as tuna and salmon.
• Include wholegrain and foods that not overly processed.
• Over consumption of alcohol can have a drying effect on the skin.

What can I do to help dry skin?

• Use lukewarm water, gentle drying and products without ingredients to irritate dry skin.

• Invest in a humidifier, this will help with both central heating and air conditioning.

• Apply a moisturiser to the skin immediately after cleansing to retain maximum moisture in the skin.

• Drink plenty of water – several small glasses throughout the day is easier if you are not a big water drinker – little and often makes it easier.

• Use skin care products that are high in ingredients that attract and hold the moisture, keeping the integrity of the lipid layer.

What do I avoid if I have dry skin?

• Keep your baths and showers short. Baths and showers can actually be drying for the skin – it temporarily adds moisture but we lose some of the lipid layer and this causes the skin to become even drier.

• Use lukewarm rather than hot water for the same reason.

• Pat dry gently rather than rub with a towel.

• Avoid using skin care products with alcohol, perfumes, colourings and other ingredients that may be irritating. Dry skin is often sensitive.

• Avoid cleansers with soap or detergents in them.

• Prolonged exposure to heating and air conditioning and winds.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin, or xerosis to use the medical term, is a common skin problem. Dry skin effects all ages but as we get older the skin retains less moisture. It can often feel tight and uncomfortable, look dull and lifeless but much can be done to bring relief. Skin that is well hydrated skin feels good and gives a young, healthy look to the skin.

Do I have dry skin?

The mildest form of dry skin can be recognised by a feeling of slight tightness in the skin, some mild flaking and be annoying. Severe dry skin can have flaking, itching, red discolouration, severe tightness and even cracking. Dry skin can age faster as untreated dryness can lead to premature visible signs of aging.

Dry Skin – Medical Conditions

Dry skin can be part of a symptom picture for a number of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be quite serious.

An examination by a doctor is advisable if you still have chronic dry skin problems after making dietary, lifestyle and skincare regime changes. If you have dry skin that has cracked and bled, medical advice should also be sought. Some medications that you have been advised to take can have dry skin as an unwanted side effect.

Why the skin is so important?

Skin is the primary defence system of the body and is actually classified as the largest organ of the body. If the skin is damaged in any way or becomes drier and drier until cracking in the skin occurs, there is danger that microbes can enter the skin. These microbes can enter causing bacterial and fungal infections.

Untreated dry skin can lead to dermatitis – inflammation of the skin, causing itchiness, redness and swelling and again can become open to infection, especially if it is scratched due to the itchiness. So we can see it pays to look after our skin – if you are worried about your dry skin or it is making you miserable – see your doctor.

Medical Causes

• Hypothyroidism – a low thyroid condition that can cause dry skin by reducing the amount of oil produced by the body and other symptoms such as intolerance to cold and weight gain.

• Dehydration – dry skin associated with infrequent, dark urine, headaches.

• Underweight – especially if fats have been avoided in an effort to lose weight.

• Malnutrition – linked to low oil and fatty acid intake. A healthy body and healthy skin need some oils and essential fatty acids to maintain the lipid barrier and these are some of the body’s best natural moisturisers.

• Diabetes – fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration and this also will cause the skin to dry.

• Genetic Predisposition

• Eczema and psoriasis – skin conditions that may be diagnosed.

Medications that can cause dry skin

There are a number of medications that can cause dry skin such as:

• High blood pressure medication – diuretic action

• Allergy treatment such as antihistamines

• Retinoids used in the treatment of acne

If you notice you develop dry skin after taking a new medication, speak to your doctor.

Many cases of dry skin are easy to treat and are not a sign of more serious health conditions, but if in doubt – get it checked out.

Photographs of dry skin before treatment

Photographs of dry skin after treatment

Skincare and shaving

Shaving can be just part of the day or a necessary evil depending on how you feel about it. The fact is unless a beard appeals, shaving is going to be a part of the rest of your life.  The process can definitely be helped by using good products and good procedure. Shaving incorrectly can mean more injuries, razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritation so it pays to do it right. However well we do it, shaving causes micro injuries every time we shave, so we need to treat these as well as minimise them happening. On the up side shaving can be like a daily exfoliation when done correctly and keep the skin soft and smooth.

Shaving Equipment

Since you are going to be shaving frequently if not daily, it pays to have the right shaving gear. Trying to get those extra shaves out of a blade doesn’t make sense when a dull blade can be a cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs – use a sharp blade. A natural hair brush holds water and lathers well which creates less damage and a cleaner shave.

Shaving – the right way

• Soften the stubble by cleansing and using warm water
• If you use as shaving brush, a natural hair brush like badgers is best
• Use short strokes and rinse the blade frequently
• Make sure the blade is sharp
• Use a moisturiser afterwards while the skin is still damp
• Use a moisturiser with calming, soothing ingredients to help heal any micro injuries

What to avoid

• Products with soaps, detergents, perfume, colour and sulphates
• Products for shaving or after shave with alcohol that dries out the skin
• Harsh exfoliators that do more damage than good
• Products with menthol can close the pores and stiffen the beard
• Foaming agents that may look good but don’t help the skin
• Hot water, always use lukewarm
• Rubbing dry  – try  to gently pat the skin dry
• Dull, tired blades past their use by date

Why does skin type matter?

It is important to know your skin type as different regimes could make your skin problems worse. Simply knowing how to look after your skin type can make a big difference to how your skin looks and feels. Now you have worked out your skin type – how do you look after it?

Normal skin

Consider yourself blessed – only a very small percentage of the population has skin that falls into this category. Normal skin still needs to be looked after though.

• Cleanse each morning, rinsing well in lukewarm water
• Moisturise night and morning
• Use a sun block when outdoors
• Stay hydrated

Oily Skin

Oily skin needs some gentle treatment too. Harsh products with soaps and detergents and scrubbing can actually make oily skins worse by drying out the skin and causing it to produce more oil! Oily skin might not be much fun but the good news is you are less likely to age quickly.

• Use a gentle but effective cleanser
• No soaps, detergents or hot water
• Pat dry rather than rub
• Moisturise only where the skin needs it
• Moisturise in the mornings only
• Use tissues to blot excess oil during the day rather than wash
• Look for non comodegenic – means it won’t block your pores

Dry Skin

Mild dry skin can be treated easily and can often be normal skin that hasn’t been looked after. Dry skin that is so bad it cracks or bleeds should be checked out by a doctor.

• Use a gentle cleanser and rinse in lukewarm water
• Moisturise morning and night, drink plenty of water
• Use a sun block when exposed to the sun
• Avoid harsh soaps, detergents or sulphates
• Avoid products with perfumes, irritants and alcohol

Why is skincare important for men?

Skin is important to us – our face is one of the first things that people make a judgement call on when they meet us. Rightly or wrongly, it’s human nature, so it pays to keep our skin looking the best it can. Not only that but the skin provides our first line of defence, it is actually our biggest body organ.

The good news is skin care regimes don’t have to be costly or time consuming and we get repaid for the little time we put in with better looking skin.

What do we need?

Look up our articles on skin type and work out which type you are.

All skin types benefit from the same basic principles with a couple of extra things to be aware of for different skin types. Every skin type needs sun protection and any time spent outdoors should be with a sunscreen on. Keep one in the car so you don’t get caught without it. And of course we are what we eat holds true for the skin too – the better balanced the diet and the better hydrated we are the better our skin looks. For proof – look no further than the mirror the morning after a big night out.

Skin Care for men – cleanse

• Skin needs to be cleaned thoroughly once a day, twice if you have oily skin to free pores of daily grime build up.
• Look for a cleanser that is gentle but effective with no soap, detergents or sulphates in it.
• Avoid harsh exfoliating scrubs, they can damage skin – a daily shave is an exfoliator in itself  – give a light rub with a facecloth when cleansing.
• Cleanse before shaving to soften stubble, use a cleanser with calming, soothing properties – shaving causes daily micro injuries.
• Use lukewarm warm water and pat rather than rub dry.
• Put on moisturiser while the skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

Skin Care for men – moisturise

• Moisturise every morning and night if you tend towards dry skin.
• Use a moisturiser that has no perfumes, colourings, harsh preservatives that can cause irritation to the skin.
• Use on damp skin to lock in moisture and penetrate more effectively.
• Don’t forget the neck area, the skin is thin and ages quickly here.
• Avoid products with alcohol, they can dry out and irritate the skin.
• Air conditioning, heating, flying all dry the skin – so moisturise to compensate.