When it comes to skin care, people often place more importance on skin color than skin type while making decisions about products. In fact, many companies hope that you’ll make the same mistake as well; that way, they can target their products to a particular ethnic group. These products often come at a wildly different price point or with questionable ingredients. That’s called “target marketing” and it doesn’t always make for good skin care.
The Basic Skin Types
- Dry – Where skin tends to have more dry patches and flaky areas overall. Even though skin may feel tight and uncomfortable, avoid using really heavy creams; they can have the opposite effect and block pores. Herbs such as chamomile and fennel are hydrating and are good for this type of skin
- Oily – where skin tends to secrete more oil than normal all over the face. Mild astringents with cucumber juice or diluted vinegar will help with this skin type. Light oils are effective too, as “oil attracts oil”.
- Combination – where skin is oily along the nose, forehead and chin, but dry and flaky on the cheeks and other areas. Both areas should be treated a differently according to their needs.
- Normal – there are neither oily areas or dry patches, and the skin is relatively soft and smooth all over. Light cleansers and moisturizing are all that is needed to maintain this lucky skin type
- Sensitive– skin which is prone to breakouts and inflammation (There is also mature skin, which is usually referring to skin over 35 years old).
Requirements of a Healthy Skincare Regimen
Regardless of race or ethnic background, these needs must be met in order for the dermis of the skin to stay healthy:
- Exfoliate
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Moisturize
- Water intake
- Diet
Skin ailments and Genetics
People of all races are subject to acne, sun damage, chemical exposure, allergies, excema, psoriasis and even skin damage from medications. Some ethnic groups are more prone to certain types of ailments, but that’s not always the case.
People of African descent are not the only ones who suffer from keloids and hyperpigmentation and Caucasians are not the only ones who suffer from rosacea and sunburn. Genetics and diet are usually the determining factor for most dermatological issues. For instance, if a particular skin ailment runs in your family, you might be more susceptible to it, but you can control it by changing your diet or using natural products that don’t trigger outbreaks.
However, just because you have family members that suffer from something does NOT mean you are guaranteed to have the same set of problems. My brothers both suffer from excema and acne and I never did.
Caring for Skin Naturally
No matter what your skin type or ethnic background, raising your intake of water, lowering your intake of refined sugars and following a regular skincare routine are going to help you have a better complexion.
When you are making decisions about skincare, be sure to figure out what your skin type is first, then find out if any ailments run in your family. Then, as you’re making choices about what products to use, try to stay as natural as possible.
Remember, whatever ingredient is listed first is the one that that product contains the most of. Check out this list of ingredients to avoid that way you can make a more informed decision when purchasing/making your skin care products. Also, try to eat more of these foods for a better complexion.
If you suffer from a particular skin ailment and want to see a professional, try to find a natural dermatologist, someone who is not going to start by throwing chemicals at your skin, but instead approaches skincare from the inside out.
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