Know How To Deal With Skin Problems Pertaining To Your Skin Type

There are mainly five types of skin - oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive and the variations in the skin type is owed to the amount of sebum (natural oil) produced by the skin.

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New Delhi: Most of the people when asked by their makeup artists that what’s their skin type are completely blank! Though it may sound to be a very simple question, yet many individuals are not very sure of the skin type they possess. There are mainly five types of skin - oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive and the variations in the skin type is owed to the amount of sebum (natural oil) produced by the skin. Skin’s sebum levels are influenced by various factors such as genes, stress, hormones, environment, ageing etc.

In this regard, Dr. Sonia Tekchandani who is a Celebrity Dermatologist and Founder of Tender Skin International explained the characteristic features of these various skin types -

• Oily skin - Such a skin type produces excess amounts of sebum due to which the skin looks greasy, especially the T zone (forehead, nose and chin). But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to hydrate such a skin. Cleansing the face with a gentle foaming cleanser and applying an oil free moisturiser post cleansing is a must for the hydration of such a skin. 
• Dry skin - This skin type produces less amount of sebum. Appearance of such a skin is very dry, flaky, rough and scaly. Those with dry skin may look dehydrated and their skin is also more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Individuals with a dry skin may need to apply a moisturiser several times a day. 
• Normal skin - This skin type is a balance between oily and dry skin, neither flaky nor greasy. But this doesn’t mean that such a skin type doesn’t need care. You need gentle cleansing and well moisturising of thi skin type for it to look at its best. 
• Combination skin - As the name denotes, such a skin type has certain areas dry such as cheeks and certain oily such as the T area. These variations may be attributed to the climate, stress, hormonal levels etc. Such skin type needs a little extra care. 
• Sensitive skin - Such a skin type is very vulnerable to external irritants and may become red and hot on exposure to certain environmental factors such as fragrances, dyes etc. You need to identify the trigger ingredients that caused the sensitivity and eliminate the use of cleansers, moisturisers etc. containing those ingredients.

"If you are not sure about your skin type, do a 'wait and watch' test at home. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait for 30 minutes. The skin which appears shiny throughout is oily, but if it feels tight and flaky, the skin type is dry. If the shine persists only in the T area, akin type can be considered to be combination. Even blotting sheet method can be used to study the skin type by pressing the blotting sheet to the skin and observing the areas from where oil os absorbed," she further added.

Skin Problems Related To Different Skin Types: 

Talking about this, Dr. Kalpana Sarangi, Senior Consultant, Cosmetic Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai said, "Oily skin tends to act up more in humid weather as the humidity can trigger excess sebum production leading to breakouts. On the other end, those with dry skin might experience heightened dryness, as the moisture in the air can create a barrier, preventing skin from retaining its natural hydration."

"Furthermore, Indian skin, which ranges from lighter to deeper tones, often has an inherent risk of uneven pigmentation. The cloudy days and sporadic sunlight can sometimes enhance this problem, especially if one is not diligent with sunscreen," she further added. 

Additonally, she recommended a three-fold approach which includes a consistent cleansing routine to combat the dirt and pollutants, especially during the wet days; a good exfoliation routine to address blocked pores and dead skin cells; and an emphasis on hydration, both topical and internal. Drinking adequate water and using the right moisturizer will help balance the skin's needs.

How To Treat Skin Problems Related To Different Skin Types

Treating skin problems related to different skin types requires a personalized approach to address the specific needs and concerns of each patient. But, in all cases, a comprehensive skincare routine that includes daily cleansing, moisturising,sun protection, and regular exfoliation is crucial to maintain healthy skin. 

Dr Gitika Biyani - Dermatologist, Cosmetologist & Tricologist at Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai said, "For individuals with dry skin, the focus is on restoring and maintaining skin hydration. Emollients and moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are recommended to lock in moisture and alleviate dryness."

"Patients with oily skin may benefit from non-comedogenic products and topical treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to control excess oil production and manage acne," she further added.

Talking about those with sensitive skin, she said, " They require gentle and hypoallergenic products to avoid irritations, and topical corticosteroids can be used to manage flare-ups of conditions like eczema or dermatitis.", while in case of patients with combination skin, she recommended a tailored approach targeting the specific areas of concern, such as using separate products for dry and oily regions.