You’ve checked off your skin characteristics on the “What is Your Skin Type” page. You’ve figured out if you’re normal, dry, oily or a combination skin type. Let’s look beyond skin type and see complexion reaction types.
THE LUCKY ONES: There are the lucky ones whose skin does not react no matter what they throw/slather/apply on it. Of course one day they may dab on something that will cause irritation; that’s why even people who seem to tolerate everything should still cleanse carefully in the morning and before bed, exfoliate weekly and always moisturize at least twice a day.
THE SLOWPOKES: There are the slow reactors, people who develop skin issues because they heal or rejuvenate slowly. Their skin does not produce collagen and elastin as quickly as the lucky ones. Skin cells don’t regenerate as often and dead skin cells don’t slough off on its own. This increases the potential of developing fine lines, wrinkles and dull dry skin.
Sounds like aging? True, that people with more mature skin will experience this but anyone of any age can have slow reaction complexion. They need to be sure to exfoliate to remove those stubborn dead skin cells and return that glow. Moisturizing is key, of course. Also, a diet high in vitamins and using skin products that promote collagen are key, as well as hyaluronic acid. Address this condition inside and out. More advanced cases may need to obtain products with retinol.
THE STRESSERS: People who are experiencing stress probably will breakout just learning that there are lucky ones out there where nothing phases their skin. In the meantime, there are some whose complexions can’t hide that they are suffering from crises in life or at work, from strong medications, even from changes in weather and sleep! They are the types everyone will know who tried to beat all their final term paper deadlines by pulling consecutive all–nighters — and the sign won’t be the droopy looks, sluggish walk and bags under their eyes. It’ll be the eczema breakout that reveals it! When it comes to skincare for those who wear stress on their complexions, there are keys words they need to keep in mind: “calm”, “anti–inflammatory”, “heal”, “soothe”.
THE EATER REVEALERS: There are the people who wear food on the skin — not talking about the homemade Pumpkin Honey Mask recipe in a previous blog post — this is about people who show who they are by what they eat. And even the lucky ones want to avoid surprise reactions from highly salty and sugary foods. But the solution is easy: experiment and subtract foods and ingredients until those reactions go away. See an allergist and a dermatologist if the symptoms prevent you from comfortably going through your day.
THE MEDICATEDS: From anti–depressants to birth control to antibiotics and beyond, many medications cause reactions that change complexions: people might develop acne, dry skin, excessive sweat, sun sensitivity or rashes depending on the drug or combination of other medicine in your health regimen and even vitamins and diet. The symptoms probably have never been experienced before starting the treatment and start to show any time from immediately to two weeks into taking the medication. But these drugs are important and absolutely necessary. Consult with your doctor if the reactions are mild and don’t interfere with your comfort through the day. The doctor may advise something as simple as cleansing well, regularly using serums and moisturizers, taking specific vitamins or anti–oxidants or always wearing sunscreen outdoors. You may not have to stop using your prescription; it’s the doctor’s call. DEFINITELY CALL YOUR DOCTOR ASAP if your reactions are intense, widespread, asymmetrical (only affecting one side), or come with fever, pain, difficulty breathing etc.
There’s so much to learn about all the elements that affect your complexion beyond finding out if you have a dry, oily,. sensitive or combination skin type! It’s a good healthy thing to get to know your skin.
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