According to Dr Gavin Chan of The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, “Analysis of skin is the first step in improving one’s skin”. Using cosmetic products without a proper skin analysis is like knowing the store to shop for shoes but not knowing what size to wear. Read on to make sure that never happens!
For most African women, our knowledge of beauty as far as skin care is concerned ends with a cleanser, moisturizer and toner for the cosmopolitan woman (or someone who has been reading beauty magazines). A skin care analysis is important because it will help you handle decisions that affect your home skin care. For your beauty treatment to work, you need to know what products work for your skin type and cater to the unique needs that you might have. Skin analysis is usually done by an expert, who can ascertain what type of skin you have and prescribe products for you to use.
The first step is to know the medical conditions that may be affecting the skin; the second step is to examine the skin history. This involves the products which have been used in the past, if they have had any adverse effects. Use of special medication like contraceptives may also be considered when conducting an analysis. The third step is to ascertain the skin type. There are three basic skin types: Normal, Oily and Dry Skin. Just like their names imply, this refers to the level of the oil content of the dermis.
Nobrmal skin has a fine even texture with a supple and smooth surface. It has a proper balance between oil and moisture contents and is therefore moist and is neither greasy nor dry. The pores of normal skin are small and the overall skin tone is even. It looks clear and does not develop spots and blemishes. The pores of the skin are fine and barely visible. It reflects good health and needs gentle treatment.
Dr Gavin says oily skin may still feel oily and shiny after a bath, dry skin on the other hand usually feels flaky and tight after a bath. Signs of oily skin include enlarged pores, the presence of acne, blackheads and shine. Signs of dry skin include flakiness, tightness, and cracks. Many people with oily skin may not require moisturizer. Often people who have oily skin in the T-zone (nose, chin, and in between brow) may feel that they have drier skin around their cheeks. This is often termed ‘combination skin’.
Dry skin usually ages faster than other skin types as a result of its lack of moisture. Treatment of truly dry skin requires the use of moisturizer. Moisturizers, however, do not actually change or improve skin, but merely affect the way the skin feels temporarily. They can temporarily compensate for the lack of moisture/oil secretion by the skin.
Oily skin has a tendency to form acne, and the higher the oil secretions, the more blockage and acne this tends to form. Oily skins may also benefit from the use of toning creams. This can help to remove excess oil and reduce shine. Dr Gavin says topical retinoids (Retin-A, Stieva-A, Cosmedix Refine) can help to reduce oil production in oily skins, as well as increase cell turnover and reduce acne formation. Oily skin can feel dry at times due to the excess of dead skin on the surface, and a topical retinoid can help this.
When considering products, note how sensitive your skin is. This way, you can reduce the level of irritation that might occur when using a product. it is preferable to always test the product in a small area of the skin first. Dr Gavin Chan recommends use of sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for those with sensitive skin as it reduces irritation.
Be reminded that an exact skin analysis can only be carried out by an expert. Outlining steps to be undertaken when on a regular skin analysis with an expert, licensed aestheticism, Monique Eddleton says the first thing to do fill out a consultation card or form to get your bio data. Then the beautician will ask you what beauty concerns you have. Before examination, all makeup must be removed to ensure that the analysis is accurate. The skin is then examined under very good light and the expert explains what he/she sees and gives advice.
It is important for every woman to have a proper skin analysis. That way, she will know what products to use for her skin and won’t act based on trial and error from her sister’s advice… or TV ads.