After purchasing an entire skin care line from a perky sales girl at a department store counter, I took it home only to discover I purchased the wrong type. To her credit, my enthusiastic helper didn't make a mistake - my skin type had changed, unbeknown to me. For quite a few years I've been purchasing dry skin products. Once I reached 30, my skin became a bit sensitive and dry, dry, dry. Today it has gone completely sensitive which has led me to change even my makeup decisions.
This wasn't the only skin care type change I've experienced; in my 20s I was an oily girl. This got me curious and I did a bit of research on the subject of changing skin types. I couldn't be the only one confused by her own skin.
I found some useful information about how skin types change on WebMD and an informative website called, Speaking of Women's Health. The sites attribute the changes to three underlying factors. Here they are:
Water content: Lots of factors affect the water content of our skin. Age is one that you can't control. As we get older, your skin's ability to hold water weakens. Loose skin doesn't just look old - it gets dry! Drinking a good supply of water regularly helps some. Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, cutting back on the alcohol and protecting the skin from the sun are a few others.
Oil content: Lipid or oil, content is one factor that is less controllable. These tiny oil makers in your epidermis are under the control of your hormones, (poor thing.) When estrogen levels rise and drop, your lipid levels do too. Keep that skin hydrated with hydrating products like a night cream or a vitamin oil spray. Lower the oil level by using a toner or mattifier with your makeup.
Skin sensitivity: The nerve receptors in your skin play a part in the skin type drama too. Many women develop sensitive skin later in life during menopause or the perimenopausal period. Detergents, makeup even clothing can create sensitivity issues by aggravating these receptors. If you notice pinkness or even redness on your skin, pay attention; your skin could be telling you something.
Fortunately for me, I kept my receipt. I took back the skin care line to the department store where an unhappy, less perky sales girl issued me a refund. I've decided to try a natural, botanical-based product set instead to fight my sensitivity issues. Wish me luck!
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