Normal Skin Type
Rosy, clear surface and minimal pore size.
Combination Skin Type
Oily z-tone, cheeks and eye area tend to be more dry.
Dry Skin Type
Lack of moisture, visible dryness, tight pores and skin, flaking and in more severe cases, burning and itching may occur.
Oily Skin Type
Thick skin, larger pores, oily surface, shiny, prone to blackheads, congestion and acne.
Sensitive Skin Type (not to be confused with sensitized skin)
Thinner skin, delicate, fair complexion, red-heads, prone to redness, blotchiness and reactivity.
Skin Conditions
We develop skin conditions over time from lifestyle habits, hormones, diet factors, product usage, sun exposure, climate, etc. Skin conditions can be treated, change and can diminish over time with correct treatment.
Dehydration
Lack of water, visible fine lines, dull complexion (surface oilyness can still be present due to skin seeking hydration by producing an unbalanced excess of oil)
Congestion/Acne
Breakouts, blackheads and cystic acne. Oily skin types are prone to these skin conditions but every skin type can definitely experience these conditions.
Hyper-pigmentation
Sun spots commonly creep up from sun exposure and another common form of these spots are known as post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation, dark spots left on the skin after blemishes and acne breakouts have healed.
Aging
Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity.
Sensitized
Not to be confused with an actual sensitive skin type, skin may become sensitized over time from incorrect product usage, harsh climate conditions, dietary intolerances, internal prescription drugs, as well as external skin prescriptions such as retin-a, accutane, anti-biotics, steriods, etc.
By first discovering clients true skin type through skin analysis, history, targeted questions and Ayurvedic principles, I am then able to discover why their skin type may be suffering from certain skin conditions. From there, tailored treatments and at home practices (including external and internal suggestions) are created for their individual skin needs. I see clients that have been treating their skin with incorrect products all from not being sure of their actual skin type and focusing more on their condition, which is important, but type should always be assessed before condition or it can lead to a cycle of more undesirable skin conditions developing over time.
“By educating clients on their innate skin type, not just present skin conditions, we are able to balance and provide nourishment to the complexion as a whole and deeply treat the root of the problem. From there, skin conditions become easier to treat and more receptive to treatments. ”
It is vital to acknowledge the skin and complexion as a whole, learning when skin conditions started, how long they have been around, what makes them better or worse and how your skin has been from teenage years until now. Holistic skincare is not just about current symptoms, we treat the root of the problem by discovering both the constitutional skin type, (Pikruti) based in Ayurvedic Philosophy, and then the current manifesting condition (Vikruti).
The skin is very mysterious so I never say never but by understanding both skin type vs skin condition, if a previous skin condition does start to return, they usually do so with less intensity and you may have a more pragmatic theory of why they are resurfacing to begin with. You can then treat skin with a better understanding through it’s innate qualities and needs instead of starting from scratch all over again.
