Arab Skin Analysis

This post will be covering an in-depth analysis of Middle Eastern skin.

 Being from the Middle East, Dubai in specific (Its getting too hot over here!!), My skin is first and foremost affected by the harsh weather. The high summer heat and extreme humidity does take a toll on both hair and skin. Generally speaking the most common skin type in this part of the world is the [Combination skin type]  then comes the [Sensitive skin type] and finally comes the [Dry skin type]. This is based on research and physical evidence.

According to (The Beauty Therapy Fact File) by Susan Cressy who has been in the beauty industry since 1970. Our skin type falls under the:

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"Mediterranean type skin"

                       This skin type

• Has a combination of red and yellow pigments, which provides our beautiful olive colored skin. 
•  Is oily but not usually prone to spots and acne. 
•  Ages MUCH later than white skin and is protected from UV damage by its ability to tan quickly and deeply without burning.(doesn't mean its safe to tan :P) 
• Is accompanied by coarse black hair.(U got laser for that!)

 The Mediterranean skin type branches out into 4 other types which are:

1. Normal (very rare:P)
2. Dry (3rd most common type)
3. Sensitive (2nd most common type)
4. Oily (Least common)
5. Combination (The most common type)

I will be going through the 3 most common skin types in the UAE to be specific.

• Combination Skin
• Sensitive Skin
• Dry Skin

                            Combination Skin

Combination skin is the most common type of skin (i have combination skin). It has a central oily panel and cheeks are dry. The Central panel is known as T-zone and consists of forehead, nose and chin. Combination skin type people will have the characteristics of more than one of the four skin types.

Cause

• Environmental and external causes such as weather and the changing temperatures.
• Over use of incorrect cosmetics that does not suite your face (Oil based moisturizers and MAC liquid foundations aggravate my T-zone)
• Age (The younger you are the oilier your T-zone)
• Hormonal changes

Characteristics

•  Shiny T-zone (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin)
• Blackheads and small oil bumps on the T-Zone area
• Dryness of the chin, outer cheeks and temples

Tips

• Use products made for combination skin types.(Specific face wash, moisturizers, sun block and foundations are made to cater every skin type there is! find yours!)
• Do not wash your face too frequently as it will make dry patches drier and worsen the oily portion on face. Over washing strips off oil from skin and stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
• Do not use thick creamy oil based moisturizers on combination skin as they block the pores and make the skin dull. 
• When using SPF creams make sure the consistency is not too oily.
• Blotting Tea tree paper helps reduce the oiliness of the T-zone while also serves as an antiseptic to sterilize the area to a certain degree.
• When blotting your face try not to wipe, use small pressured movements to remove any access oils. Rubbing the face aggravates the glands and tends to clog pores.

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                            Sensitive Skin

Cause

This skin type is becoming increasingly more common due in part to the environment but also the sensitivity of many people to external stimulants.

Characteristics

• Skin has a thin epidermis
• It has a translucent appearance
• It feels very tight after washing
• It reacts to external stimuli by becoming red and blotchy
• It is prone to dry flaky patches and broken capillaries
• It wrinkles prematurely

Tips

• Maintain skin's natural moisture – dehydrated skin is more vulnerable to immune responses, infections, sun damage, and sub-clinical irritation. Layering moisturizing formulas helps seal in moisture and forms a nourishing, protective shield.
• Eat well. Nutrition plays an important role. Vegetables and fruit –foods with higher water content and vitamin sources – help maintain healthy skin.
  
• Hydrate all day long. Make sure to drink plenty of water every day.
  
• Avoid spicy foods, and caffeinated or alcoholic drinks that may be too stimulating.
  
• Use concentrated moisturizers. (layer is on as if you are icing a cake:P jk don't do that.. just apply the amount you see fit and make sure you use circular motion to infuse it deep in the skin)
• Avoid over-cleansing, If necessary, limit the use of exfoliating treatments and masques – unless you are using a hydrating masques.
• Dampen your skin very lightly with water before applying a moisturizer. This simple step can sometimes be effective in minimizing dryness that can cause sensitivity.
  
• Be aware of perfumes and fragrances. Studies have found that perfumes can often be the cause of allergic reactions.
  
• Pay attention to detergents used to launder your sheets, pillowcases, and towels. Fragrance-free detergents can help prevent sensitivity.
  
• Protect your skin after laser treatments, peels, cosmetic surgery, Retin-A, even alpha hydroxy acids by using hydrating products with antioxidants. Never over-scrub. Use sun protection every day – even in winter.
• Shower or rinse soon after perspiring. Many people are sensitive to their own perspiration.
• Choose skin care with naturally soothing ingredients such as chamomile, oats, grape seed, aloe vera, green tea, rose extract, or allantoin to calm over-stimulated nerve endings that initiate skin irritation.

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                            Dry Skin

Cause

• Caused by the weather conditions of the Middle East
• Lack of sebaceous gland activity
• Hereditary
• Water-holding capacity of the skin has been disrupted.

Characteristics

• Skin is pale in color
• It has a thin capidermis
• It tightens after washing
• It often looks flaky
• It has under-active sebaceous glands
• Fine lines appear prematurely around the eyes (i have those :'( )
• Broken capillaries may appear (i think i have those too)

Tips

• Cut back on facial cleansing (Scale back to at least every other day or less Because cleansers can strip away sebum and natural moisturizing factors from your skin)
• Rinse off thoroughly (Soap can leave a film on your skin that is drying. Wash off all residues of soap carefully)
• Approach towels with care (Washcloths can further irritate your skin, so you should avoid using them. When drying off, pat your skin, rubbing can irritate dry skin)
• Avoid using astringents and clarifying lotions on your face. These products contain alcohol and can irritate dry skin.
• Keep your house cool. Overheated houses are one of the main reasons dry skin seems to occur.The less hot air that circulates, the better chance you have of keeping some humidity in the air.
• Invest in a Humidifier.
  
• Avoid Moroccan baths and saunas (Saunas and steam baths and Moroccan baths can make you sweat, and sweat can leach out natural moisturizing factors in your skin, leaving your skin drier than it was before)(i know how our ladies just love Moroccan baths,I went to Dr. Ali Singel for a consultation. He specifically told me not to go to Moroccan baths simply because they over scrub your skin leaving it very thin and sensitive. Which causes capillaries to burst and causes premature aging. If you want to double check the validity of this information you can call him yourself. Dermalese Clinic 0097143497880)
• Exercise increases blood flow and thus the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your skin. These factors help skin look dewy and firm, undermining dry skin's brittle stiffness.

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