What’s My Skin Type…? (Part 2)

In consideration of us all developing our “skin whispering” skills, I do think some general classifications would be very helpful. Some of you may be familiar with the Fitzpatrick Skin Type scale; for others this will be new information. Fitzpatrick Skin Types categorize skin by color and determine how a skin type responds to the sun (through the amount of melanin present in the skin). This scale is used by dermatologists and some aestheticians to determine what an appropriate treatment would be for an individual, from lasers to facial peeling. We will use it to help us recognize some of our possible predispositions and how we can combat those concerns with our skin care regimen. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type classifications range from 1 to 6. Type 1 is very fair and is very susceptible to sun burns, while Type 6 is very dark, tans deeply, and never burns.

FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPES
TYPE TYPICAL FEATURES REACTION TO UV EXPOSURE
1 Pale skin with light eyes and hair ALWAYS burns, never develops tan
2 Light skin with medium-dark hair and eyes Burns easily, tan may develop after multiple burns
3 Medium, olive, or golden skin and medium-dark hair and eyes Tan develops after initial burn
4 Deeper olive skin with dark hair and eyes Minimal burning, tan develops easily
5 Brown skin with dark hair and eyes Tan develops very easily, rarely if ever burns
6 Black skin, dark hair and eyes Deep tan develops easily, never burns

Why do I think this information is helpful? Although the descriptions listed may not perfectly fit us and are admittedly a bit static, they do provide a bit of insight into typical key concerns for that particular type. Each type’s key concerns are listed in the chart below, but when reviewing this information and applying it to yourself or a friend, please keep in mind the uniqueness of each individual’s complexion.

TYPICAL KEY CONCERNS BY FITZPATRCK TYPE
TYPE KEY CONCERN
1 Redness, sensitivity, possible freckling
2 Sensitivity, redness, hyperpigmentation
4 Hyperpigmentation
4 Sensitivity, hyperpigmentation
5 Hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation
6 Hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, keloids

Again these are typical concerns—there are always exceptions. The condition of your skin is influenced not only by your genetic code (internal or intrinsic factors) but also by your lifestyle (external or extrinsic factors). Please keep in mind that your skin is easily influenced by your diet, stress, sleep, exercise (or lack of it), and of course your daily UV exposure.

Okay, now let’s take this information and apply it. I will use myself as an example, I am a Type 1 I am prone to redness and sensitivity – I can develop a rash very easily and I experience irritated breakout. Additionally more often than not – if I am caring for my skin properly – I tend to have plenty of naturally occurring oils. If my skin is dry and tight I know that I have done something incorrectly. My Glimpse morning regimen is cleansing with the gel then I mix one spray of Toner with three pumps of Serum and 5-10 drops Pericarp Oil. I wait a few minutes to let that absorb then I apply one pump Serum to one pump Lotion to my face then one more pump Serum two pumps Lotion and two pumps Cream to my neck and chest. For the evening I cleanse with two-thirds/one-third combination of Gel to Cream Cleanser for both of my cleanses (I have to say this is my favorite cleanse it is amazing) then one spray Toner mixed with three pumps Serum and 5-20 drops of Pericarp Oil. Then one pump Serum and one pump Lotion for my face then my Serum, Lotion, Cream combo for my face neck and chest also I apply this combination around my eyes. I am sure for summer I will make a few adjustments as my skin tends to produce more oil for the warmer months (and this is true for most individuals).

Would one more example be helpful? Let’s use Jessica, Jess is a Type 2 has very sensitive skin and tends to hyperpigment when it is extremely aggravated and with excessive UV exposure. Jessica can also experience irritated breakout but her skin is usually quite dry as opposed to mine that is usually oily. I want to point this out because if your skin is dry or even if it is usually olily and is dry due to external factors you will notice more activity from your products. Jessica’s Glimpse morning regimen is cleanse in the morning with the two-thirds Gel Cleanser to one-third Cream Cleanser, one spray of toner, one pump serum mixed with 3 drops Pericarp Oil for face only, then four pumps Moisturizing Cream over face, neck, and chest wait for several minutes if she needs it she applies another layer of cream. For her evening regimen She cleanses with the Gel/Cream combination twice, then applies one spray Toner, two pumps Serum, three drops Pericarp Oil, and three pumps Cream to face, neck, and chest waits several minutes and applies four pumps of cream to face, neck, and chest.

My hope is that you find this information helpful in assessing your skin’s needs and meeting those needs with the flexible, clean performance in Glimpse.

View What’s My Skin Type Part 1

Anne-Michele Hughes brings valuable insight into current trends in the skin care industry. With 19 years as a Paramedical Master Aesthetician her experience provides the knowledge critical for developing effective products utilizing cutting edge formulation and ingredients. Misha has been working with XanGo on the development of Glimpse from the beginning.

6 Responses to “What’s My Skin Type…? (Part 2)”

  1. [...] What’s My Skin Type Part 2 Anne-Michele Hughes brings valuable insight into current trends in the skin care industry. With [...]

  2. Mariana Damian Mariana Damian says:

    Thank you for all the information received.. it’s so useful, since we have to communicate the same to the people we invite to be a part of XanGo! ..somehow even when we’ve received it from our uplines, we appreciate it more in this way.. Thank you!

  3. Mary Warfield Mary Warfield says:

    Very interesting information. I did not know you could use the Glimpse gel and cream cleanser together. Please give more examples for brown skin, somewhat dry skin type.

    Thanks!

  4. Jessica Jessica says:

    Hi Mariana,
    Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. I am sure I can speak for everybody when I say that we are happy to do whatever we can to help. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if there is any specific information you would like to see up on the blog. Thank you for all that you do Mariana! :-)

  5. Elizabeth Messmer Elizabeth Messmer says:

    I’m so glad you came to VA! I learned a great deal. I do have some questions. I’ve recently been plagued with acne on the sides of my mouth and cheeks. I have type 2 skin and had been using glimpse system 2. Any suggestions for dealing with this?

  6. Jessica Jessica says:

    Hi Elizabeth!
    It’s so good to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words. I am glad that it was beneficial to you; I had a great time there as well! :-) I am going to send you a personal email (at the email address provided). I would like to find out a little more information before I address this question. There could be many factors contributing to this recent breakout and I am sure there are some modifications we could make to help out. I look forward to hearing from you… Thanks so much!

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