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.

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.

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

In the time since we launched Glimpse Skin Care there is one question that I hear (or read) from you more than any other—“What type of skin do you think I have?”

I thought I would take a moment now to share my thoughts on “skin typing.”

You may have heard me mention on occasion that the skin is a dynamic organ, and it is lucky for us that it is. Our skin has to accommodate stress that is placed upon it both from external and internal factors every minute of every day. With that, there are as many skin “types” as there are people on the earth, with each complexion being as unique as the individual. To assign a specific “type” to our skin will inevitably put us at a disadvantage when caring for it. Certainly our skin has a tendency to either be oily or dry, but oily skin can become dry and vice versa. Moreover, oily skin can be sensitive and dry skin can suffer from hormonal breakouts.

So, where am I going with all this? Simply that, although we may have what I will call a dominant skin condition, our skin changes—sometimes on a daily basis. We need a skin care regimen that can adapt to those changes and still deliver what our skin needs in order to look its best. Glimpse’s clean, well-rounded formulations were created to work with your skin. Use the formulas as they are or mix them to create your own blend to address your skin needs in that moment.

View What’s My Skin Type Part 2