There is a wide range of skin types, each with its own shades and undertones. Tailoring the skincare routine to your skin is critical, as each skin tone has different concerns. If a particular product is effective for fair skin, it may not be for olive skin with hyperpigmentation. Olive skin is brown with green or yellow undertones and needs special care. This blog will let you learn more about olive skin tones and how to create a skincare routine that works for them.
How to Determine Skin Tone?
The following techniques aid in identifying skin tone:
1. Surface Colour
See your skin tone in natural lighting. Notice whether it looks tan, light, medium, or dark. To understand your skin tone, consider this:
2. Undertone – To check the undertone, opt for any of the methods listed below:
- Vein Test – Check the colour of your veins on the inside of your wrist. A bluish or purple appearance is an indication of cool undertones. If they appear greenish or olive, you likely have warm undertones. If you can’t determine the colour, you may have neutral undertones.
- Jewellery Test – Consider whether silver or gold jewellery looks better on you. You may have cool undertones if silver looks more flattering, while gold may complement warm undertones. If both metals suit you equally, you might have neutral undertones.
- Towel Test – Hold a white towel against your face, followed by an off-white towel, to determine the undertone. Determine which one best complements your skin tone. If you prefer a white towel, it suggests a warm or olive undertone. If the off-white towel complements your skin tone, it indicates a cool undertone. If both towels suit your skin, it means a neutral undertone.
Types of Skin Tones
The following are the most common skin tones:
- Pale or light-coloured skin is more common among those with fair or light skin tones. Their undertones might be warm (yellow or peach) or cool (pink or blue).
- A moderate level of pigmentation is indicative of a medium skin tone. Their undertones might be warm, cool, or neutral, among various combinations.
- Olive skin tones have a yellowish or greenish undertone. The skin seems warm and earthy because of this rich undertone.
- Tan skin tones range in pigmentation from mild to dark. They frequently have warm undertones, such as golden or yellow.
- People with dark or deep skin tones have highly pigmented complexions. Warm or cold undertones (blue or violet) may be present.
Benefits and Demerits of Olive Skin Tone
If you have an olive skin colour, these are some advantages and disadvantages of having this skin type.
Benefits of Olive Skin Tone
- Olive skin has more melanin, which provides natural protection against the harmful effects of UV rays.
- Olive skin’s higher melanin content protects against fine lines and wrinkles. Melanin contains natural antioxidants that fight against free radicals.
- Because of the increased presence of melanin, people with this skin are less prone to eczema and specific skin inflammation.
Drawbacks of Olive Skin Tone
- Olive skin often has hyperpigmentation, meaning dark spots or patches. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, or acne are the reasons for all this. It is difficult to manage and reduce hyperpigmentation in olive skin tones.
- People with olive skin tones may have areas of lighter or darker pigmentation. This makes achieving an even complexion more difficult.
- Some makeup colours don’t suit people with olive skin tones.
Skin Care Routine for Olive Skin Tone
A skincare routine for olive skin tones should address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Here’s a skincare routine for olive skin that you can follow:
Cleansing
Cleansing is the first step of a skincare routine, and it is an important one. Doing cleansing will help remove extra oil, pollutants, and dirt built up on your skin’s surface. Cleansing regularly will reduce the chances of you getting breakouts. Follow these steps for proper cleaning of your face:
- Choose a mild cleanser according to your skin type, whether you have oily, combination, or dry skin.
- Avoid abrasive soaps and cleansers. They eliminate natural oils.
- Wash your face twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation should be in your skincare routine. It helps in cell turnover, unclogs dirt-filled pores, and removes dead cells. Doing this from time to time improves skin texture and reduces your hyperpigmentation. These are the suitable exfoliation guidelines you should follow:
- Exfoliate your skin once or twice weekly. It will remove all the lingering dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
- Choose a chemical exfoliant with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
- Don’t over-exfoliate, as it can cause dryness or sensitivity.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
People with olive skin tones may have hyperpigmentation. They need treatment to reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone. These treatment options can help you improve the skin:
- Choose skincare products that contain vitamin C, niacinamide, Kojic acid, or liquorice extract.
- Apply serum to target hyperpigmented areas.
Moisturising
Moisturisers help hydrate your skin. People with olive skin have dry skin, and a good moisturiser prevents moisture loss. It also improves the texture and overall appearance.
- Use a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type. It helps in skin hydration.
- Choose moisturisers that have hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils.
- Apply moisturiser twice daily after cleansing and toning.
Sun Protection
SPF shields your skin from UV radiation from the sun. Without it, you run the danger of developing skin cancer, being sunburned, and ageing. Use SPF daily to keep your skin healthy and prevent UV damage.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even on overcast days, with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Select a sunscreen that provides defence against UVA and UVB radiation.
- Whenever you sweat or will be outside, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Additional Considerations
Along with the skincare tips mentioned above, you should also keep these things in mind.
- Use mattifying or oil-control products if you have oily skin.
- After cleansing, use a mild toner to restore the skin’s pH. This removes leftover debris.
- Use a sheet or face mask once a week for extra hydration.
Conclusion
If you have olive skin, you should set a skincare routine that works for you. This will help keep your skin healthy and address any specific concerns. Knowing the benefits and downsides of olive skin will help you build a solid regimen. You may do a few things to have a healthy, bright complexion. Begin by cleaning, exfoliating, and addressing hyperpigmentation. To avoid sun damage, moisturise frequently and wear SPF protection. Remember that olive skin has inherent sun protection, which helps prevent obvious indications of ageing.
