What does ORPW Stand for?
Oily
Resistant
Pigmented
Wrinkled
An Overview of an ORPW Skin Type
ORPW types can make a big difference in the long term health of their skin if they start using the proper skin care early. Younger ORPWs report problems with skin oiliness and because of their lifestyle habits such as frequent sun exposure, high stress levels and lack of sleep or poor diet, will develop wrinkles as they age unless they take skincare steps to help prevent this. Of course, eating fruits and vegetables, getting at least 7 hours of sleep, exercising regularly and taking an antioxidant supplement can also help. Younger ORPWs often play outdoor sports and or get excess amounts of sun exposure. This leads to uneven skin tone due to brown spots or patches from sun exposure. ORPWs over 35 are often not using the proper skincare products such as retinoids or ascorbic acid. When ORPWs hit your fifth decade, your skin may change to a DRPW Skin Type making you lose some of the natural antioxidants that your sebum (oil) contains. That’s why using prescription retinoids, daily sunscreen and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in your younger years is so important. Prevention should begin early for this skin type. These products help twofold: They help prevent and neutralize free radicals that damage skin components and help protect skin collagen. Collagen is a structural protein that gives the skin its strength and thickness. Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of collagen in skin aging. If you are a woman, as your estrogen levels drop, so does your production of collagen leading to thinner more fragile skin. However, taking estrogen hormone replacement or using retinoids or ascorbic acid can reverse that effect. Click here to see my favorite products for your skin type.
If you have ORPW skin, you may experience any of the following:
Large pores
Shiny, oily skin
Trouble finding sunscreen that doesn’t make your skin more oily
Dark spots or patches in sun-exposed areas
Wrinkles
Prevention cannot be overstressed for this skin type. Changing lifestyle habits prior to age 35 will help you move over to a healthier skin type such as ORPT or ORNT. (ORNT is considered the perfect skin type- and you are so close to achieving that.) If you are over 35, don’t despair. Using a combination of anti-aging procedures and skincare can help improve your skin.
The Benefits of Being an ORPW
Your skin has two important upsides: you make oil (sebum) that has a large amount of Vitamin E in it which means that you make some of your own antioxidant protection; in addition, your resistant skin is not very prone to inflammation. That means you can experiment with different products without negative responses. You are unlikely to develop rashes, burning or stinging—all problems that those with skin sensitivity deal with. In order to counteract your skin’s tendency to get an uneven skin tone and wrinkles, you need strong products. Luckily, your skin can usually tolerate these better than sensitive skin types can. The other benefit is that you are 2 steps away from being the perfect skin type ORNT. Once you change your lifestyle habits to healthier ones, add the proper skin care regimen, and maybe do a few anti-aging procedures- you are on the road to ORNT skin.
How to make ORPW Skin Healthier and More Attractive?
Changing your lifestyle habits is the first step. Avoid the sun exposure when possible and use sun protective clothing including hats. Of course, you should avoid smoking. Sleep at least 7 hours a night and exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. Meditate or do yoga to decrease stress levels. Stress leads to increased oil production and skin aging by increasing levels of the stress hormone called cortisol. Eat an antioxidant rich diet containing fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate, green tea and spices such as turmeric for your skin and for overall health.
Use the correct skin care daily to counteract the skin damage that your skin is prone to. Daily sunscreen is critical for your type, but with your oily skin, it’s essential to find a product that does not make the skin feel greasy as most chemical sunscreens do. Look for sunscreens with physical blockers like zinc oxide, because these have less oil in them. Avoid sunscreens with large amounts of dimethicone which can make the skin feel greasier.
Use the correct skincare regimen EVERY DAY! Take are to choose products right for your skin type because most over-the-counter products will not be sufficiently concentrated for your resistant skin type which does a great job of keeping ingredients from penetrating into the deeper layers where collagen is made. Look for products with hydroxy acids, retinoids and ascorbic acid. Include antioxidants such as green tea and resveratrol. Avoid pore clogging ingredients like coconut oil.
Where do you find the right products to use? How do you know which brands have the best products? Great question… you have two choices: 1) Visit a certified STS Dermatologist or shop by your skin type at SkinTypeSolution.com under ORPW. Most people guess their skin type incorrectly so your BEST bet is to visit an STS Approved dermatologist and take the Skin Type Solutions Diagnostic Quiz. Then your doctor will tell you exactly what products are right for your skin type. Today is the day to start on the path to healthy skin!
Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. and her team at Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology believe in proof, not promises. World-recognized for both cosmetic and general dermatology, our treatment strategies rely exclusively on evidence-based, scientifically verified products and procedures that promote skin health and a natural appearance. We combine effective medical procedures with individualized instruction on proper skincare, nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in order to maximize the health of the skin and body as a whole while minimizing the effects of aging. For more, visit Dr. Baumann’s blog for daily updates Monday through Friday, or inquire about an appointment through Derm.net.