Written by Skylar Peluso
We all know skin care is important, but a key component to perfecting your skincare routine is understanding your skin type. This will help you find what products work best for you, and will prevent dryness or breakouts! First, you must figure out what skin type you have. The different skin types are: normal, oily, dry, combination (both oily and dry skin), and sensitive. To identify what skin type you fall under, examine your clean face and make sure there's nothing on it. If your face appears shiny and is prone to breakouts, it is likely you have oily skin. If your skin feels tight and is sometimes flaky, you likely have dry skin. If your skin only appears shiny in your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), you have combination skin. If your skin feels hydrated but not oily, and you rarely experience any breakouts, you most likely have normal skin. If your skin is irritated and prone to redness, itching, etc, you likely have sensitive skin.
Tips for Normal Skin:
1. Always be gentle
Be sure to not use any harsh products, it’s unnecessary and may cause irritation
2. Follow a basic skin care regimen
I.e. cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and using a gentle exfoliant no more than once a week.
3. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to ensure your skin stays moisturized
4. Use a moisturizer with SPF 30 or greater (oil-free)
This is a universal rule for skincare, but this will help keep your skin hydrated and youthful.
Tips for Oily Skin:
1. Cleanse your face every morning, evening, and even after you exercise
Use a mild to gentle foaming face wash. Using harsh products can potentially irritate your skin and increase oil production
2. Choose skincare and makeup products that are oil-free
These products will help to not clog your pores and prevent acne
Don't use any oil or alcohol-based products
3. Apply moisturizer daily
Even if you have oily skin, it's important to keep it hydrated so that your skin doesn’t produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Use an oil-free moisturizer with SPF to also protect your skin from the sun.
4. Use blotting papers throughout the day to pick up any excess oil laying on the surface of your skin
5. Avoid touching your face throughout the day
This can transfer oil and bacteria from your hands to your face.
Tips for Dry Skin:
1. Avoid hot showers and baths
Hot water breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which decreases moisture. Try taking short showers or baths in warm water instead to help relieve dry skin.
2. Moisturize often
Apply a heavier layer of an oil-based moisturizer after every time you shower or wash your face. This will trap existing oil in your skin.
3. Exfoliate
Use a light exfoliant on your face to get rid of the top layer of dead skin cells. This will help with flaking. Remember not to over-exfoliate, twice a week MAXIMUM.
4. Use a humidifier in your room
This will help retain your skin's natural moisture
5. Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated
6. Be mindful of what products you are using
Sometimes ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or other skin care products you use can make your skin dry. Always use mild, gentle soaps, cleansers, and avoid deodorant soaps.
Tips for Combination Skin:
1. Use a gentle cleanser
The pores in your T-zone are larger than the rest of your face. Harsh products may clog your pores.
2. Use 2 Separate skin care routines
Products that work for dry skin can be harsh on oily skin
Use a separate regimen for your T-zone (for example: use a dense moisturizer for your cheeks and an oil-free lightweight moisturizer for your T-zone)
3. Use clay mask on T-zone/oily parts of the face
Clay has absorbent properties that soak up excess oil from your pores
4. Use a moisturizing mask to hydrate dry areas
Keep in mind that face masks are to be used no more than once a week
5. Look for products with any of these three powerful ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid: moisturizes, plumps and helps keep hydration
Salicylic acid: helps reduce oil production and keep acne at bay.
Lactic acid: can also dry up oily areas and help balance an oily T-zone.
Tips for Sensitive Skin:
1. Patch test
Testing EVERY product on your hand before you apply it to your face is an easy way to avoid any reactions. Apply to your hand and wait 24 hours. If your skin doesn’t react, it's safe to use.
2. Avoid hot showers
This can cause skin irritation and redness. Try warm water, and an oatmeal bath to soothe the skin.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances
Harsh chemicals and fragrances include parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, and phthalates.
4. Choose calming & natural ingredients
Calming ingredients include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, olive oil, chamomile, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and coconut oil.
5. Simplify your beauty routine
Use all-natural makeup products, and keep your skincare routine very basic. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers only.
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