Just like you wouldn’t use the same beauty products for different hair types, you shouldn’t use the same skincare regimen for different skin types! There are five different skin types—oily, dry, normal, sensitive, and combination—and each one requires different care and attention.
Oily Skin:
Oily Skin is caused when glands in the skin secret an excess of lipids (oil), causing your complexion to be shiny and prone to clogged pores, breakouts, and other blemishes. Oily skin can also be caused or exacerbated by factors such as hormonal changes or imbalances, stress, and climate. Here are some tips for caring for oily skin:
· Wash your face twice daily using a gentle cleanser
· Use salicylic acid on the oily areas of your skin two to three times per week
· Use “noncomedogenic” products, which won’t clog pores
· Moisturize with oil-free moisturizer
· Keep your hands away from your face! (Avoid touching your face and refrain from picking or squeezing blemishes)
Dry Skin:
Dry skin is characterized by rough patches, flaking, and redness/irritation. Some factors that can cause dry skin or make it worse include aging, harsh weather conditions (such as wind, cold, UV radiation), long or frequent hot baths/showers, exposure to chemicals, and certain medications. Tips for caring for dry skin include the following:
· Wash your face with a mild cleanser no more than once per day (night is best)
· Moisturize using products that contain phospholipids, cholesterol, and essential fatty acids
· Don’t over-exfoliate, as this can interrupt the layer of dead skin cells that protects your skin
· Minimize the length and exposure to hot water
· Protect your skin by using SPF 30 sunscreen
Sensitive Skin:
The hallmark of sensitive skin is that it is easily irritated. If you have this skin type, you probably are careful about what products you use because your skin may react poorly to a variety of different products or cosmetics. If you have sensitive skin, these tips may help:
· Test any new product before you use it (apply product to a small area behind your ear and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts)
· Moisturize twice daily to enable your skin to retain its protective barrier
· Don’t scrub skin, and blot dry instead of rubbing after cleansing
· Use as few products as possible
· Avoid direct sunlight and ALWAYS wear sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays
Combination Skin:
If you have parts of your skin that are excessively oily (such as the T-zone) and other parts that are dry or sensitive, you most likely have combination skin. This type of skin is normally due to genetics or hormonal factors and can also be influenced by the weather. For combination skin, try this:
· Cleanse you skin once daily
· Use salicylic acid to spot treat the oilier areas of your face (such as the forehead, nose, and chin) every other day
· Use oil-free moisturizer and sunscreen on the oily areas of your face and use richer moisturizer to spot-treat the areas that are drier
Normal Skin:
People with “normal skin” have skin that is neither too dry nor too oily, few or no blemishes, and a smooth, glowing complexion. Count yourself lucky if you have this skin type, it means your skin has a balanced amount of water and lipids and doesn’t usually display sensitivity to products. To care for your skin, follow these tips:
· Always wear sunscreen
· Stay hydrated
· Don’t smoke
· Always remove all makeup before bed
· Cleanse gently once daily and moisturize
No matter what skin type you have, remember that your skin has to last you forever! So take care of it now—ten years from now you’ll be thanking yourself.