The type of skin you have is an important consideration when creating your skincare regimen. Using products that aren’t appropriate for your skin can throw off the balance and cause many problems.
Pinpointing your skin type is a simple process that involves washing your face, patting it dry, and observing how it looks and feels.
Dry Skin
The outermost layer of your skin, primarily composed of lipids (including ceramides), acts as the primary gatekeeper between your body and the outside world-keeping water in and harmful bacteria and other substances out. When the barrier is compromised, which can happen due to several factors, including harsh soaps and cleansers, environmental stressors, certain dry skin conditions (like psoriasis or eczema), or just age, the result is often itchy, flaky, tight, or rough-looking skin.
According to dermatologists, the key to treating dry skin is using gentle products with moisturizing properties that also repair your skin’s barrier. They advise using moisturizers and serums that contain occlusives, which help seal in moisture; lactic acid, which encourages the synthesis of ceramides to build the skin barrier; and hyaluronic acid, which aids your skin to retain hydration.
To add more moisture to your skin, you should include a hydrating mask once or twice a week. You can find plenty of nourishing masks at beauty brands.
Grade skin care products are formulations typically developed, prescribed, and used under the guidance of healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons. These products are extensively evaluated, frequently include higher concentrations of active ingredients, and are made to treat specific skin issues, such as acne or anti-aging.
Oily Skin
Oily skin produces an excess of sebum, leading to a shiny complexion and an increased likelihood of acne breakouts. Hormonal changes that arise during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause may also worsen sebum production.
Because this skin type can be prone to breakouts and clogged pores, you must follow an effective morning and night routine. First, use a gentle cleansing lotion that’s formulated for oily skin. This type of product can help remove excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
After cleansing, choose a toner to reduce shine and control oil production. Astringents can be a great option, but they should be used sparingly, as over-drying can trigger the skin to produce even more sebum. Instead, an oil-control toner can be a better option.
After toning, apply a serum with a targeted treatment ingredient, such as niacinamide, to help control oil production and prevent breakouts. Finally, finish with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. This will ensure that the face stays clean throughout the day.
Combination Skin
If your skin feels dry in some regions of your face, like your cheeks and jawline, but oily in other places, like your T-zone and chin, then you have combination skin. This skin type is more complex to care for properly because you need to balance oils and hydrate dry spots. Many people who have this skin type also experience discoloration, and these issues tend to be more noticeable in deeper complexions.
A simple skincare routine is the best way to care for this skin type. First, wash your face with a mild cleanser that won’t remove your skin’s natural oils. Then, use blotting sheets to assess the oil levels in different parts of your face. If the blotting sheets show that your T-zone is oily while your cheeks are dry, you have combination skin.
You can then incorporate an oil-free moisturizer with a serum that targets your skin’s specific needs. This could involve using a brightening product to help avoid dark spots or a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizing lotion to keep the skin hydrated and firm. If you have sensitive skin, you should also include an eye cream in your routine that targets the fine lines and dark circles around your peepers.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is characterized by excessive reactions to irritants and allergens, usually considered harmless. It occurs when the natural barrier function of the skin is disrupted, allowing irritants to penetrate the surface and cause redness, itching, burning, or stinging sensations. From a medical standpoint, this ailment is not diagnosable and can affect any skin type.
The key to a healthy, sensitive skin routine is selecting gentle products that contain minimal ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals. Avoiding sonic face brushes and formulas containing exfoliating grains or particles is also essential for sensitive skin.
If you suspect you have sensitive skin, the best way to identify your symptoms is to journal your reactions and note any triggers. Aside from redness, these symptoms can include a feeling of tightness or dryness in irritated areas. You may also notice a rash or breakouts.
Some of the most common causes of sensitivity are genetics, hormone changes due to pregnancy or menopause, environmental factors, and certain skincare products that can be damaging to the skin barrier, including those containing alcohol, fragrance, petrochemicals, urea, and other ingredients known to irritate the skin.