Tailoring Products to Your Skin Type
When it comes to finding the right skincare products, it’s important to know that everyone’s skin is different and not all products are made to be used universally. For example, you might have more sensitive skin and therefore need to use products that have less ingredients and are free from fragrance, while someone else’s main concern with their skin might not be sensitivity, but instead be fine lines and wrinkles.
The type of product you should be using depends on your skin type, which there are 4 of:
• Normal skin
• Dry skin
• Oily skin
• Combination skin
If you have normal skin, this means that your skin is generally well-balanced and not too oily nor too dry. Normal skin will have good blood circulation, feel smooth in texture, appear healthy in colour, and be without blemishes. Normal skin types are also less likely to have sensitive skin.
If you have dry skin, this means that your skin produces less sebum and lacks the lipids that it needs in order to retain moisture. It may also appear dull, and rough, feel brittle, and have patches of flakiness or scaling. Dry skin can also sometimes be itchy, and those who do have dry skin are at an increased likelihood of also having sensitive skin.
If you have oily skin, it is producing excess sebum; it will appear shiny, may feel slightly greasy, and pores will also be visible.
If you have combination skin, this typically means that the cheeks and T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin) consist of a mix of skin types including both dry and oily, while pores will appear enlarged.
Best Products for Normal Skin
Finding skincare products for normal skin is much easier than finding a product for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, even if you don’t have any concerns with your skin, you still need to work to keep it healthy. This means daily use of a cleanser and moisturizer, while also exfoliating a few times per week, and also wearing sunscreen to keep your skin protected.
Best Products for Dry Skin
If your skin is dry, you likely need a combination of a few different products: An exfoliator (to rid the skin of dead cells/flakes), as well as both a day and nighttime moisturizer. The base of your moisturizer also depends on how dry your skin is. If you only have some degree of dryness, you could benefit from using a moisturizer that is gel-based, which is more lightweight. However, if your skin is severely dry, then you would most likely have better results by using a cream-based product, which help the skin to retain moisture. Drinking water is another way to give your skin a boost.
As mentioned, dry skin also tends to be more prone to sensitivity, so you should try to opt for a product that is hypoallergenic. If you’re unable to find a product that works for you, you can ask your physician for recommendations. He or she may also decide to refer you to a dermatologist.
Best Products for Oily Skin
When shopping for a moisturizer, make sure the product you choose is oil-free. You should avoid products that contain petroleum, petrolatum, and mineral oil. These ingredients can all cause the pores to become clogged and make the skin feel like it is being suffocated. Those with oily skin can also exfoliate gently; however, harsh scrubs should be avoided as these can lead to irritation of the skin.
