Getting clear and flawless skin like the people in the airbrushed ads is an unrealistic expectation. But you can help bring out the natural and healthy glow of your skin if you choose your skincare products wisely.
When choosing skincare products, it’s not as simple as just going to the store and choosing whichever catches your eye or which brand is the most trendy. You should be able to find the right skincare regimen and products that fit you and your skin type.
Importance of Knowing Your Skin Type
A one-size-fits-all product does not exist. And if a brand is telling you their cream can give everyone the perfect skin, then they’re either magicians or overestimating their product.
Each consumer has different buying patterns, preferences, and needs. This way of thinking also applies to skin care. Not everyone has the same skin type, so it’s only right to expect that each person will have to use different products that cater to their skin’s needs.
The 5 Main Skin Types
Your skin type is not just the result of your genetic makeup, but of other factors as well. So expect that your skin type might be different when there’s a change in environment or climate.
You may not expect this, but changes in your diet can also affect your skin type. But to help you pin down your skin type-at least as of this very moment, here are the five recognized skin types by the American Academy of Dermatology Association or AADA. We’ve also included the general characteristics to give you a better idea.
1. Dry Skin
Dry skin feels tight and rough. Some people with more extreme cases of dry skin can notice cracked or broken skin and itching. These characteristics can come from both internal and external factors.
Dry skin produces less natural oils. But dry skin can also be caused by cold and dry weather (low humidity).
Just like how having dry eyes can lead to more serious eye infections, dry skin can also lead to serious cases if not addressed. Dry, cracked skin can bleed or even be exposed to bacteria.
Best Skincare Products: Dry Skin
Look for hydrating products with the below key ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Found naturally in the skin, Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.
- Aloe Vera: Almost everyone that’s into skincare must have heard of Aloe Vera gel. They probably had a tub of this moisturizing gel since it’s multi-purpose, affordable, and, more importantly, effective (if you get the right kind). Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that those with dry skin will surely appreciate.
- Ceramides: Ceramides aid in the formation of a barrier between your skin and the elements of harsh weather.
2. Oily Skin
Considered the direct opposite of dry skin, oily skin produces excess sebum or oil. This overproduction can make the skin feel greasy and look shiny. Those with oily skin are also more likely to have larger pores and acne blemishes.
When looking for products for oily skin, make sure to find the right nourishing and hydrating (yes, you still need it) product that won’t clog pores. These include foaming facial cleansers and lightweight, water-based moisturizers.
Best Skincare Products: Oily Skin
Oil production is still crucial for healthy skin, so the best skin care products should not be solely focused on stripping all of your skin’s natural oils and moisture. Here are some key ingredients to look for when you’re shopping for skincare products for oily skin:
- Retinol: Retinol helps with the removal of dead skin cells and the promotion of new ones. They help to ensure you won’t have clogged pores or overly stripped skin.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: If you have oily, acne-prone skin, then you should look for cleansers that have benzoyl peroxide that targets acne-causing bacteria.
- Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is a natural ingredient that’s mined from the plant’s leaves. It’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help reduce acne breakouts.
3. Combination Skin
Generally, those with combination skin have oily skin in their T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry to normal skin on their cheeks.
Creating the right regimen for combination skin is fairly easy, but you may need to use specific products in certain areas only.
For example, you can use heavier moisturizers only on your cheeks and use lightweight water-based ones for the oilier parts of your skin.
Best Skincare Products: Combination Skin
A combination of the best ingredients for dry and oily skin! The important thing to note is that you should know which parts of your skin need extra hydration and which ones need oil control.
4. Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is generally the skin type that has the lowest tolerance for various ingredients. Any products with harsh chemicals can cause discomfort or even damage sensitive skin.
Those with sensitive skin types also have a high possibility of getting infections and allergic reactions when not careful.
Best Skincare Products: Sensitive Skin
Before using any skincare or makeup product, make sure to do a patch test first to stay on the safe side.
You never know, even the most highly touted product for sensitive skin may not be the right one for you.
As a general rule, it’s recommended to look for natural products that are calming, hydrating, and free of harsh chemicals.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years because of its soothing and healing properties.
- Glycerin: This is another ingredient that comes from plants. It promotes moisture in the skin without irritating it as most synthetic ingredients might do.
5. Normal Skin
It’s challenging to find a very solid definition of what a “normal” skin type is. But if your skin is not too dry or does it feel too oily, then your skin can be considered normal. This generally means that your skin is well-hydrated and does not require any special care.
Those with normal skin types are lucky in the sense that they can try different products with different ingredients and their skin will be able to tolerate them with minimal to no negative reaction.
Best Skincare Products: Normal Skin
For normal skin, less is more. Since you’re already lucky to have well hydrated skin, make sure to keep it that way with gentle ingredients.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Your skin is already in its ideal state meaning it’s healthy and well-hydrated. The key is to maintain it. You can use sheet masks that have hyaluronic acid to continue giving the skin the moisture it needs.
- Vitamin C: Not only can vitamin C help your skin lighten dark spots or minimize wrinkles, but it can also boost collagen production. Collagen is a protein naturally produced by your body that makes the skin look healthy and supple. But as you age, collagen production may start to slow down, so you’ll need a little help from vitamin C.
How to Maintain Healthy Skin?
Thanks to advancements in dermatology, there’s now personalized skincare for different types of skin. And most people can now have access to the right skin care products for them depending on their preferred price range and, of course, skin needs.
However, along with choosing the right skincare products for your skin type, dermatologists recommend these practices to help maintain healthy skin regardless of your skin type.
Daily Sunscreen Use:
Using sunscreen should not be reserved for trips to the beach. Make sure to add sun protection to your daily skincare routine.
There are plenty of types of sunscreens to choose from. All you have to do is choose one that will best fit your skin type and lifestyle.
Good Sleeping Habits:
Other than drinking water for overall health, sleeping well is an often overlooked practice for staying healthy. Your body recovers as you sleep and this includes regenerating the cells your skin needs to look and feel healthy and well-rested.
Changing Your Sheets:
Everything you apply to your skin can be undone if you don’t use clean sheets and even clothing. Especially at night when you’re tossing and turning in bed.
Your face will have hours of contact with your pillowcase and blankets, so it’s best to make sure to cover the basics like having clean bedding to maximize your investment in skincare products.
Final Thoughts
The skin is the largest organ in your body, so it deserves the right amount of research and attention.
A quick research of what your skin type is can help you craft the right skincare routine that’s just right for the skin type you have.
Also, if you’re experiencing discomfort or noticing suspicious spots on your skin, don’t be afraid to seek the advice of a licensed dermatologist.