The perfect combination of dry, sensitive, and oily? Or are you somewhere in-between? While there are many products on the market to help optimize skin health (and bankroll your inner beauty queen), not everyone can find the perfect skincare routine. That’s where an understanding of the appropriate use of skincare products comes in. This article explains what each type of skin has to offer and helps guide you towards the right products for your skin type. From oil-control to moisture-retention, we’ll share everything you need to know about choosing the right skincare products for your own unique skin.
What is skin type?
Skin type is a combination of hydration and barrier function. While each skin type has its own set of ideal ingredients, the general rule of thumb is that combination skin types are the most moisturized while being the most hydrated. This is likely due to the fact that extra moisture is produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands to keep the skin “smooth” and “greasy” free.
Dry Skin
Dry skin types are the most common type and are due to a lack of hydration and barrier function. The skin’s response to stress and UV rays can cause blemishes and skin that is too dry can lead to wrinkles and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles. There are a few things you can do to help prevent dry skin. Drink plenty of water, apply a moisturizer, use a blotting sheet, and use a humidifier.
Oily Skin
Oily skin types are due to excess sebum production which can lead to acne, blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Traditionally, oily skin was thought to be due to a lack of vital oils causing the skin to become “greasy”. This is not the case since natural oils such as vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids are necessary for healthy skin.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin types are the most likely to develop sensitive skin and can be triggered by allergies, skin inflammation, stress, medications, etc. Sensitive skin types are more likely to react to certain ingredients found in skincare products. This is why you should avoid using certain ingredients such as Plumb (from citrus) and Aspartame (from sugar) on sensitive skin. A good moisturizer is necessary for sensitive skin as well as for oily skin types.
Mature Skin
Mature skin is the catch-all term for complex skin types. It refers to skin that has achieved a certain age, is in a certain condition and/or has been exposed to certain circumstances (i.e. middle-age). When the skin is no longer capable of producing the necessary levels of sebum, a different type of skin protection becomes necessary. Mature skin types typically have an increased capacity for antioxidants and will likely respond better to essential fatty acid (e.a. omega-3) products than a younger type of skin.
Conclusion
Understanding your skin type is the first step towards finding the right skincare products for your skin type. While there are many products on the market to help optimize skin health (and bankroll your inner beauty queen), not everyone can find the perfect skincare routine. That’s where an understanding of the appropriate use of skincare products comes in. Knowing more about your skin type can help you pick the right products for your skin type: Dry, oily, sensitive, or normal. Knowing which products would be best for your skin type can also help you make more informed buying decisions. We hope this guide helped you better understand your skin type and the right products to use.
