Taking care of your skin is not only about it being perfect. It is also a way of connecting and finding yourself. Studies have proven that beauty has an impact on our personalities as we all have different perceptions of what it is. Embracing the versions of beauty, we represent is important in accepting who we are and living life to the fullest.
Now, who has never dreamt of having perfect skin? It’s obvious, we all do but while great skin is a matter of DNA for some people, for others it’s not that simple. Factors ranging from what we eat to the number of hours we sleep impact our skin. This implies that getting a suitable skincare routine is vital to maintaining the health of our skin. Have you ever wondered why you use a particular product that everybody swears by but it doesn’t work? I think we all have been in that situation before. In most cases, the first reason will be that the product wasn’t suitable for your skin type. Knowing your skin type will help you figure out what products best suit you and help establish your perfect skin routine. There exist four skin types; Normal, Dry, Oily, and Combination/mixed skin. Let’s figure out which group you belong to.
NORMAL SKIN TYPE
This skin type is characterized by the fact that the skin produces enough sebum (natural oil produced by the body) to hydrate itself. People in this category have skins with normal pore sizes which properly regulate the production of oil by the skin. Normal skin is generally evenly toned and shows fewer wrinkles than other skin types. This skin type is less likely prone to reactions but this does not imply it is a perfect skin type. If you belong to this category you may suffer from the appearance of blemishes or other skin issues from time to time. Do not forget that our skin morphs with age, climate change, and hormonal imbalances. This means that, though this skin type tends to be the least problematic, having an appropriate skincare routine is necessary to maintain this balance over time. Avoid products that may cause excessive dryness or that are too greasy.
DRY SKIN TYPE
Usually flaky and quite tight, this skin type looks dull and reflects light in different directions compared to normal skin which is smooth and clearer. Unlike what you may think, this dryness isn’t because your skin doesn’t hydrate itself properly. On the contrary, dry skins tend to have the same hydration levels as oily skins. Dry skin can be caused by several factors as; a hereditary predisposition, high levels of sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, over-exfoliation, or very hot baths. If you belong to this group, the choice of your body moisturizer is very important, and also choosing the right sunscreen. Hydration both day and night is the key element your lock for when picking your moisturizer. One good one for the face is The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors. Prioritize heavier creams with higher oil content over lotions. The older we get the more the skin dries out, therefore, avoid very hot baths and harsh detergents as this skin type is also slightly allergic. Maintaining a regular skincare routine is vital to achieving healthy skin.
OILY SKIN TYPE
Your skin is oily if you notice an excessive shine present on your face throughout the day. People with this skin type have large pores which favor the excessive production of sebum on the face. This is the acne-prone skin type by excellence. Whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples are all issues people with oily skin face due to excess sebum production which blocks pores. Most dermatologists recommend using products that contain salicylic acid which gently exfoliates the skin and allows it to unclog pores and get rid of dead skin cells as well as debris without excessive drying it out. Many people think that having oily skin means you should not use the wrong moisturizer. When your skin is left dry, it will tend to produce even more oil to replace the deficiency. Therefore, when picking a moisturizer aim for gels over creams and lotions. Harsh exfoliators too should be avoided as they dry up the skin which will prompt further excessive production of oil.
COMBINATION SKIN TYPE
Also known as mixed skin type, this refers to skins that combine aspects of at least two or more of the other skin types. People in this group tend to experience excess oiliness on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) while areas around the mouth and cheeks are dry and flaky. This skin type could be caused by seasonal changes. Some people may witness a change in skin texture based on the climate, with their skin getting dry in the cold seasons and oily in the warm seasons. You need to avoid drying out your face because this will increase sensitivity to the dry areas while increasing oil production in the oily areas. What will work best for you is to have a specific moisturizer for each part of your face and not mix them up. Favor lotions when picking your skincare products. Your skin will love exfoliation as the dry parts will be stripped of the dead skin cells while the pores on the oily parts of your face will be unclogged and cleared of the dead skin cells that cause dulling.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Unlike what most people think sensitive skin is not a skin type but a skin condition. This implies that it is a state of skin that can change over time with the use of the right skin products or treatments. Your skin will be considered sensitive if it is prone to quick reactions to skincare products and is often characterized by a high inflammatory rate.
People with this skin condition experience redness and irritation when using products that contain fragrance or essential oils. Also, you will find it hard to use strong actives like exfoliants and retinol which means you need to take extra care when selecting your products. If you fall under this category you should avoid long exposures to the sun, a high percentage of chemical exfoliants, and harsh chemical-based products (sulfates in cleansers).
Dealing with sensitive skin is very tricky as this skin condition will make you prone to overreactions to a lot of skincare ingredients that may work for all other skin types. It is, therefore, best for you to always see your dermatologist for the best possible advice when it comes to skin treatments. In some cases, sensitive skin can occur due to medical skin conditions such as allergies. It is advisable to use gentle and anti-inflammatory products to help soothe your skin.
For all of these skin types, there is one thing they all have in common. Which is reducing wrinkles and aging. I recently used the Depology Argireline Serum, which is formulated for anti-aging and combatting fine lines.
Now that we have gone through the 4 skin types that exist, I hope you can figure out where you belong. The next step in our beauty journey is defining the perfect skincare routine for you.