When it comes to supporting healthy skin, it’s important to remember that each of us has very different skin. Your skin type plays a significant role in navigating the best way to care for your skin and how to tailor the perfect skincare routine for your specific skin type, which can make a huge difference. Let’s explore the different skin types and the best way to care for each of them.
Clean Skincare for Oily Skin
Ok first up is oily skin (which is actually a blessing!). Oily skin is primarily a result of excess sebum production and presents as being shiny. Those with oily skin tend to be a bit more sweaty and suffer from acne and blackheads. In the long run, it’s not such a bad thing to have oily skin because you may be a bit slower to develop some fine lines and wrinkles and your skin does have a more hydrated appearance than say someone with dry skin.
Oily Skin Characteristics
Oily skin is characterized by:
A greasy appearance
Open or bigger pores
Prone to breakouts
Blackheads or other blemishes
Causes of Oily Skin
Causes of oily skin include:
Hormonal Changes: hormonal imbalances during puberty, or pregnancy, can result in oily skin.
Climate: Where you live and the time of year can contribute to oily skin. If you live in a humid and hot environment, you are more likely to have oily skin.
Genetics: Do your immediate family members have oily skin? If so, there’s a good chance you do too.
Larger Pore Size: if you have larger pores, they do tend to produce more sebum.
Exfoliation: If you exfoliate too much or use harsh soaps and cleansers, there is a chance your skin may try to overcompensate for being stripped by producing more sebum. Often times what we do that we think is helping contribute to healthier skin is actually causing it to kick into overdrive, exacerbating our original issues. This can happen through both over exfoliating with physical exfoliants (scrubs) and chemical exfoliants (harsh acids).
Skincare Tips for Oily Skin
Here are some suggestions for how to support oily skin:
Moisturizing regularly will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from over-producing sebum. Choosing the right moisturizer is important. A lightweight lotion moisturizer is advised for oily skin types.
Drink water to stay hydrated. This will prevent your skin from producing excess oil to overcompensate for being dry.
Wash your face twice a day to remove dirt and bacteria that may clog your pores. It’s important not to over-wash the skin, which can result in sensitive skin that can become more oil-prone. Use a gentle cleanser and be mindful not to scrub. Do make sure you’re removing all make up before going to bed.
Avoid using chemical-laden, thick skincare products and ingredients. Look for non-comedogenic skincare and make up that won’t clog pores.
If you have oily skin, breakouts and blemishes now and then are going to happen, but do avoid popping or picking at any pimples to prevent that bacteria from spreading and creating further breakouts.
Clean Skincare for Dry Skin
Skincare that is lacking in moisture can result in a flaky and rough appearance - this is what we call dry skin. Dry skin tends to produce less oil and can sometimes appear a bit dull. This skin type can be particularly vulnerable to weather changes.
Dry Skin Characteristics
Dry skin can present in the following ways:
Flaky and rough skin
Uneven texture
Itching
Skin feeling tight
More visible lines
Causes of Dry Skin
Some of the causes of dry skin are:
Genetics: If most of your family has dry skin, chances are you might have dry skin too.
Climate: Dry skin is more common in dry climates and in the winter season due to the lack of humidity.
Showers: Long, hot showers can strip your skin of helpful oils, contributing to dry skin.
Age: As you grow older, sebum production reduces, resulting in drier skin.
Skincare Tips for Dry Skin
Here are some suggestions for how to support dry skin:
Moisturize your skin regularly after bathing to keep it soft and hydrated.
Don’t spend too much time in the shower. Try shorter showers and avoid showering any more than twice a day. Pat your skin gently while drying off after a shower.
Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.
Use a humidifier, especially in drier seasons and climates.
Wear gloves while handling any household detergents, cleaning agents, or while doing dishes to protect your hands from hot water and drying chemicals that can be found in many of these products.
Clean Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Skin that is easily irritated and is more reactive than normal skin is referred to as sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is fragile, and is usually prone to heat, redness, itching. Those with sensitive skin may also have a compromised skin barrier, which can allow microorganisms and irritants to easily disrupt the skin and create sensitivity reactions, infections, allergic reactions and so on.
Sensitive Skin Characteristics
Some signs that you have sensitive skin include:
The skin feels itchy and/or tight.
Parts of your body may have uneven skin texture.
Your skin becomes oily in the summer and dry in the winter.
You often have reactions to skincare.
Skin becomes red after a hot bath or shower.
Feels itchy when wearing tight clothes.
Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be caused by a number of things. Here are some way to support sensitive skin:
Conduct patch tests when trying a new product. Don’t use a product without testing it on the inside of your arm or on the neck. Wait 24 hours after the patch test, and if your skin doesn’t react to it, you can try applying the product to your face.
Don’t overdo your skincare routine. Use a mild cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Keep it simple and don’t apply too many products.
You can start with a mild, sulfate-free cleanser that does not foam. Choose products formulated with ingredients taht have soothing properties like aloe and green tea.
Avoid hot showers. Long and hot showers can feel great, but they can make your sensitive skin irritated and red by stripping your skin of essential oils.
The Best Skincare for Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type and tailoring your skincare routine around it can help support healthy skin. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect routine, but it’s important to give products time to see if they work. If you’re not sure about what products are best for your skin type it’s always best to consult a dermatologist.
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