Taking care of the skin starts with knowing your skin type, because ultimately, this will determine the proper skin care routine you should take on and the types of products that best complement your skin. Skin types are categorized into four: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Following are descriptions of each of the types and suggestions on how to care for them.
Normal
Blessed are those with normal skin because this type is the least problematic of all. One, it looks fresh and supple even after midday. Two, it is smooth and has even complexion. Three, although pores are visible, they are not large enough. Clogged pores are also not a problem, which is why, four, zits and breakouts are rare occurrences. And five, normal skin requires minimal care and maintenance.
Simple facial cleanser does well on normal skin. The best cleansers for normal skin are those without alcohol. Although normal skin naturally has the right level of moisture, moisturizers are still a must, which preferably should have UV protection and antioxidant properties. Normal skin rarely develops skin problems, but care should still be observed when choosing skin care products and cosmetics. It is best to use the products with mild and, if possible, organic ingredients.
Dry
Two things that are good about dry skin are that breakouts and blemishes are rare and that pores are too tiny and not visible. But it can also be problematic, as it tends to be dull, flaky, and sometimes rough. Wrinkles and fine lines may also be evident among people with dry skin.
The culprit would be that lack in moisture. There are various reasons for this. One is the weather. Windy, cold, and dry weathers can strip off the body’s natural moisture and inflict negative effects on the skin. Another is age. As a person grows older, his ability to produce and retain moisture weakens. Excessive sun exposure, use of harsh skin care products, and genetics are also possible reasons for having dry skin.
Dry skin calls for special care using products that aim at keeping the moisture sealed into the skin. People with dry skin should steer clear of products with alcohol since alcohol can further cause dryness. Instead, use of products with glycerin, petroleum, lactic acid, and lanolin is encouraged. Moisturizers are also necessary in making dry skin supple. Those with vitamin E and are oil-based are good moisturizers for dry skin. Use of cosmetics with moisturizing properties is also recommended.
Oily
Oily skin has big and visible pores, has coarse texture, and ends up always shiny. It is also more prone to clogged pores, leading to breakouts and acne. Oily skin results from too much production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, so maintenance should be directed at keeping oil at a normal level.
The use of cleansers with tough cleansing properties is necessary for oily skin care. However, harsh products should never be used because they are likely to cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, therefore complicating the problem.
Some skin experts recommend the use of products with salicylic acid and antibacterial ingredients. Exfoliation, at least once a week, benefits people with oily skin, as this removes dead skin cells that may clog the pores. Moisturizing oily skin is still necessary to re-hydrate the skin after a thorough cleansing, but moisturizers should particularly be oil-free and light. Other skin care products and cosmetics also need to be labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic, or non-acnegenic.
Combination
Most women have this skin type. The T-zone, which constitutes the forehead, nose, and chin, is oily, while the cheeks and areas around the eyes are dry. The T-zone is often the area of blemishes. When washing, some parts of the face may feel tight and taut.
Because of this, proper skin care for combination skin is a little tricky as it has to address both oiliness and dryness. Fortunately, skin care products for combination skin type are now available. Cleansers for combination skin should be mild, but should thoroughly remove dirt and excess oil especially from the T-zone. Use of toner is also recommended to further clean the T-zone and keep it shine-free. Moisturizers, on the other hand, must be oil-based and applied in minimal amount on oily areas.
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