There are three commonly acknowledged skin types: dry, oily and combination of the two. Depending on your skin type, there may be one skin care regimen that will work better for you. for instance, it wouldn't make sense to treat oily skin with products that might cause skin to become more oily or dry skin with products that might further dry it out.
What is Your Skin Type?
Determining your skin care type will help you to implement the best skin care routine. Let's take a look at the characteristics of each type below:
- Dry Skin: Dry skin tends to be flaky, irritated, ashy and often itchy. Severe dry skin is classified as sensitive skin. Often times, dry skin experiences reactions to skin care products that contain allergens and toxins. Especially, if you have eczematous skin.
- Oily Skin: Oily skin involves feeling noticeable oil settling on your face around midday. Unlike dry skin, oily skin is less sensitive to common contact allergies and skin care products. However, oily skin does not mean you are exempt from reactions and you should be mindful of the products you utilize. Especially, on your face.
- Combination Skin: Combination skin, typically means that your T-zone (nose and brow area) are oily, but your cheeks and other facial areas are dry.
Dry Skin Care Regimen:
- Use a gentle cleanser. Mild cleansers are preferred for all skin types. However, they are imperative for dry skin care. Cleanse at night. It is alright to avoid cleansing in the morning.
- Avoid excessive exfoliation. If you can manage without any exfoliation, that may be best.
- Don't use toners. They tend to dry out your already dry skin.
- Remove makeup prior to bed.
- Avoid harmful toxins and allergens in skin care products and cosmetics. Some common skin care ingredients that are contact allergens, include: PEGs, sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing preservatives, beeswax, fragrances, dyes, oatmeal/gluten and acrylates.
- Moisturize at least twice daily. I recommend up to four times per day for more moderate to severe cases. Dry skin lacks moisture. Use products that contain long chain fatty acids, cholesterol esters and ceramides. These will help optimize the skin's barrier and help skin to heal itself.
Oily Skin Care Regimen:
- Use a mild cleanser. Wash once in the morning and again at night. Using your fingertips to rub the cleanser in for 30 seconds prior to rinsing.
- Always remove makeup before bed.
- Use alcohol free salicylic acid cleansers or wipes on the oily parts of your skin at least twice per week. Three times maximum.
- Moisturize. The same type of moisturizing products are applicable for oily skin care. Skin barrier optimization (SBO), should be the primary factor concerning moisturizing products.
Combination Skin Care Regimen:
- Use only mid cleansers. Avoid medicated cleansers of any kind.
- Use alcohol free salicylic acid wipes and blot away only the oily spots.
- Moisturize at least twice per day, with the moisturizing recommendations outlined for both skin types above.
If you are unsure of what skin type you have, speak with a dermatologist before adhering to one of these regimens.
