When we think of skincare, the first thing that often comes to mind is the products we use. True, they play an important role in the care and maintenance of our skin, but knowing what products to use and how to create an adequate routine will depend exclusively on knowing our skin type. Fortunately, dermatologists have conveniently divided skin types into 4 general categories: normal, dry, oily, and combination skin. There are several characteristics that define each skin type and knowing them can provide helpful insights on how to care for it.
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Normal skin is balanced and easy to maintain. It’s also smooth in texture and has no visible blemishes, dryness, or acne.
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Dry skin is caused by a decrease in sebum production. This means that the skin lacks enough natural oils to stay hydrated, which results in red patches, flakiness, and tightness. It also tends to wrinkle more than other skin types and pores are slightly more visible than normal skin.
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Oily skin is caused by an increase in sebum production. The skin looks shiny and typically has enlarged pores around the nose, cheeks, and forehead. It’s also very susceptible to acne since impurities caused by sweat, bacteria, or dead skin cells mix with these oils and block the pores.
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Combination skin shows the symptoms of both dry and oily skin simultaneously. Some areas feel dry while other areas, like the T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin and area circling the mouth), feel greasy.
It’s important to create a skincare regimen that is tailored to your particular skin type. Normal skin types are generally less problematic, but maintenance is essential; therefore, it’s important to implement a daily cleansing and moisturizing routine to avoid unwanted blemishes and breakouts. If your skin is dry, hydration is key. Use a hydrating cream to prevent your skin from drying out. Cutting showers a little shorter and using lukewarm water can also help. If you suffer from oily skin, wash regularly and moisturize; not moisturizing can actually intensify the skin’s oil production in order to compensate for the lack of hydration. If you experience both oily and dry skin, use products without harsh chemicals to avoid worsening any symptoms. Opt for ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to help soothe, nourish, and balance oil production.
Whether you have normal, dry, oily, or combination skin, there are additional steps you can take that will work with any skin type:
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Maintain a healthy diet.
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Drink lots of water.
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Try substituting industrially made skin cleansers for all natural, artisanal soaps.
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Apply sunscreen.
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Always wash your hands before touching your skin.
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Avoid going to sleep without washing off makeup or any other impurities.
Determining how to care for a particular skin type can be challenging, but knowing what skin type you are working with and making the right decisions can go a long way towards achieving healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin.