You're in the aisle of Ulta or Sephora looking for the right product to add to your skincare regimen, but you're not sure what you need and how to choose. I'm going to give you some tips on how to do that.
First, let's talk skincare as a whole. We are moving more towards transparency in skincare. Gone are the days where we bought products because in was a big name brand without being informed as to what they are using to make the lotion so silky or the face wash clean so well. Now consumers want to know what's in the products and what it's used for. Our skin is our largest organ so taking care of it should be a top priority.
Now let's drill down to what to choose. No matter what the product is, you first have to know what your skincare type is. Especially if you're going to put products on your face. Your body can be a little more resilient.
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Normal- Well balanced. Very few to no break outs. You generally have no recurring problems with your skin.
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Combination- You may be normal in some areas of your skin and dry or oily in others. I have combination skin and find that paying closer attention to the oily part of my skin helps keep my overall complexion clear.
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Dry- You skin does not produce enough oils. Rough and dull. You may have patches of cracked or itchy skin
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Oily- Very shiny. Large pores. Blemishes and breakouts more often. Use products with more non-comedogenic oils or oils that will not clog your skin.
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Sensitive- People with sensitive skin or reacting to a skin trigger. My husband and son have very sensitive skin that is triggered by certain chemicals and foods they eat. If you know what your triggers are, you can avoid those items. If not, try products that are transparent about their ingredients and indicates that their product can be used for sensitive skin until you know your triggers.
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Acne prone- Another commonly used phrase in the beauty world is acne prone skin. This isn't an official skin type, but a descriptor that indicates that your skin breaks out often. It could be because you have oily skin, combination skin or sensitive skin. The key here is to find out why your skin is breaking out and where.
How do you know what skin type you are. Here is a simple test. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face. Wait about 30 minutes and check your skin. Is it dry and tight, shiny all over, shiny only on your T-zone? That's a quick at home test, without having to see a dermatologist right away. Although I would suggest at least one visit every 5-10 years to see if your skin has changed and if the products you are using are right for you.
Your skin type can change over time. When I was a teenager, my skin was acne prone and sensitive because of the hormones raging through my body. Now I have combination skin. I am very oily in my T-zone.
Secondly, you may be a combination of skin types. Dry and sensitive, oily and sensitive. For cleansers, toners and moisturizers, follow your skin type. For the extras like serums and masks, you can address specific skin concerns like, pigmentation or wrinkles. But still within your skin type.
No matter what your skin type, we should all, wash our faces at least once a day, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, moisturize (even if you have oily skin), and wear sunscreen all year around to avoid sun damage.