The first rule of healthy skin is to know your own skin type. It’s not just about slathering products on and hoping for a good result! But with so many products on the market, how do you know which to choose? Knowing your skin type is a good place to start.
According to dermatologists, your skin will be one of five types:
Oily Skin
Oily skin describes skin where the natural oils that help keep your skin moisturized, protect against wrinkles and keep your skin elastic go into overdrive. Having a healthy amount of oils and elasticity is great for younger, brighter-looking skin. Less great when oily skin means that whenever you’re using moisturizer or sunscreen, you’re faced with a breakout! If you’re someone who has oily skin, you’re prone to breakouts, blotches, and redness. It’s also tough to find broad-spectrum sunscreen and liquid foundations that don’t feel sticky or heavy. People with oily skin tend to have bigger pores, because of all the active oil glands in your skin.
If you suffer from oily skin, try skipping moisturizing in the morning, and stick to night creams instead. Opt for using a natural sunscreen facial mist that is not oil-based. Also, use facial cleansers instead, to help target the bacteria that can cause breakouts, and unclog those overactive pores!
Dry Skin
If you’re one of the thousands of women who suffer from dry skin, you’ll notice it when your skin looks dull and lifeless. Dry skin is more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines at a younger age. Your skin may feel tight or taught when you smile or move your face. You may also experience dry or flaking patches.
If your skin type is dry, it will age faster. The key is hydration! Use facial creams, rather than a lotion or gel. Look for hydrating zinc oxide sunscreen ingredients like Vitamin E, blueberries, and Aloe Vera. Try not to over-exfoliate, and avoid products like salicylic acids on your skin.
Combination Skin
It’s common to be wrong about your skin type. It can be tricky to determine your skin type, especially if you have combination skin. Some dermatologists even claim combination skin isn’t a real skin type. Your skin type may fluctuate depending on weather, diet, or even the effects of stress. Generally, combination skin is identified by an oily T-zone, that’s your forehead and nose, and dry or normal skin on your cheeks, jawline, and chin.
If you have combination skin, you can use gel moisturizers, which are good for both dry and oily skin, or alternate cleansers, depending on how your skin feels.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is skin that is prone to inflammation. This could mean dermatitis, red blotches, and acne. If you have sensitive skin, it can be hard to find cleansers and products that work with your skin type. People with sensitive skin tend to break out and might even develop rashes when exposed to harsh products. It's important to keep your skin protected, preferably a natural sunscreen like ZINC IT OVER that is chemical-free.
By sticking to gentle washes, and avoiding exfoliating, you can protect your sensitive skin from further damage. Using products with Vitamin E can also help lessen skin sensitivity naturally, so you’re less prone to red patches and dryness.
Normal Skin
If you’re one of the lucky ones, you have normal skin. Normal is a bit of a misnomer, but it means you have small pores, no severe sensitivity. Normal is what’s normal for you, and everyone’s skin has different needs. But if you find your skin can tolerate most products without blemishes, breakouts, and sensitivity, then you’re lucky enough to have normal skin. Basically, your skin can handle most products. Avoid harsh chemicals that can cause dryness and heavy moisturizers that can clog even small pores.
We’ve all got challenges when it comes to skincare. The first key to learning how to properly care for your skin is to understand the ins and outs of your own skin. That starts with understanding your skin type, so you can learn which products will keep your skin healthy and glowing. No matter what your skin type is, remember that protecting it with a zinc oxide sunscreen spray will go a long way!
