The first step to proper skincare is knowing what type of skin you are taking care of. Using a moisturizer meant for a dry complexion on oily skin can create more issues than what you started with. Using the right product for your skin type is paramount to proper self-care.
Several factors influence skin type, and they will change as you age. Genetics, diet, stress, hormones, and environmental exposure all impact skin types. There might also be harsh and pore-clogging ingredients in your current skincare routine. It is advisable to take a break for a few days from any facial products before deciding your skin type. This way, you can truly assess the nature of your skin without the influence of ingredients that might be causing some of your problems.
There are four general skin types. Each of them requires different ingredients and routines to keep the skin as healthy as possible.
Normal Skin
Normal skin type has the ideal balance between oiliness and dryness. It has an even tone with a generally blemish-free complexion, and any issues are generally easy to resolve. Normal skin doesn’t feel too oily at the end of the day or struggle with too much flakiness.
It doesn’t take a complicated routine to keep normal skin healthy. Ideally, lotions and gentle cleaners are all you need. A little proactivity does not hurt, though. Choosing a serum with antioxidants to protect from potential damage and keep the cells healthy is a great preventative step against possible future damage.
For example, Skin Moderne's Bio-Retinol serum will help you preserve healthy and youthful skin.
Dry Skin
One of the most common dermatological issues, dry skin can be both environmental and genetic. The skin might be missing the oil barrier that holds in moisture, or it might be regularly exposed to harsh elements. Dry skin may be flaky, rough, and brittle and feel tight and itchy.
A moisturizer that protects the barriers of the skin is important for treating dry skin. Use creams that are formulated to nourish the cells, keeping them healthy from the inside out. Environmental irritants like hot showers, medications, and UV exposure should be avoided to keep from exacerbating the problem. Care routines might also change seasonally if you live in a place with harsh seasonal changes.
If you have dry skin, we recommend including in your skincare routine a serum rich in moisturizers, such as Skin Moderne's Moisture Infusion serum.
Oily Skin
Many people who struggle with oily skin also struggle with acne. The overabundance of oil can attract dirt and bacteria, clogging pores. The skin might look thicker, appearing shiny and greasy, though oily skin types do have the benefit of looking plumper and less aged. Often, an abundance of oil comes with hormone changes. You should reassess care needs as time passes to see if your body and its needs have changed.
Avoid heavy creams with oily skin. Gentle cleansers and oil-free products are the go-to to avoid adding oil to the skin. Many acne face washes and medications also double as a treatment for over oily skin.
If beside having oily skin you have acne, we recommend using a serum that enables bad-bacterial control, sebum modulating, and skin balancing properties.
Combination Skin
The combination skin type is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of oily and dry skin. The T area of the face tends to be more oily, while the rest tends to stay dry or normal. People with this common skin type are more likely to struggle with acne on their forehead, nose, and chin, while the rest of the face stays mostly clear.
It is recommended that people with combination skin use alcohol-free products to keep the skin balanced. Use gentle cleansing gels and light serums for the oily parts of the face. The best moisturizer for combination skin is a thin lightweight formula that will give the dry parts moisture but not clog pores in the oily skin sections.
If you have combination skin, you can greatly benefit from serums with AHA/BHA.
Taking care of your skin can be a delicate dance of environmental factors and genetics. Finding the right product to fit your needs takes trial and error. Skin Moderne has a wide range of clean skincare products designed to nourish the skin and keep all types healthy. For questions about which products to use with your skin type, fill out our form online. We would love to hear from you.