When it comes to skincare, many people have misconceptions on what their true skin type really is. I have had clients who have combination skin believe they had oily skin and would use harsh products that would not only dry out their face but make their sebaceous glands work on overload and give them even oilier skin to make up for the oil they had been attempting to dry out.  I have included the basic guidelines for figuring out your skin type and the tricks for the specific skin types should be in addition to a normal skin care routine for everyone.   Regardless of your skin type, you should always:

• Cleanse your face morning and night
• Apply eye cream morning and night
• Use a lightweight moisturizer in the morning and a thicker cream at night
• Always apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+ whenever going outdoors
• Drink lots of water to keep not only yourself hydrated but your skin
• Tone your skin not only morning and night but throughout the day as needed
• Never go to bed in your makeup     

   

   

Normal Skin

Those very fortunate people with a normal skin type don’t have to worry about having too much oil or skin that is too dry since their skin is ‘just right’.  They can use any products and have no skin sensitivities or redness.  With their skin having very few imperfections, they are fortunate to have not only pores that are barely visible, but they usually have beautiful, radiant skin.   Some tricks to try:

• Follow a normal skincare routine
• Always keep your skin moisturized
• Keep hydrated

 

   

Oily Skin

People with oily skin seem to have a ‘thicker’ looking complexion.  Due to their sebaceous glands creating a lot of excess oil, those with oily skin will have larger pores, shiny skin and issues with clogged pores.  Blackheads and pimples affect the skin leaving an overall dull appearance.  Heat and humidity, hormones, birth control and even genetics can lead to oily skin but there are ways to help control the production of oil. Some tricks to try:

• Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser
• Use oil free products
• Use a clay mask once a week to absorb the excess oils
• Blot excess oil for approximately 10 seconds each area throughout the day.
• Use an alcohol free toner
• You still need to moisturize so use lightweight, oil free moisturizers
• Keep hydrated

 

   

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be brought upon using too much indoor heating, taking long baths and hot showers, the weather, hormonal changes and even genetics.  Those that suffer from dry skin usually have skin that feels very tight due to the lack of moisture, as well as rough and inflamed. Their complexion seems duller and may have red, itchy patches that cause them discomfort. Although oil helps the skin with signs of aging, those with dry skin will have more visible lines and wrinkles.   Some tricks to try:

• Use oil based products
• Only use gentle cleansers and soaps
• Avoid foaming cleansers as they usually tend to dry those with drier skin even more
• Use a thick moisturizer or cream after showering and bathing
• Keep hydrated

 

   

Sensitive Skin

Those suffering from sensitive skin must deal with their skin flushing red quickly with different products or temperatures which can cause embarrassment and discomfort.  When those with sensitive skin try new products that their skin doesn’t agree with, their skin often burns, stings and can even swell.  Due to the intense sensitivities, skin also may itch and flake. Some tricks to try:

• Avoid direct sunlight
• Keep hydrated
• Use gentle products with little or no fragrances
• Keep your skin moisturized
• Always test products on a small area to make sure no reactions occur

 

 

Combination Skin

Combination skin is when you not only have dry areas on your face, but you also have oily spots as well.  Your T-Zone which includes your chin, nose and forehead tend to have oil and shine where as your cheeks and other areas seem to be dry and flaky.  Your T-Zone will usually have larger pores as well as blackheads from the excess oil and due to the different needs of the different areas, multiple products typically will do the trick. Some tricks to try:

• Use different products on the areas …ie: oil-free products on your T-Zone while using creams on your dry areas.
• Gently blot your T-Zone throughout the day for 10 seconds each area to rid of excess oils
• Keep hydrated
• Use a clay mask once a week only on your T-Zone

 

   

Acne Prone Skin

People with oily skin seem to have a ‘thicker’ looking complexion and are more prone to breakouts.  Due to their sebaceous glands creating a lot of excess oil, those with oily skin will have larger pores, shiny skin and issues with clogged pores.  Blackheads and pimples affect the skin leaving an overall dull appearance.  Heat and humidity, hormones, birth control and even genetics can lead to oily skin but there are ways to help control the production of oil. Some tricks to try:

• Find products specifically for acne
• Use oil free products
• Moisturizers that are oil free and lightweight should be applied
• Wash your face gently avoiding using washcloths that are most likely to open up pustules.
• Keep hydrated

Your skin changes with hormones, weather, medication as well as age, so your skincare needs change as well.   

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  Blog Written by askderm's Guest Esthetician 

Stephanie Ivonne is a New Jersey licensed Esthetician.  Her fun-loving, outgoing personality will shine through her product selections & reviews to help you discover the hottest skincare and beauty products.

When Stephanie is not scouring the internet for the next hot skincare product, she is a mother to two wonderful biological children, a dedicated foster mom and is devoted to her husband of 13 years.