The key to maintaining healthy skin is figuring out the methods to care for your skin type. The first step in your healthy skin journey is selecting products that are formulated for your specific skin type. In our previous post we shared the 5 types of skin types, their characteristics and how to determine your skin type.
METHODS TO CARE FOR NORMAL SKIN TYPE
Normal skin is a well balanced skin type when it comes to pH and oil production. When you are blessed with normal skin, it does not mean you need not pay attention to it. It is very important to maintain it, as even balanced skin sometimes experiences breakouts or dullness.
Even though you don’t need a targeted routine, proper cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing routine will help you maintain clear skin.
Here are some basic methods for taking care of normal skin;
- Endeavor to remove makeup before going to bed every night and sleep with clean skin. It is important to let your skin breathe as makeup can clog pores
- Be sure to moisturize and hydrate your skin regularly!
- Use sunscreen even when indoors, since UV rays from open windows and gadgets can still damage your skin. A broad-spectrum formula with a minimum SPF of 50 can get the job done. Re-apply as needed if you are spending time outdoors.
- Integrate ingredients like vitamin C for bright and youthful skin, retinol (derm-approved) and hyaluronic acid for dry, dull skin.
WAYS TO CARE FOR DRY SKIN
Some of the major causes of dry skin have been attributed to genetics, seasonal changes, improper skincare habits and ageing. People with dry skin may require a very gentle cleanser and a heavier moisturizer than other skin types.
Sometimes, applying too much moisturizer may confuse the skin, and it could stop producing the oils it needs to stay hydrated.
Some methods to take care of dry skin are:
- Avoid the habit of taking long and/or hot showers, as they can strip your skin of natural oils, causing dryness. Let your skin air dry post a shower.
- It is very important to moisturize dry skin, with twice a day being the recommended amount.
- Use a humidifier in your house in order to seep some hydration into your skin.
- Look for emollient ingredients in your products – namely, zinc oxide, mineral oil, glycerin, beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter.
- Look for products that contain humectants, which draw moisture to the skin, hyaluronic acid, oils and butters that seal in moisture, including jojoba, lanolin, or shea butter!
METHODS TO CARE FOR SKIN TYPE: OILY SKIN
Some of the major reasons for oily skin in people are hormonal changes, climate (heat and humidity can trigger it), genetics and large pore size.
Oily Skin also tends to be more prone to acne and breakouts. People with oily skin should use non-comedogenic products. This means that the product ingredients will not block the pores and are unlikely to cause breakouts.
Some of the methods to take care of oily skin are:
- Wash your skin with oil-absorbing cleansers and always follow up with a moisturizer.
- Do not indulge in over-washing or skip the moisturizer as it can lead to more oil production.
- Integrate ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid into your skincare, to deal with acne caused by dirt and oil clogged pores.
- Use lightweight products – oil-free, water-based, gel-based and silicone-based products can help maintain oily skin.
- Use blotting papers to de-grease your face instantly.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF COMBINATION SKIN TYPE
In addition to being a response to changing weather, combination skin is also caused because of genetics or harsh ingredients disturbing your skin’s natural balance.
People with combination skin can use a gentle cleanser and lightweight or oil-free products to reduce oiliness in the T-zone. For dry patches, people can apply a more intensive moisturizer to those areas only.
Here are some methods to care for combination skin:
- Use mattifying cleansers and toners on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), to treat the excessive oiliness.
- Use a gentle cleanser so as to avoid over-stimulating the larger pores present in your T-zone.
- Keep your overall skincare purchases relatively oil-free, as oil-infused products can be quite rich on the T-zone.
- Restrict the use of heavy creams to just the dry areas on your face.
WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF SENSITIVE SKIN
The major cause behind this skin type is the over-sensitivity of nerve endings present under your skin. Any stimulus, like products, sun exposure or even eating spicy food can trigger this sensitivity.
As a result, you see a reddish or pinkish appearance of skin, sometimes leading to stubborn irritations that are painful.
A person with sensitive skin needs to consider the type of products they use on their skin carefully. Helpful methods of taking care of skin includes;
- Using hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products with simple ingredients
- Using mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, rather than chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone
- Moisturizers should be very thin and lightweight.
- Alcoholic toners and astringents are a big no-no for sensitive skin.
- Try out new products on a small area of skin to test for tolerance before using them anywhere else.
- Consult a dermatologist to help figure out the right products, with the right pH balance for use on your skin.
RELATED POSTS
WAYS TO DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE- WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
A Guide to The 5 Types of Skin and Their Characteristics
Is it Good To Work Out During my Period?
