It’s easy to follow speculations, but when you learn your skin type you’re finally able to hone in on what truly nourishes your skin.
If you’re like me, you and your girlfriends follow all the hottest products on the internet. Reading countless hours and delving into “girl this worked for me” conversation, calculating if what helped them would have the same effect for you.
Unfortunately, I’ve noticed women continually misdiagnosing their skin type and therefore assuming products don’t work. Or even worse, products they try end up irritating their skin even further leaving a bad taste in their mouths!
For example, a lot of people think they have sensitive skin when really they are sensitized. Which can be caused by excess sun exposure, over-exfoliation or even using products that are too strong for your skin.
Rule of thumb: it’s best not to wonder what your skin needs to be healthy. You want to be sure what you’re working with, and learn how to deal with your skin in its various states. Let’s build a relationship between you two!
Figuring out your skin type can be challenging! Mostly because it isn’t a “one size fits all” type of thing. On top of the day to day skin changes that occur, there are also internal factors that can affect your skin and the overall condition of it. Things like stress, environment, diet, exercise, and accidental overuse of product will also play a role in how your skin feels. To dismantle this never-ending yet ever-growing puzzle, we must figure out what your basis is. Your basis is your skin type at its most natural state!
Here is a breakdown of each skin type to further help you!
Dry Skin
Fine lines, occasional dullness, dehydrated cracked lips, dry itchy skin
DO’s
Hyaluronic acid ( replenishes moisture), ceramides (fats or lipids that are naturally found in the skin that help to maintain skin’s barrier function), shea butter, avocado oil, (for a moisturizer to add additional healthy oils)
DON’Ts
Anything that will strip and dry the skin. Over exfoliation, Sulfates. These will cause excessive dryness and over sensitivity
Oily Skin
Congestion, large pores, blackheads, acne/ breakouts, shine throughout the day
Side note: remember, just because your oily doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t need water (moisture) especially if you’re using products that dry the skin .. replenish moisture!
DO’s
Water-based moisturizers (moisturize you without creating more sebum), oil-free sunscreens , clay-based purifying masks, detoxifying masks (pull impurities to the surface of the skin), salicylic acid or lipo hydroxy-acid for a chemical exfoliant (to help decongest the follicle), look for ingredient BPO excellent ingredient because it adds oxygen to follicle to kill the bacteria that creates breakouts.
DON’Ts
Products that contain oil stripping agents (alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfates), using too many natural oils like coconut oil, sunflower oil ( these oils tend to sit on top of the skin causing an excess oily look)
Combination Skin
Oily t-zone, dryness in the outer perimeter of the face, redness in cheeks, pink undertones
DO’s
Maintain maintain maintain. It’s very tricky skin type. Look for ingredients that help to balance the skin. Include a good lightweight moisturizer that doesn’t clog the pores.
DON’Ts
Stay away from any harsh chemical ingredients, try to stick to fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
Sensitive Skin
Redness, itchy/ burning skin, pink undertones even when you aren’t sensitive, heat when touching the skin
Side note: One thing to be aware of is that it’s easy to think you have sensitive skin but in reality, you are just currently sensitized. Some things that can cause your skin to become sensitized are product overuse, excess sun exposure and over exfoliation. Be sure to always use harsh products as directed.
DO’s
Always read ingredient labels, and try to use things that are allergy tested. Use PH balance cleansers, and gentle moisturizers to hydrate the skin
DON’Ts
Harsh exfoliants and anything that will increase heat on the skin. Also, avoid anything that will strip moisture and cause sensitivity.
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