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Its very essential you should know your skin type, as it enables you make the best selection of skincare products suitable for your skin.
Do you know that, some reasons why your skincare products doesn’t work as intended is because you chose wrongly?, Yeah, that’s right. Infact a situation whereby you use a product not meant for your skin type, you’re going to get an opposite result of what is intended.
Any dermatologist will first ask the question “What’s your skin type“, before recommending any skincare products for you. This is to enable him/her make the best selection, as he or she knows that using a product not meant for your skin type may worsen the condition.
Skin Types.
We all have different skin types, and they include, Oily and Acne prone skin, Dry skin, Sensitive skin, Normal skin, and Combination skin.
Oily & Acne Skin.
Individuals with oily skin are prone to acne too.
An oily skin feels greasy on the face, due to regular oily production. This is the reason why dermatologists recommends individuals with oily & acne prone skin to wash their face twice everyday (morning and night) using the right facial cleansing product suitable to them.
Individuals with oily & acne prone skin are meant to use skincare products containing atleast one active exfoliating ingredient (Eg, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide & lactic acid etc). These exfoliating ingredients, (on low percentage) penetrates deep into the skin pores to remove pore-clogging impurities such as oil, dirts, make-up residues and other debris that can cause pores blockage which can trigger breakouts.
Individuals with oily skin are should also look out for where it’s written “non-comedogenic” on the product label before purchasing. The term “non-comedogenic” means that the product has been tested and proven not to clog pores, because it contains no pores clogging ingredient. This is very important to caring for your oily skin, because keeping your pores clean from clog saves you the stress of breakouts.
For facial cleanser, We recommend,
Dr Song 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash Treatment: Acne Face Wash & Body Wash.
This gentle facial cleanser contains 10% benzoyl peroxide which penetrates deep into the skin pores and eliminate pore-clogging impurities—like dead skin cells, makeup, excess oil and bacteria—that irritate skin and make acne worse.
It’s non-drying and gentle on the skin, it deep cleanses the skin without leaving it dry or irritated.
Pros
- Non-drying formula.
- Lathers up nicely.
- A gentle formula.
- Suitable for sensitive, acne & oily skin.
- Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide.
- Cleanses deeply but mildly.
- Oil-free & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free, Sulfates-free Paraben-free, Allergy tested.
- Dermatologist tested.
Cons
- None.
For facial moisturizer, we recommend.
CeraVe SA Cream | Renewing Salicylic Acid Body Cream.
This wonderful product contains salicylic acid which exfoliates the top layer of the skin, while it also penetrates deep into the skin pores to remove sebum, and other pore-clogging impurities.
This product also contains skin hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), which prevents the skin from drying out by retaining moisture into the skin. It also contains niacinamide which helps repair a compromised skin barrier while improving the appearance of the skin.
Pros
- Exfoliates and hydrates.
- Gentle, non-irritanting formula.
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy & non-comedogenic.
- Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Phthalates-Free & Fragrance-free.
Cons
- None.
ALSO READ: The Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin.
Sensitive Skin.
Individuals with sensitive skin always reacts to any slightest exposal to harsh chemicals or ingredients. This is to say, their skin reacts easily when exposed to harsh ingredients which can trigger irritations such as, skin reddness, and inflammation.
Individuals with sensitive skin are meant to use skincare products with mild ingredients and more of skin hydrating and soothing ingredients too. They should go for skincare products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and aleo vera. These skincare ingredients protects the lipid barrier of the skin by supplying intense and maximum moisture into the skin, thereby preventing the skin from drying out.
For facial cleanser, we recommend.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
This mild & gentle cleansing formula contains prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin for maximum skin soothing and hydration.
It deep cleanses the skin, leaving it feeling clean, soft and hydrated without drying it out.
Pros
- Very hydrating.
- Gentle & non-drying formula.
- Contains Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramides, Niacinamide and Glycerin.
- Cleanses deeply but mildly.
- Suitable for Sensitive skin.
- Oil-free & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free, Sulfates-free Paraben-free.
Cons
- Pump sometimes fails to work.
For facial moisturizer, we recommend.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
This oil-free hydrating cream contains 3 essential ceramides (1,3,6-II), In combination with Hyaluronic acid which supplies intense hydration to the skin. Another reason why we like this product is because its lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling or residue.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly.
- Deeply moisturizes the skin.
- Contains ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II.
- Contains Hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s moisture.
- Oil-free & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free.
- Developed with dermatologists.
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Gentle & non-irritating formula.
- Contains no harsh chemicals.
Cons
- None.
Dry Skin.
Individuals with dry skin lacks oil and moisture, they experience skin dryness and flakiness, therefore they need more of skin hydrating ingredients, (just like individuals with sensitive skin), this is to supply moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and lubricated.
Skincare products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera are highly recommended. You can read our review on best oil-free facial moisturizers & oil-free moisturizing lotions.
For facial cleanser, we recommend.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
This formula is richly infused with hyaluronic acid, it also contains three essential super hydrating skin ingredient, “ceramides” (1, 3, 6-II), which makes it the best choice for individuals with dry skin. It deep cleanses the skin while retaining moisture into the skin, thereby leaving the skin feeling moist and hydrated.
Pros
- Gentle & non-drying formula.
- Very hydrating.
- Contains ceramides & hyaluronic acid.
- Cleanses deeply but mildly.
- Suitable for Dry skin.
- Oil-free & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free, Sulfates-free Paraben-free.
Cons
- None.
For facial moisturizer, we recommend.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream.
A super skin hydrating gel-cream formula, which contains hyaluronic acid which helps quench skin dryness and keeps it looking smooth, supple, and hydrated all day without clogging your skin pores (non-comedogenic).
Pros
- Absorbs quickly.
- Deeply moisturizes the skin.
- Contains Hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s moisture.
- Oil-free & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free.
- Suitable for dry & sensitive skin.
- Gentle & non-irritating formula.
- Contains no harsh chemicals.
Cons
- None.
ALSO READ: Have A Dry Skin Type? This Skincare Routine Is Deemed Fit For You.
Normal Skin.
Individuals with normal skin don’t generally describe their skin as oily or dry, as their skin pH level is balanced (not too oily and not too dry). Their skin has the perfect combination of oilness and dryness present.
However, they may sometimes experience occasionally break outs, it all depends on hormonal changes, environmental changes, what you eat, stress etc.
Individuals with normal skin type don’t pass through hassles choosing products suitable for their skin, however it’s best recommended to use skincare products (non-drying) with anti-aging, toning and hydrating ingredients.
For facial cleanser, we recommend.
Purity + Organic Vitamin C Face Wash.
This organic formula is enriched with anti-aging, toning, skin hydrating ingredients. It contains vitamin C, aleo vera, green tea, lemon peel oil, cucumber fruit extracts, olive fruit extracts, apricot fruit extracts, 18 essential oils and botanical extracts to deliver a deep and gentle cleansing without drying out your skin.
Pros
- 99% organic.
- Very hydrating.
- Gentle & non-drying formula.
- Contains 18 essential oils & botanical extracts.
- Cleanses deeply but mildly.
- Suitable for normal skin.
- Hypoallergenic & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free, Sulfates-free Paraben-free.
Cons
- None.
For facial moisturizer, we recommend.
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer.
An ultra-lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing daily facial moisturizer. Formulated with unique blend of cucumber and green mango extracts to replenish and keep your skin hydrated all day. This formula is non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores).
Pros
- Absorbs quickly.
- Deeply moisturizes the skin.
- Made with unique blend of cucumber and green mango extracts.
- Oil-free & Non-comedogenic.
- Helps keep acne at bay.
- Suitable for normal & sensitive skin.
- Gentle & non-irritating formula.
- Contains no harsh chemicals.
Cons
- None.
Combination Skin.
Individuals with combination skin type normally experience oily skin on some part their face and dryness on the other part.
Usually the T-zone (your forehead and nose) gets oily, while the skin on the cheeks stays dry.
While In some cases only the nose area becomes oily while the rest of the face stays dry. A combination skin type needs a pH balancing skincare products (that won’t dry out the skin nor leaves a greasy feeling). The ideal is a skincare product that protects skin’s lipid barrier, locking in natural moisture into the skin pores.
For facial cleanser, we recommend.
Pevonia Combination Skin Cleanser.
This creamy and Light-textured water soluble facial cleanser combines grapefruit, rosemary, lemon juice, and hops to deeply and gently cleanse the skin pores, removes excess oil, dirt and impurities plus balance the skin pH level without leaving it neither dry nor greasy.
Pros
- Very hydrating.
- Gentle & non-drying formula.
- Contains 4 active ingredients.
- Cleanses deeply but mildly.
- Suitable for combination skin.
- Hypoallergenic & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free, Sulfates-free Paraben-free.
Cons
- None.
For facial moisturizer, we recommend.
EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer.
This facial moisturizer contains Hyaluronic acid which helps increase moisture absorption and retention.
It also contains Niacinamide (vitamin B3) an anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and minimizes the appearance of dry or damaged skin and restores suppleness.
This formula hydrates the skin while it smoothes skin texture and stimulates the skin’s natural water system to moisturize without oil or heavy emollients.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly.
- Deeply moisturizes the skin.
- Contains Hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s moisture.
- Contains Niacinamide to help reduce redness and dryness.
- Oil-free & Non-comedogenic.
- Fragrance-free.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Gentle & non-irritating formula.
- Contains no harsh chemicals.
Cons
- None.
How To know Your Skin Type.
Like it matters, it’s very important to know your skin type, and there is a simple way to do that. Just follow the steps below.
Step 1. First of all, if you have your make-up on, wipe it off using make-up wipes.
Note: Ensure you wipe your make-up first using make-up wipes, before washing your face.
Step 2. Wash your face using a mild facial cleanser to remove all the dirts, oils, and left over make-up residues.
Step 3. Pat your face dry with a clean face towel.
Step 4. Wait an hour. During this time don’t touch your face (resist temptation!). Don’t apply any product, be it a moisturizer, or acne treatment.
After an hour, look closely and note the quality of your skin.
Observation Time.
1. After waiting for an hour. Dab your face with a tissue, especially the T-zone area (forehead, and nose). Take a look at the tissue to determine if oil rubbed on it.
If it did, you have an oily skin. Or If your face starts to feel greasy with a shine especially your T-zone area.
Remember: An oily skin is prone to acne.
2. If your face feels tight, itchy and dry, especially your cheek area when you try to smile or make any facial expressions. Then you have a dry skin.
3. If it’s oily on your T-zone (forehead & nose). But normal or dry on your cheeks and jawline. You have a combination skin
4. If your skin turns red, itchy and irritated especially after watching your face or shaving. Then you have a sensitive skin.
5. If your skin feels good after washing it. without any sign of redness, not too oily and not too dry. Then you have a normal skin.
Wrapping It Up.
Our skin behaves differently and needs to be treated differently too. Literally there are no bad skin types. All you need to do is study your skin, determine your skin type and use products suitable for your skin. This way you’ll reduce the occurrence of possible irritations or breakouts and your skin will thank you for it?.
Possible Questions and Answers.
Q: Are individuals with sensitive skin prone to acne too?
A: Yes, even though oily skin and acne often go hand in hand, acne can also occur with sensitive, dry, normal and combination skin too.
Anything that clogs your pores can cause breakouts.
Q: Can individuals with dry skin use oil-based moisturizers on their skin?
A: Yes, as long as the Oil-Based moisturizer is labeled non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Q: Does hyaluronic acid makes skin more oily?
A: Not at all. Hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrating ingredient. It’s called the “moisture magnet” It works by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere and retaining it into the skin pores to keep the skin hydrated and plumped without leaving a greasy finish or residue .Read more about hyaluronic acid.
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