Skin Types
Knowing what type of skin you have is the first step to making sure it remains beautiful through washing, moisturizing and other common beauty practices. You can determine what type of skin you have by completing a simple test. First, wash your face and pat it dry with a clean towel. After you have done this take small pieces of rice paper and press them down on certain areas of your face. The best places to check include your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. If the paper will not stick to your skin you most likely have dry skin. If the rice paper sticks and becomes transparent that means that you have oily skin. If the rice paper sticks only in certain spots and falls off in others, you most likely have combination skin. There are other factors that can also determine what type of skin you have. These factors include your skin’s reactions to dyes, perfumes, soaps and lotions. Also, if your skin feels tight and has many sunspots you may have aged or sun-damaged skin. We will educate you about the best way to care for your specific type of skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin often feels tight and rough, especially after you have just washed your face. Using hot water often exacerbates the dryness making your skin feel uncomfortable and even scaly. Dry skin is prone to fine lines and wrinkles because there is not enough moisture penetrating through to the inner layers. Dry skin tends to get worse with the change of seasons as well, with the dry winter and spring months taking their toll. Give your skin some moisture by using a humidifier while you sleep. This can help to replenish some of the moisture that is lost throughout the day. In order to help combat the feeling and look of dry skin it is imperative to use the right skin cleansers and moisturizers. Some great cleansers include Mary Kay Botanical Effects Cleanse Formula 1 which retails for under $15.Cetaphil also makes very light products which are perfect for dry skin including Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar which retails for $7. Moisturizers also play an important role for dry skin because they allow moisture to be sealed in. Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream is a great moisturizer for dry skin and retails for under $15.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is usually categorized through the shiny areas that may occur down a person’s t-zone. The t-zone is the area on the face that includes the forehead, nose and chin area. Oily skin is often due to an overproduction of the sebaceous glands. This type of skin may also have larger pores that contain blackheads and blemishes. Oily skin often contributes to acne and breakouts. In order to help cleanse and prevent oily skin it is important to wash your face regularly. This routine can help to provide a defense against breakouts and blemishes by getting rid of the excess oil on the face. Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Daily Scrub is a great defense against oil and grime. It retails at most drugstores for under $8. Clean & Clear Daily Pore Cleanser helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin, leaving it oil-free. It is very affordable, retailing at under $12 at most drugstores. You can also use toners which will help to extract excess oils from the t-zone. Atoners that will leave your skin feeling clean is Biore Pore Perfect Triple Action Astringent. It helps to leave your skin soft and fresh and is available for under $15. As for moisturizers, skip out on heavily-perfumed ones and stick with more basic light-weight feels. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin is a non-greasy moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and supple.
Combination Skin
Most people have combination skin which includes dry and oily patches. People who have combination skin will usually have an oily t-zone area but the rest of their face is dry. This type of skin can be difficult to care for because you need to find products that will work for both skin types. It is very important to care for the oily parts of your skin differently than the dry parts. Use a toner or astringent to help clear away excess oils. To help minimize the look of pores and blackheads you can use Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. They retail for under $10 for a package of 6 strips. Also pat your t-zone dry using cold water to help close the pores before putting on moisturizer or makeup. Look for a cleanser that is intended for combination skin, such as Olay Foaming Face Wash for combination and oily skin. Also, to help protect your face against the elements use a moisturizer for combination skin like Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. It helps to lock in moisture while keeping oil under control. It retails for $25 at most beauty departments.
Sun Damaged Skin
Sun damaged skin usually includes sunspots, deep wrinkles and a tough texture. This is due to repeat sun exposure which has resulted in physical damage including broken capillaries on the face. This type of skin usually requires a lot of deep moisture which can be found in over the counter products including lotions and moisturizers. It is also important to look for products including makeup and moisturizers that have built in SPF protection to help prevent further damage. Look for products that are targeted to filling deep lines and wrinkles so that the skin can have a more youthful appearance. There are also products available that can help to correct and alleviate the look of dark sun sports to give your skin a more balanced complexion. Garnier Skin Renew Daily Moisture Lotion SPF 28 can help to reduce the look and damage of the sun including sun spot and fine lines. It is great for daily use and retails for $15 at most drugstores and retail outlets.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be a nuisance because it seems to react to almost every product, so it is important to use discretion when purchasing skin care products. This skin type can be easily irritated by lotions, makeup, wind and sun. The skin may appear blotchy and feel itchy if the wrong products are used. It is best to use products that are designed for sensitive skin. These mild products are usually perfume and dye-free. Be sure to use gentle cleansers, including Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and noncomedogenic allowing it to be very gentle on the skin while providing a thorough clean. It is available at drugstores for under $10. Nivea has many moisturizers that will not inflame the skin including their Pure & Natural Soothing Day Cream. It contains many fantastic ingredients including argon oil and organic chamomile.