UNDERSTANDING YOUR SKIN TYPE
Finding the right cleanser and skincare regimen for your skin can seem slightly overwhelming, but we’ll break it down so you can create a skincare routine that works just for you.
To have an effective skincare regime, it is important to understand your skin type. Catering to your skin’s needs will help give you the desired result—healthy skin. Skin types vary from dry to oily, and sensitive to combination skin, which means you might have a mixture of two different skin types.
Experts recommend using the “Bare-Faced Method” to figure out your skin type. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and hold off on using any other products. Check your skin 30 minutes later. How does it look? Is it dry? Oily? Dull? If your skin feels tight when you make different facial expressions, you most likely have dry skin.
If you have an oily skin type, you’ll tend to have an excess amount of oil in your T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin), because this area has more sebaceous glands, which work to lubricate the skin. You also may notice large pores around your nose. Lastly, if you notice that you’re oily only around your forehead and nose, but the rest of your face is dry, you may have already guessed, you probably have combination skin.
Choosing a Proper Face Wash
After you figure out your skin type, it’s time to pick your ideal cleanser. Various cleansers cater to specific skin types and needs. For example, you can find cleansers that work to brighten skin, combat aging, or help minimize oil and large pores.
If you want to start with a cleanser that addresses your specific skin type, these tips might help:
- Dry skin: Dry skin needs moisture and nourishment. Look for a product that includes ingredients such as lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils (coconut oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil).
- Oily and combination skin: To keep excess oil at bay, find a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, retinol, and niacinamide.
Finding a cleanser that aligns with your skin type can help build the foundation of your regimen and work seamlessly alongside other skincare products. If you’re looking to eventually expand into a multi-step routine, it’s important to note that you should layer products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
The order of products you use in your routine should look something like this:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Spot treatments
- Serums
- Moisturizer
- Eye cream
- SPF (use every day, even if it’s cloudy out!)
Cleansers That Match the Weather
Weather also makes a difference for the cleanser you choose. Generally, you should opt for gentle cleansers that keep your skin’s pH levels balanced year-round. Nutrient-rich foam cleansers are a good choice in the spring and summer since they thoroughly cleanse skin and help clear sweat, dirt, and makeup. When fall and winter come around, a brightening cleanser can be helpful to keep that summer glow during colder weather. There are also cleansing gels and oils that are extra soothing for times when your skin is dry, flaky, and needs extra moisture.
References:
- “How to select a face wash based on your skin type,” Vogue
- “What Is My Skin Type? (How to know your skin),” Tatcha
- “How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for the Changing Seasons,” Whish
- “Face Cleansers that Help Transition Through the Seasons,” Forbes
