Whether it’s looking for moisturizers, acne products, or even makeup, it’s important to know your skin type and how to treat it. Between genetics, stressors, weather, and daily habits, the type of skin you have can be dependent on any combination of these factors. Here is a breakdown of the different skin types and ways in which to treat them.
Oily Skin
The skin produces natural oils to keep itself moisturized. People experiencing oily skin will produce sebum quicker. Those with oily skin, their face appears to have a sheen to it. Sebum is the substance your body makes, typically from the face and scalp, that helps keep those areas moisturized. For those with larger pores, the sebum production is even higher higher. Because of the extra sebum being produced, this can lead to frequent breakouts.
Issues that might arise are applying thick creams and moisturizers to the skin, causing breakouts. As well, over drying the skin of the oiliness can cause irritation, tightness of the skin, and dry flakes.
Ways to Treat Oily Skin
- It’s important that those with oily skin avoid products that will clog their pores. Even more, avoiding products that are oil based, as these can irritate your skin more. Harsh face wash products should be kept away from the skin to prevent irritation. Despite sebum being a natural moisturizer for the skin, it is highly recommended to continue moisturizing your skin. You want to create that balance between controlling oily skin and supporting your skin’s own natural moisture.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is the result of a lack of natural moisture. Skin can become rough and scaly, resulting in flaking skin. Gray and ashy for darker skin tones. Cracks in the skin can happen, sometimes bleeding if the condition is severe. Dry skin tends to look dull because of the layer of dead skin built up.
Ways to Treat Dry Skin
Using gentle cleansers, free of alcohol, can greatly improve dry skin. Use cool water when washing your face, as hot water can remove the natural oils quickly. Moisturizing after a shower/bath will retain more moisture for your skin. For men, shaving is best after a shower/bath as hair is softer and skin will be less irritated. Applying a moisturizer to your skin throughout the day will also boost hydration.
Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin may have experiences with acne, rosacea or contact dermatitis, a type of red, itchy rash. Having reactions to certain ingredients in beauty products and skin care products is common for those with sensitive skin.
How to Treat Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, it’s imperative to avoid heavy scrubbing or exfoliating. Too much heat or products that are too harsh and sting or burn the skin should be avoided. As with dry skin, products that are gentle, like a gentle foaming cleanser.
Combination Skin
Though there isn’t just one form of combination skin, it’s usually classified by varying amounts of oil on the face. In a lot of cases of combination skin, there is more oil production on the forehead and nose, with dryness on the cheeks. Areas around the mouth can range from oily to dry.
How to Treat Combination Skin
For combination skin, it is possible to use a combination of products. Some days, you might see that your forehead and nose are experiencing dryness, while oil is being produced more in your cheeks. As well, these areas might change how dry or oily they get based on the season or weather, so it’s best to have products that treat both dry and oily skin.
Normal Skin
Though “normal” skin should be classified as healthy skin, it just means that your skin is less likely to overreact. It’s well hydrated, producing just enough sebum. However “normal” skin varies from person to person.
How to Treat Normal Skin
You should be using products on your skin that maintains your skin’s natural moisture. Harsh products that strip that moisture should be avoided.
No matter what type of skin you believe you have, seeing a dermatologist to get the right treatment for you is the best option. Here at Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser, we are dedicated to making sure that patients get the best treatment plan for their skin type. Come in for more information about how to best treat your skin.
