Understanding your skin type and working around it is important for clear, flawless and healthy skin. Want to know the right skincare routine for your skin type?
Skin can be divided into normal, dry, oily and sensitive skin. Sometimes, a combination of these skin types occurs in different areas of one’s skin. It is termed as combination skin.
Normal Skin
This is an ideal skin type with little to nil imperfections, no visible pores, minimal to nil sensitivity and a glowing complexion. This is one skin type where you can use anything and everything – yes, you can use lotions, butters, gels, powders or anything, as you may please!
If you have Normal Skin, you can have a balanced skincare routine. Refresh your face with rose water in the morning, use a gentle cleanser, use a facial mask at least once per week and don’t forget moisturization.
Dry Skin
Dry skin has pores that are almost invisible, patches of red areas, rough and dull complexion, reduced elasticity and fine lines. When exposed to dry conditions, skin tends to become irritated, dry, itchy or inflamed and can peel or crack or even become scaly and rough, particularly in one’s hands and legs. Dry skin worsens when exposed to sunny, windy or cold temperature, long hot showers, heating, a few ingredients used in beauty and skincare products, etc. Lotions, creams and serums work better. Stay away from powders, gels and liquid.
If you have dry skin, use oil or milk for cleansing, body butter or moisturizer for hydration and don’t forget to exfoliate.
Oily Skin
Oily skin tends to have enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples and other blemishes. It can be worsened due to hormonal imbalance, stress, excessive change in weather, etc. Washing one’s skin twice a day, using a gentle cleanser and keeping your hands off your pimples can help! Use “noncomedogenic” products as they won’t clog your pores and worsen your skin issues. Gels, Serums, Liquids and Powders work better. Try and avoid creams, butters and lotions.
If you have oily skin, use a gentle cleanser twice a day, follow up with a toner (mild) or astringent, and use non-comedogenic makeup products (if you use makeup). Use a water-based moisturizer. Use a scrub and face masks to get rid of blackheads, whiteheads and control acne outbreaks.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is quite tricky and the key is to determine triggers for your skin. The skin reacts to a few ingredients and that shows as burning, itching, redness or even dryness. Try and avoid those triggers.
Also, make sure you use sunscreen and stay hydrated. You can use creams, lotions, butters, serums and gels.
Combination Skin
A combination skin is when your skin is a combination of different skin types listed above, in certain areas. Generally, the skin is dry and normal and oily in the T-zone alone. Larger pores, shiny skin and blackheads characterize combination skin.
Dealing with combination can be quite tricky and you will have to pick and choose what works for your skin, based on the types of skin combination you have! In most cases, T-zone is oily and you should use a toner to curb oil secretion and acne outbreaks. Pick a mild moisturizer and use pore cleansing packs to keep acne at bay.
Irrespective of your skin type, don’t forget to remove any trace of makeup before hitting the bed. You can use a makeup remover, or use coconut oil dabbed cotton to get the job done! Never forget sunscreen or sunblock if you are heading out, summer or winter.
