What type of skin do you have?
Your skin is the largest organ and is the first line of defense against external elements. The needs of our skin changes over time. Understanding your skin type is critical in determining what products to use and how to address skin challenges. Below are some helpful ways to determine your skin type and moisturizing tips.
You may experience noticeable flaky, dull skin that has trouble retaining moisture. Dry skin is largely due to genetics, environmental factors (such as lifestyle and diet), hormonal changes, and climate. If you live in a dry, cold environment, you are more susceptible to dry skin. Dehydration is also a leading cause, so drinking plenty of water and avoiding diuretics like alcohol and caffeine can make a significant difference in how your skin feels and looks.
How to best care for my dry skin?
Daily exfoliation with gentle, non-abrasive ingredients helps promote skin cell turnover without removing skin’s natural oils. Without an additional layer of dead skin, topical emollients will be absorbed more easily. Use of thicker body butters as opposed to lotions is recommended. Ingredients that are great to help revese dry skin include: Jojoba oil, Shea butter, Cupuacu butter, Coconut oil, Oatmeal, Sunflower seed oil, Honey, Aloe vera, Avocado oil, and many more. See “Ingredients” tab for more information.
Sebum is a waxy substance that your skin naturally produces to protect itself. If you have oily skin, however, sebum production is produced at a much higher rate. This can lead to shiny, soft, slick skin but it can also lead to larger pores and breakouts. Heat, genetics, and humidity are a few of the many reasons a person might have oily skin.
How to best care for my oily skin?
Wash your face frequently, to prevent sebum buildup. Be careful to avoid overly harsh cleansers, which can irritate the skin and trigger oil production. You may feel tempted to skip a moisturizer altogether if you have oily skin but hydrating with lightweight products is just as important for oily skin as it is for dry skin. Moisturizing regularly will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from overproducing sebum. Choosing the right moisturizer is important. Cocoa butter, Coconut oil, Petroleum jelly and Silicone should be avoided as they clog the pores with oily skin. Lean towards ingredients such as: Honey, Oatmeal, Aloe vera, Sunflower seed oil, Argon oil, Castor oil, Grapeseed oil, and many more. See “Ingredients” tab for more information.
People with combination skin often experience dryness in some places, oily in others. This skin-type tends to have a well-moisturized t-zone (forehead, chin, and nose). There tends to be dryness in the cheeks and jaw. Some thing that may lead to combination skin includes: use of harsh products, changes in climate, and genetics.
It important to find a moisturizer that is not too heavy but also substantial enough to retain moisture where needed most.
How to best care for my combination skin?
Caring for combination skin can feel tricky – but it's quite simple. Gentle, daily exfoliation is also important to keep the t-zone and cheek areas balances. Products that work for dry skin may be harsh on oily skin. Use moisturizing tips suggested above for dry areas and separate moisturizing tips suggested above for oily areas. Moreover, opt for fragrance-free, natural skin care products that soothe your skin.
Skin that is easily irritated and more reactive than normal skin is referred to as sensitive skin. This type of skin is fragile, usually prone to stinging, redness, itching, and inflammation. This skin type frequently loses its barrier, thus allowing microorganisms and irritants to easily enter, leading to infections and allergic reactions. Cleansers, lotions, even sweat, may make your skin feel irritated. You may deal with daily discomfort and blotchiness, but, by using gentle products, you can find relief.
How to best care for my sensitive skin?
Managing sensitive skin can be challenging, as it takes considerable time and effort to determine which ingredients cause inflammation and irritation. To make this process easier, introduce only one new formula or product at a time. Patch testing a new formula on your inner forearm is an excellent way to minimize potential reactions on the face. If your skin shows no sign of flaring up, apply the product to the area behind one of your ears before using it on your face.
Normal skin is also called eudermic, meaning well-balanced. It is neither too oily nor too dry. Normal skin tends to have balanced pH levels and sebum production. How to identify normal skin: smooth texture, fine pores, no sensitivity, no blemishes, few or no breakouts, radiant complexion.
How to best care for my normal skin?
Moisturizers are a must for ALL skin types. Moisturizers keep the skin moist and prevents it from overproducing sebum.