“Skin care may not matter as much to people when we’re young but once our late 20s hit, it’s much harder to ignore a proper skin care routine,” says Janet Allenby, a Florida dermatologist. And to find the right routine, it’s essential to know exactly what kind of skin you have!
Types of Skin
There are five basic skin types: Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily and Sensitive. Each skin type is unique in what it requires to maintain a glowing, healthy face. Below are ways to determine what your skin type is and how best to care for it.
Normal Skin Type
A “normal” skin type is typically defined as not being too dry or too oily. It usually has little to no imperfections or sensitivity and barely visible pores. This is the skin type everyone wants; care for normal skin is minimal. Mild soap or facial cleansers are all that are necessary to keep a normal skin type fresh and radiant.
Combination Skin Type
Combination skin type is one of the more common types. Usually if you have combination skin, your T-zone may be more oily while your cheeks tend to lean more towards being dry. Taking care of combination skin can be a bit more tricky; the oily parts need to be controlled but the products for oily skin can excessively dry out the drier areas. Using a mild glycolic acid based soap or a gentle non-soap wash designed to not strip away oils and instead wash away dirt and dead cells will keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Dry Skin
Anyone with dry skin usually knows that this is their skin type. Dry skin can often feel like you’re wearing a hard clay mask on your face, making it tight and uncomfortable. Red patches, rough spots and less elasticity are a few of the side effects of a dry face. Dry skin is more prone to itching, cracking and inflammation and can be exacerbated by environmental factors we encounter everywhere we go, like heating and the wind and cold. Taking shorter showers and baths can keep the skin from drying out further as hot water sucks the moisture from our skin. Soaps with deodorizers should be avoided completely while applying a thick, creamy moisturizer (ointment or cream) right after showering/bathing when the pores are more open will help restore moisture to the face.
Oily Skin
While oily skin can mean a very shiny face almost 24/7, it can also mean a dull or thick-looking complexion. It’s hard to keep makeup on an oily skin type and pores are usually very enlarged and the skin is prone to blackheads and other unattractive blemishes. Sticking to a face washing routine of no more than two times a day (and after exercise) can help keep the oil under control without drying it out. Using a power brush with your cleanser can really scrub out pores and help prevent blemishes and using a cleanser with salicylic acid keeps breakouts under control. Most importantly, only use cosmetics that are labeled as non-comedogenic to keep pores from clogging.
Sensitive
Sensitive skin can have various triggers that lead to redness and sensitivity so it’s important to figure out what your skin’s particular triggers are. Certain cosmetics and environmental factors can lead to burning and itching so picking gentle cosmetics made with all natural ingredients can help prevent flare-ups. Protecting your skin from sunlight with a hat and broad spectrum SPF sunscreen protects the skin from irritation and damage. Staying hydrated, keeping your skin moisturized and avoiding practices like eating unhealthy foods and smoking can also keep your skin from being painful and irritated.
Delray Beach’s Allenby Dermatology is a center dedicated to the health and beauty of your skin, no matter your skin type.
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