How To Choose The Right Ingredients For Your Skin Type

First Off, it's June and this is my first blog post of 2024! I absolutely have to do better!
Sorry for the inconsistency, but I come to share information that I think you'll find useful if you just keep reading.
At this point, I am a skin professional...so let's talk skin. Did you know that skin is the largest organ of the human body? It has several functions, but it primarily acts as a barrier between the internal organs and external environment. Skin is composed of three layers: epidermis (outermost layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue (deepest layer).
What does the skin do for us? Well, I thought you might never ask. Here's just a few (VERY IMPORTANT) functions:
Shields internal tissue from UV radiation
Regulates body temperature
Removes waste through sweat
Produces Vitamin D
Acts as first line of defense in the immune system
Proper skin care is essential to maintain the health and functionality of the skin. This includes cleansing, moisturizing, protecting from UV damage, and addressing specific needs based on skin type.
Emphasis on --> SKIN TYPE! Do you know your skin type? Do you know what skin care routine works best for your skin type? Do you know what ingredients work best for your skin type?
If you were able to answer all of three of those questions then kudos to you! You must be a skin professional, too! But if you didn't know the answers to all of those questions, then LUCKILY you have me and you're reading this :).
There are 5 main skin types:
Normal Skin
Oily Skin
Dry Skin
Combination Skin
Sensitive Skin
Here's a brief description of each skin type.
Normal Skin: Balanced - not too dry, not too oily. No severe sensitivities. Few imperfections. Barely visible pores
Oily Skin: Shiny appearance - especially in the T-zone. Enlarged pores. Prone to blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes
Dry Skin: Feels tight - especially after cleansing. Flaky or rough texture. Dull complexion. Less elasticity and more visible lines.
Combination Skin: Mix of dry and oily areas - oily T-zone and dry or normal cheeks. Pores that look larger than normal. Shiny skin in some areas and dry patches in other.
Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated by products and other external factors. Redness and blotchiness. Prone to itching, burning, and dryness. Reacts to skin products or other environmental factors more than other skin types.
Daily or Consistent use of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serum, suncreen, mask, and exfoliant is what makes a good skin care routine, but there are certain ingredients and/or applications that help better manage specific skin types. I'll be generous and tell you what they are.
FOR NORMAL SKIN... balance is key. Use a gentle and hydrating cleanser with glycerin. Apply hydrating toners and serums that contain aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin C. Apply lightweight moisturizers with ceramides and squalane. Exfoliate 1-2 times a week with mild exfoliants containing lactic acid or salicylic acid. ALWAYS wear a lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen.
FOR OILY SKIN...managing excess oil production is key. Cleansers containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil help clear pores and treat acne. Moisturizing using oil-free and mattifying products that include hyaluronic acid and niacinamide add hydration without adding oil. Retinol serums will help improve skin texture and reduce acne. Witch hazel toners will tighten pores and control oil. Applying a clay or charcoal mask 1-2 times per week will help absorb excess oils as well. Again, ALWAYS wear a lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen.
FOR DRY SKIN...providing deep hydration is key. Cream or oil-based cleansers will cleanse without stripping away oil. Moisturizers with shea butter will provide deep hydration and nourishment. Serums with panthenol (vitamin B5) and vitamin E will help moisturize, hydrate, and heal the skin. Use of gentle enzyme exfoliants will remove dead skin cells so products better penetrate the skin. Applying hydrating and overnight masks containing aloe vera, honey, or colloidal oatmeal at least once a week will aid in maintaining skin moisture. And I'll keep saying it, ALWAYS wear a lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen.Â
FOR COMBINATION SKIN...balancing the oily and dry areas is key. After you identify your oily and dry areas, you will need to create a unique skin care routine using ingredients that best treat the different skin types. Applying a gel-based cleansers with salicylic acid followed by a hydrating toner containing hyaluronic acid or aloe vera will cleanse, remove oil, and hydrate. Using gel-cream moisturizers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid are the perfect blend. You may even have to apply a clay mask in the T-zone area and a hydrating mask on the cheeks. Don't forget - ALWAYS wear a lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen.Â
Lastly,
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN...reducing irritation is key. Gentle, sulfate-free cleansers or micellar water are your go to. Similar to normal skin types, you can use lightweight moisturizers with ceramides, shea butter, or squalane. Use serums containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, or vitamin E. Exfoliate with mild exfoliants like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). Apply calming masks that contain aloe vera or chamomile. Most importantly, avoid use of harsh chemicals, rough exfoliants, alcohol, and some fragrances and essential oils. With this skin type, less is usually more. And one more time for the people in the back - ALWAYS wear a lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen.Â
After you identify your skin type, you should develop a skin care routine that caters to your specific skin needs. Skin is an important organ that does a lot for the body, but also directly affects confidence and self-esteem. Remember, everything is not for everybody. You may not be able to follow every TikTok skin care trend or use the same products as your spouse or bestie. Find what works for you and stick to it.
I hope this helps!
Much Luv,
-TPC <3
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