Oily, combination, dry, or sensitive—to take the very best care of your face, first you’ve got to know your skin type.
Without a pricey dermatologist visit, this can be difficult to figure out for yourself. Maybe you have an idea, but you’re not 100% sure. Don’t stress—we’ve got you covered! Whether it’s acne, flakiness, redness, or oil that’s got you down, we’ll give you all the knowledge you need, and we’ll even recommend our favorite products for your skin type. Take our quiz to find the right skincare routine for you!
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Your skin is your body’s largest organ, can show you warning signs for serious illness, and ultimately is, an important part of your overall health. So what do you need to know to keep your skin healthy and happy?
First, understand your skin type:
Oily Skin: Heat, genetics, humidity—tons of lifestyle factors can increase your chances of having an oily skin type. Sebum is a waxy substance that your skin produces to protect itself. If you have oily skin, though, sebum production is kicked into overdrive. Excess sebum means shinier, softer, slicker skin—but it can also lead to larger pores and breakouts.
Dry Skin: If you live in a dry, cold environment, you’re more susceptible to dry skin (or flaky, dull skin that has trouble retaining moisture). With a little patience and care, most people are able to manage their dry skin easily. Typically, moisturizers, lotions, and creams are a huge help. People with dry skin may face discomfort, but they do have smaller pores than the average person.
Combination Skin: If you have combination skin type, your complexion will be dry in some places, oily in others. Specifically, in your face’s t-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin), you’ll experience oil. In your cheeks and jaw, you’ll see some dryness. Use products made for combination skin types to tackle all 3 problems at once; deal with dryness, soak up oil, and even out your skin tone.
Sensitive Skin: If your skin regularly battles stinging, redness, and inflammation, you probably have a sensitive skin type. Cleansers, lotions, even sweat—it may seem like everything makes your skin feel irritated. You may deal with daily discomfort and blotchiness, but, by using gentle products, you can find relief.
Follow these tips to keep your skin healthy and blemish-free:
Stick to the shade. Exposure to harmful UV rays puts your skin (and your overall health) at risk. When you can, cover up outdoors. Try to hang out under awnings and umbrellas, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Don’t smoke. Nicotine makes your blood vessels smaller, which can be bad news for your skin. Smaller blood vessels mean fewer nutrients and oxygen make it to your skin’s surface.
Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Inflammation and oxidative stress make for unhealthy-looking skin, but a healthy diet can help you keep your skin glowing.
Moisturize your skin. Especially if you suffer from dry skin, creams, lotions, and moisturizers are crucial. To keep your skin hydrated, you can also run a humidifier and stick to warm water for baths and showers.
Keep your stress to a minimum. Excess stress makes it harder for your skin to repair itself—which means acne flair-ups and skin conditions can become far more common. Remember to keep taking care of yourself to promote happy, healthy skin (and a happy, healthy you!).
Don’t be rough with your skin. You may be tempted to scrub and rub your toughest blemishes away, but in the long run, this does more harm than good. Instead, be gentle with your skin. Use two fingers to lightly apply cleanser. Rub in small, circular motions, and don’t use too much pressure.
Learn more about the science behind skin care routines:
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