by Megan Vixie
The Four Skin Types:
Oily
This skin type is characterized by large pores and skin that feels or looks oily. This is because people who have an oily skin type have overactive sebaceous (oil) glands and will get a greasy or shiny appearance (especially in the T-zone) throughout the day. This skin type is prone to breakouts and blackheads.
Tips for taking care of oily skin: stick to a consistent skin care routine, and make sure you cleanse your face twice a day. Use toner after cleansing and whenever you need a refresh during the day (it works great to get rid of any oil or shine that builds throughout the day!). Also, remember not to skip your moisturizer. Don’t be fooled; oily skin needs moisturizer too.
Dry
People with dry skin types have small pores that are nearly invisible. Opposite to oily skin, dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture due to underactive sebaceous (oil) glands. This skin type can often look dull, feel tight, is prone to fine lines, and has a rough texture that flakes easily.
Tips for taking care of dry skin: use a natural cleanser that is gentle on the skin (that means something that is soap-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, etc.). Use warm—not hot—water to cleanse your face and apply moisturizer when the skin is moist (either with water or toner). Use toner for even more of a moisturizing boost and exfoliate your face gently one to two times a week to help get rid of the flaky, dead skin.
Combination
As the name suggests, this type is the best of both problematic skin types. Neither completely dry or completely oily, combination skin will be oily in some parts of the face, such as the T-zone, and dry on other parts like the cheeks and jawline. This skin type is prone to whiteheads and blackheads (mostly in the T-zone) and can feel tight around the mouth.
Tips for taking care of combination skin: Like dry skin, you need a gentle cleanser, and like oily skin, you can’t skip your moisturizer! Use toner to keep the skin balanced and beautiful. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week and be consistent with how often you wash your face (morning and night).
Normal
Ah, the lucky ducks of skin types. Normal skin is smooth, soft, has clear texture, fine pores and looks radiant because it has a good balance of oil and moisture.
Tips for taking care of normal skin: just because your skin is naturally balanced doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of it, my normal skin type people. Make sure you have a skin care routine that cleanses your face of dirt, debris, or makeup, keep it protected with moisturizer and use a toner regularly to help maintain that healthy balance of yours.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin may sound like dry skin, but the two are very different. Dry skin is caused by a lack of oil production on the face, while dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water or hydration. Dehydrated skin is mostly caused by insufficient water intake, but it can also be caused by a lack of moisturizing the skin. Even though our bodies try to produce the moisture we need, the environment can make us lose it, so it is important to remember to help your skin by moisturizing it. Also, drink more water. It’s good for you.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is skin that can be easily irritated, inflamed, itchy, and red. People with sensitive skin are prone to rashes, bumps, and have to be mindful when using skincare products. Using too many can irritate the skin, as well as using products with ingredients like fragrance, alcohol, essential oils, and any other type of skin irritant. Sensitive skin can be caused by a reaction to products but can also be a genetic condition (like rosacea). Other symptoms of sensitive skin are flushing of the skin and the appearance of broken capillaries (tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin) around the nose or cheeks. If you have sensitive skin, know what common skincare ingredients are skin irritants and avoid them, and be gentle with your skin.