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Oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, normal skin. Perhaps you’ve seen these common skin types on product labels, but you’re lost when it comes to where you and your skin’s unique need fit in. Have you been wondering, “What is my skin type?” If so, we can help you figure that out. Once you know what your skin type is, we’ll recommend a simple three-step skin care routine (cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen) for you to try every morning to face the day with fresh, healthy-looking skin. Ready to learn more? Let’s get started by discussing:
“Every person’s skin is different, and you may not squarely fit into a skin ‘type,’ so to speak,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “However, many skin care companies do refer to skin types when it comes to describing their formulas and who they are intended for, so it can be of some help to know your skin’s needs.”
When it comes to picking out what skin care products to use, there are four different types most skin care brands refer to: oily, dry, combination and normal. Oily skin occurs when the pores in your skin produce excess sebum, while dry skin results when your pores aren’t producing enough sebum. Normal skin indicates well-balanced sebum production—not too much, not too little. Combination skin can feel oily in some places and normal or dry in others.
When it comes to determining what skin type you have, our idea here is to try the “watch and wait” method. To start, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and then, gently pat it dry. Wait thirty minutes, and then, step back in front of the bathroom mirror to take a closer look. If your skin appears shiny throughout, you likely have oily skin. If it feels tight and is flaky or scaly, you likely have dry skin. If the shine is only in your T-zone, you probably have combination skin. If your skin feels comfortable and not oily, you likely have a normal skin type.
Because excess oil on your skin can combine with dead skin cells and lead to clogged pores that result in whiteheads, blackheads and pimples, using a balancing face cleanser can go a long way to reduce oil and breakouts. This clear gel cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to help control excess oil production, reduce acne-causing bacteria and effectively exfoliate your skin, sweeping away the dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Shine can be an issue for oily skin types, and a mattifying moisturizer can help keep your skin in balance. Ceramides and glycerin hydrate while silica and perlite absorb excess oil to keep your skin looking matte throughout the day. This formula also contains niacinamide, which helps reduce inflammation and also diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
When you have oily skin, the last thing you want is a sunscreen that goes on feeling greasy. This non-comedogenic formula combines broad-spectrum sun protection with a dry-touch texture that sets with a matte, barely there finish. It also contains Cell-Ox Shield XL technology, a combination of sunscreen filters and antioxidants that work together to prevent signs of premature aging.
When you have dry skin, using a cleanser that doesn’t further deplete your skin’s moisture is key. This lightweight cleansing cream helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier with ceramides and niacinamide while gently removing dirt and makeup. It will leave your skin feeling clean and fresh, never dry or tight.
A holy grail moisturizer in La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane line, this formula contains many of the same nourishing ingredients as the Hydrating Cleanser, including ceramides and niacinamide to help fortify your skin’s moisture barrier, reduce flakiness and boost softness. It’s also a great choice for dry skin that’s also sensitive because it’s made without common skin irritants such as fragrance, dye and parabens.
Layering on a sunscreen with moisturizing properties is just what dry skin needs to face the day. It contains glycerin to soften dry skin and hyaluronic acid to bind moisture into your skin’s surface cells for a plump, hydrated appearance. An all-mineral blend of zinc oxide and titanium oxide helps shield your skin from UVA and UVA rays, and the addition of antioxidant-packed senna alata extract helps neutralize damaging free radicals.
This daily face wash is formulated for normal to oily skin, making it well-suited to the needs of combination skin types. It contains niacinamide to address any redness and irritation on drier parts of your face while the clean-rinsing foamy formula dissolves makeup and oil without any trace of pore-clogging residue.
Created for normal to dry skin, this lightweight facial moisturizer is a great staple in your daily routine for combination skin. A blend of plant oils gives this formula a light scent while hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and mineral-rich La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Spring Water provides a soothing finish.
For combination skin, follow up your moisturizer with a feather-weight sunscreen such as this one from the La Roche-Posay Anthelios line. It has a milky texture that instantly sinks into your skin and dries to a satin finish. Plus, it comes in untinted or tinted versions. It’s a prime pick to bring with you to the pool or the beach, as it’s water-resistant for up to forty minutes.
Also one of our recommendations for combination skin above, this versatile face cleanser is also a fantastic option for normal skin types. The formula foams up to a pleasing lather to dissolve dirt, makeup and oil and rinses away with no traces of residue. You can use it both in your morning and evening skin care routines to prep your skin for treatments to come.
One of La Roche-Posay’s all-around most popular moisturizers, Double Repair contains ceramides and niacinamide to help support your skin’s moisture barrier to keep your skin in balance. We’re big fans of the lightweight, creamy texture that absorbs easily into your skin and wears well under makeup.
For superior sun protection with a clean-feeling finish, this is an excellent sunscreen choice for those with normal skin. It has a natural-looking universal tint that provides light, sheer coverage to helps camouflage dark spots and uneven skin tone. This all-mineral formula blocks UVA and UVB rays with 11% titanium dioxide and is sweat- and water-resistant for up to forty minutes.
If you’re interested in anti-aging solutions, you can learn more about the new A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Corrective Cream from SkinCeuticals on the LovelySkin Blog.
Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.
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