Skincare is very important to maintain the health and youthfulness of the skin. It improves the texture of the skin and prevents the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The skin care for each skin type will vary, so it is important to understand one’s skin type before choosing your skincare products. Here are the major skin types.
Dry Skin
People with dry skin have dry patches on their faces that may be flaky or have peeling skin. If your skin is dry, it will feel tight and rough to the touch and may have fine wrinkles or flaking during the winter months. A lack of water in the skin causes this skin type because the oil glands aren’t producing enough sebum to lubricate the skin. Moisturizing is key to treating dry skin because the lack of oil makes the skin more prone to damage from sun exposure and environmental elements. Use a moisturizer that penetrates deep into the skin and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, petroleum jelly, glycerine, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and olive oil. Avoid using soap on the face and instead opt for a gentler cleanser, like a milky lotion or a cleansing cream. The harsh surfactants in soaps can strip away the natural oils causing dryness in the first place.
Dry skin is most common in older individuals because as we age, our skin loses moisture and elasticity. Products designed for dry skin are typically oil-based because it hydrates the dry skin from the outside in. Creams are best for those with dry skin because the body can easily absorb the hydration they provide. Moisturizers are also recommended because they have humectant properties that help retain moisture in the skin. Look for moisturizers with natural ingredients like avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and hemp seed oil because they are gentle on the skin and won’t irritate your already sensitive skin.
Oily skin
If you have oily skin, you likely have enlarged pores. This skin type tends to have an excess production of sebum from the oil gland. This can lead to breakouts and increased sensitivity. It’s common for oily skin types to have blackheads and whiteheads because of this. Cosmetics can clog up the pores, which is why it’s important to use products formulated for oily skin types to help control excess sebum production. Products formulated for oily skin tend to be water-based because they absorb quickly into the skin and don’t clog pores. They also contain ingredients that minimize oil production without stripping the skin of its natural oils. So if you’re unsure what skincare products to use for your oily skin type, opt for serums and masks specifically made for oily skin to soften the appearance of pores and calm redness. Wash the face with a gentle cleanser only in the morning and at night to avoid over-drying the skin. When moisturizing, choose an oil-free formula that doesn’t contain heavy oils like coconut or jojoba oils. This will help maintain the moisture without clogging the pores.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is the combination of both dry and oily skin types on the face. Oily areas are the forehead, nose, and chin, while dry areas tend to be around the mouth and eyes. Combination skin occurs when the T-zone (the forehead, nose, chin) is more oily than the rest of the face. People with combination skin can often experience dry skin in other areas of the face, like the cheeks or around the eyes. Look for products that hydrate the dry areas while controlling the excess oils in the T-zone.
Please reach out to our practice in Wyandotte, MI, to have a consultation with our doctor, Dr. Abrahamson. Please call us at (734) 287-3000 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
