No matter what your skin type, finding the best routine to maintain healthy, glowing skin is 100 per cent achievable. First, it’s important to identify your skin type. If you’re unsure, you can find out quickly using just a tissue! Learn more about your tissue test results here. Once you’ve determined your skin type, search for active ingredients in your skincare products that have been proven to work well and combat any irritation or issues your skin make encounter in your day-to-day life.
Dry Skin
Hydration is the most important thing to keep in mind in order to keep your dry skin happy and healthy! Moisturizing every morning, and again before bed with a good night cream, will give your skin a smoother, more glowing look and help prevent any breakouts, dullness or irritation that result from dehydration. If you have dry skin, look for active ingredients like:
● Hyaluronic acid
● Glycerin
● Vitamin C
Both hyaluronic acid and glycerin are known to have super hydrating properties that will give your skin a more plump, and even younger, look. They work to lock in hydration on your skin so you’ll go fewer hours with dry patches and flakiness. Vitamin C may not seem like an ingredient you can apply with your hands, but check out serums for this ingredient. Adding Vitamin C into your routine, especially as you age, can combat dryness, wrinkles and boost your skin’s elasticity.
Oily Skin
Oily skin can be prone to breakouts, but denying your skin of moisture can actually cause it to overproduce its own oils, leading to more acne! Make sure to balance your skincare routine so your cells aren’t working overtime. Some active ingredients for oily skin to look for include:
● Dimethicone
● Salicylic acid
● Tea tree oil
You’ll want a good facial bar that naturally soothes the skin and removes excess oil without leaving the skin dry. This is better than using a moisturizer loaded with oils, which can leave your skin feeling greasy. Speaking of moisturizers, make sure to look for one that uses an ingredient like dimethicone to help avoid the greasy feeling while still giving your skin the moisture it craves. Salicylic acid works wonders on inflamed skin (read: zits!) and even exfoliates your skin, while tea tree oil can break down your skin’s oiliness, attack bacteria and can serve as an antiseptic.
Sensitive Skin
When many products can inflame your sensitive skin, narrowing down ingredients that will treat it effectively and gently is especially important. Give these a try:
● Oatmeal
● Aloe vera
● Calendula
Oatmeal (yes, the breakfast food) can actually be a godsend for your skin by helping with skin cell repair, while aloe vera not only feels luxuriously soothing, it can actually help calm your skin cells. Calendula is also perfect for soothing irritated skin and will work as an antiseptic on your skin.
Normal/Combination Skin
If your skin is not too oily, or too dry, finding a balance of the right ingredients should be a priority. While combination skin means treating the different areas of your face with special care (such as using oily skin ingredients on your t-zone to minimize shine). Those with normal skin should consider products that contain:
● Alpha-hydroxy acids
● Retinol
● Caffeine
Products that boast alpha-hydroxy acids can kickstart cell repair without irritation, while retinol is Vitamin A-based and can boost your skin’s texture and hydration while encouraging elasticity. You can even give your skin a shot of caffeine to trigger its antioxidant and soothing properties.
Now You’re Set
Now that you know more about how these active ingredients interact with skin, you’re set! By using the right ingredients for your skin type, you’ll keep your skin looking soft, healthy, and supple for years to come.
About The Author: Casey is a freelance writer and content strategist. Casey has worked with a number of brands, revitalizing their online social and shopping channels.