Knowing your own skin type is critical to ensuring you are using the most appropriate Face Wash, Moisturiser or Scrub.
Normal Skin
Most common skin type with combination of small and medium pores, resulting in little or no dry or oily areas.
You will need to moisturise any drier areas, typically the cheeks, while treating the oiliness of any oilier areas such as forehead, nose and chin.
Cleansing: There are plenty of Cleansers for normal skin on the market. If your T-zone is oily, you should use a Toner once a day.
Moisturising: The last thing you want to do is make your T-zone even oilier. So use a Moisturiser only where you need it. If your under-eye area is dry use a cream specifically formulated for this delicate skin.
Sun Protection: Opt for an oil-free Moisturiser or Sunscreen with at-least SPF-15.
Dry/Sensitive Skin
Smaller pores dehydrate and give skin the feeling of being tight and dry.
Although that tight, parched feeling in the skin can be age-related, using a Wash or Cleanser that's too harsh or a Moisturiser that's not rich enough for your skin's needs can also cause dry skin.
A gentle skin care routine can help make even the driest skin more supple and radiant.
Cleansing: Dry skin should be cleaned using a creamy Face Wash twice a day. Exfoliate with a gentle Facial Scrub once or twice a week and use a Face Mask once or twice a month.
Moisturising: The drier your skin, the more hydrating ingredients your Moisturiser should contain. Apply the Moisturiser when your face and body are still damp to lock in the moisture.
Sun Protection: Dry skin produces less oil than other skin types, so its more vulnerable to inflammation. Use an SPF-15 Sunscreen year round.
Oily Skin
Consists of larger pores that secrete more sebum and leave skin surface shiny.
If you have oily skin, consider yourself blessed. The oil you bemoan now is a built in lubricant that will benefit your skin, as you grow older.
Cleansing: If you are using harsh soaps and alcohol-laden astringents to dry the oil discontinue immediately. Over time these products can damage your skin - and they may encourage already overactive oil glands to step up production. Try a mild Facial Cleanser every morning in the shower, followed by an astringent Toner. Exfoliate with a mild Facial Scrub two or three times per week and use a Face Mask once a week.
Moisturising: Go for Moisturisers that are water based because they're lighter than creams and tend to contain less oil, so they won't clog pores.
Sun Protection: Try oil-free Sunscreens to avoid breakouts. They'll keep your skin safe from the sun without the extra shine.
