Girls, how are we supposed to take care of our complexion if we don’t know our skin type first? What if we’ve been using the wrong products for our skin all along and never even knew about it? But don’t go into panic mode just yet, because we’re here to help you out of this dilemma. Out of the 5 skin types – normal, oily, dry, sensitive and combination – we help you determine which one you have. After all, we are your beauty godmothers!
Your skin type is influenced by genetics, stress, diet, hormonal fluctuations, your skincare regime and, most importantly, how much oil your skin produces. According to all of these factors, your skin type can even change from time to time. The easiest way to zero in what your skin type is to take a fresh facial tissue and use it to wipe your face when you wake up in the morning. That’s when your skin is at its most natural – well-rested, and free of any product and as yet untouched by sun, dirt and pollution.
1. Oily Skin – Those Overactive Glands!
Your skin is characterized by a greasy sheen, especially on the T-zone and the cheeks. Enlarged pores, blackheads and breakouts are problems you commonly deal with thanks to the excess production of oil by your sebaceous glands. Oiliness can increase at times of stress, hormonal fluctuations (during PMS, for instance) and thanks to humidity. The good news is that oily skin is less prone to wrinkling and ageing as compared to dry skin.
Products You Need: It’s essential to wash your face with a cleanser specified for oily skin, like the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Rs. 499), as well as to use an oil-free moisturizer, like the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer (Rs. 399). It’s also important to use a gentle exfoliator such as the Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub (Rs. 130) twice a week to prevent blackheads. And you need to use a toner to help control breakouts – we like The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner (Rs. 795).
2. Normal Skin – You Lucky Thing!
You’re blessed if this is your skin type since you have a radiant complexion and the least problematic skin. With very few imperfections and skin that is supple and elastic, you don’t need to do much to keep yourself looking smooth and flawlessly young.
Products You Need: Though you don’t need to worry much about your skin, it’s still important to cleanse, tone and moisturize to keep it healthy. Use products that are meant for normal skin. Important: remember to remove your makeup every time you apply any! You want your skin to remain lovely, right? Invest in a pack of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Rs. 499).
Also read: 11 Skin Care Secrets That Will *Change* Your Beauty Routine!
3. Dry Skin – Moisturizer Is Your Best Friend
Your skin is often flaky and can feel tight from time to time, especially after cleansing, and it can also look pale and dull at other times. Fine lines, wrinkles and red patches are common occurrences for women who deal with dry skin. When your skin is extremely dry, it can become rough, itchy and start peeling and even turn scaly on your arms and legs.
Products You Need: Girl, moisturizing should be your top priority! Use a mild cleanser and a rich moisturizer like Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Intense Hydration Cream (Rs. 1,649) as often as you can.
4. Combination Skin – It’s Confusing, Yes
A very common skin type, this is a combination of oily and dry. Women who have combination skin generally have an oily T-zone, accompanied with dry patches on the cheeks and the undereye area.
Products You Need: You may need to stock up on more products than others since you need to treat your T-zone differently from the rest of your face. Use a toner like Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner (Rs. 2,100) on the greasy areas, and a rich moisturizer like L’Oreal HydraFresh All Day Hydration Aqua Cream (Rs. 600) on the rest of your face. Don’t forget to exfoliate twice a week!
Also read: How To Make Your Skin *Glow* (No Matter What Your Skin Type)
5. Sensitive Skin – We Feel For You
This is, by far, the most problematic and delicate skin type. Sensitive skin can become very dry and tight and is prone to redness and gets inflamed very easily. It requires the maximum amount of care as you have to constantly watch out for irritation and blemishes.
Products You Need: We all know the importance of sunscreen, but since your skin is the most sensitive, you need to avoid sun damage at any cost. Use sunscreen religiously. Also, use heavy creams and moisturizers such as the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa (Rs. 1,750) to plump up your skin. Be cautious about trying new products, and always use a mild and medicated cleanser like the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (Rs. 500).
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