Skincare products keep the face looking bright and healthy. There is a wide variety of products available to buy, so it is wise to learn as much as you can about the skincare products that are available. People of different ages and skin types require different ingredients in their products. Here are some of the basics regarding which skincare products and ingredients to use for each skin type.
Types of Skincare Products
The number of skincare products you can find at the drugstore can be overwhelming. Here we break down some SkinUp.no products into different categories depending on what purpose they serve.
Cleansers
Cleansers come in a liquid, foam, or gel consistency and wash away makeup, oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from the face. Depending on their ingredients, cleansers may also provide hydration and soothing effects to facial skin. Ingredients to look for in a cleanser include salicylic acid, retinol, ceramides, vitamin C, and glycerin. People who have sensitive or dry skin should look for brands containing ceramides or glycerin. These ingredients work in various ways:
- Salicylic acid, an exfoliant that helps reduce oil production, is helpful for those with acne-prone skin.
- Retinol helps eliminate old, dead skin cells and boosts the production of healthier, newer skin cells, and is especially helpful for those who have oily or acne-prone facial skin.
- Ceramides are lipids that hydrate, soothe, and protect facial skin from pollution and are beneficial for sensitive or dry skin.
- Vitamin C helps the skin by reducing the effects of harmful free radicals, brightening the complexion, and reducing or slowing signs of aging.
- Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it helps the skin lock in moisture and is helpful for those who are experiencing dryness.
No matter your skin type, there is a cleanser out there that is suitable for you.
Toners
Toners are used on the face after cleansers to remove any lingering dirt still stuck in your pores. Toners should be used before the application of moisturizer. Some natural ingredients found in toners include witch hazel, aloe vera, rose water, and green tea.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers contain emulsions of oil and water to help the skin stay hydrated. Like with cleansers, some moisturizers are specially formulated to work with either dry, oily, combination, or normal skin types. There are also varieties that are helpful for sensitive or mature skin. Consider the following regarding skin types and moisturizers:
- Oily or acne-prone skin does best with lighter lotions, specifically ones that contain alpha-hydroxy acids and are labeled as non-comedogenic.
- Dry skin needs a heavier, denser lotion containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or lanolin.
- Sensitive skin can benefit from moisturizers that are labeled as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, contain the fewest number of ingredients necessary, and are free from acids that can cause irritation.
Regardless of your skin type, if you do not already use sunscreen, consider buying a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Once you find a suitable moisturizer, you should be able to use it daily without irritation. The best time to apply moisturizer is directly after a bath or shower when the skin is still damp. The dampness helps the lotion lock in the moisture from the water, further hydrating the skin.
What Is My Skin Type?
There are several different skin types, and which type someone has can change many times throughout their life. For example, teenagers are often prone to oily skin, while older people deal with dryness. These characteristics can help you figure out your skin type:
- Dry skin is often itchy or flaky, rough or sandpaper-like to the touch, and might look dull.
- Oily skin, often associated with acne-prone skin, appears greasy or shiny and is more prone to breakouts than other skin types.
- Normal skin is a balance between dry and oily skin types.
- Combination skin contains both dry and oily patches in various places on the face.
- Sensitive skin is prone to rashes, redness, and other irritation.
- Mature skin shows signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, thinness, and dryness.
Figuring out your skin type is beneficial when picking out skincare products that will work best for you.
Keep your individual skin type in mind next time you are shopping for skincare products.
