Skin Care Q & A: How Can I Ensure I Use the Right Products for My Skin Type?

• Core Facts

One of the major reasons why people have problem skin is because they can’t identify their skin type. If you have extremely dry or oily skin, it’s pretty easy. But anything more subtle can be confusing. Consequently, people with oily skin use skin care products designed for dry skin, and so on. Although some skin care products are effective for all skin types, most are better for one type than another. Find out how you can determine your skin type so you can use the skin care products best for you.

Most people think there are three skin types – dry, oily, and normal. In fact, there are three others.

The first is combination skin – the cheeks are dry, but the forehead, nose and chin are oily. This is generally considered ‘normal’ as the cheeks have fewer oils glands than other areas, but it does present special skin care problems.

Next is ‘sensitive’ skin. Sensitive skin generally has fine pores, blushes easily, and is prone to rashes and allergic reactions. It also tends to be dry.

The last type is called ‘aging’. Aging skin is also usually dry, but is slack and wrinkled. One would use dry skin care products on aging skin, perhaps with extra anti-aging ingredients.

How can you identify your skin type? Some we’ve covered above but as for the rest: Oily skin is shiny, has large pores, and tends to break out in blemishes and blackheads. Dry skin is generally flaky - you can feel the roughness with your hands - and can develop red patches. Dry skin also feels tight and tends to wrinkle. Normal skin doesn’t have oily or dry patches, feels smooth and slightly moist, and generally isn’t problematic. That’s what we’re all shooting for.

Once you’ve identified your skin type, you can then get started on finding the right products.

No matter what your skin type, it’s always a good idea to use natural skin care products that won’t damage the skin. Also, thousands of doctors now recommend using a shielding lotion under make-up rather than traditional moisturizers. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer than locks in moisture and keeps out chemicals. It prevents damage from the chemicals in our skin care products and in the environment.

Using the right products for your skin type will help prevent damage and give your skin the nourishment it needs. But don’t forget the shielding lotion: If you have problem skin, it may have been caused by chemicals. Other skin care products mask the damage;  shielding lotion comes so highly recommended as skin care treatment because it can actually help heal it. Give it a try, and the next products you buy might be for normal, instead of dry, sensitive or aging skin.

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