The first step to caring for your skin is to determine your skin type: Dry, Normal, Combination, and Oily are the main skin types, and each need different maintenance. Dry skin is characterized by tightness, dullness, and lack of elasticity. Normal skin is supple, few to no visible pores, and is seemingly radiant with low level maintenance. Combination skin types can be a combination of: dry/oily, normal/dry, or normal/oily. Combination types tend to have larger pores focused in just the t-zone, often with blackheads. Oily skin can be recognized by having large pores, thick complexion, and are prone to blemishes. Humidity, stress, and puberty are a few non-hereditary causes of oily skin.
If you’re still uncertain, that’s okay! Here is a basic routine you can do that is good for helping regulate all skin types.
•Resting Cleanser (day & night)
•Active Cleanser (every other day/night)
•Moisturize (day & night)
•SPF (day)
Resting cleansers are cleansers that are pH balanced but do not contain exfoliating properties such as acids or enzymes. Two of my favorite resting cleansers are the Sanitas Lemon Cream Cleanser (high end) and the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (more affordable). The Lemon Cream Cleanser contains an antioxidant blend that helps detoxify and promote skin renewal. Both are great for all skin types.
Active cleansers are cleansers that contain acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic, etc.) or enzymes. These should be used only every other day/night to help exfoliate and renew skin and decongest pores. My favorite active cleanser is the Sanitas Glycolic Citrus Cleanser. It encourages cell rejuvenation, exfoliates dead skin, and removes impurities. It works well with all skin types.
Moisturizing is a key point in treating your skin and maintaining a good complexion. People who have oily/combo tendencies tend to stray from moisturizer; however, it’s crucial to training your skin and regulating oil production. For the past two years, I’ve been using the Vita Rich Serum. This hydrating, reparative serum retextures skin and accelerates skin renewal. It contains only vitamins and essential fatty acids to strengthen and repair. It works great as a stand-alone moisturizer, and should be paired with SPF!
Your choice of SPF is important. You should always make sure your sunscreen contains only Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. These are the safest natural protection for the skin. I recommend the Solar Block from Sanitas or the CeraVe Sunscreen. The Sanitas Solar Block contains an antioxidant blend (protects DNA from UV damage and environmental exposure). Both contain Zinc Oxide to provide UV protection.
This is a simple start to working on your complexion at home. Once you regulate your skin using this routine, you can further assess your skin type and see if there are any changes.
