Know Your Skin Type for Better Care

Countless pharmacies around the globe tout skin care products for virtually every type of skin. From normal to dry to oily to the enigma known as combination skin, there are gels and creams specifically formulated for these skin types. How do we know which of these products to use? The first step is to figure out which skin type we have, and they consist of four: normal, oily, dry, and combination skin.

Normal skin is what we all want: smooth texturized skin with a uniform tone that is free of large pores with no dry patches or greasy areas. Normal skin is renowned for its glow. Acne doesn't usually plague normal skin, although the small pimple might turn up from time to time because of hormonal activity. Dry skin is the profit maker of skin care industries. Companies like Aveeno and Keri scramble to find the latest ingredients in targeting problematic dry skin. You all know what it is. Dry skin is characterized by being dull and looks tight when you walk out of the shower (until you add moisturizer.) Dry skin is adept at producing fine lines, chapping, and ashing.

Oily skin, on the other hand, is defined as skin with a shiny texture. Really oily skin sufferers have large pores and pimples as a result of excess oil being produced in the glands. One curious swipe over your forehead can bring back that uncomfortable grease-like feeling. Lastly combination skin is a hybrid of both dry skin and oily skin. Oil lies around the nose forehead and chin areas while dry skin refers itself to the mouth and eyes.

Skin care varies according to skin type. Normal skin is the easiest of all. Ideally, it should be cleaned two times a day with soap and warm water. Astringents can be used to close pores and prevent breakouts. Dry skin can be conquered with light cream cleansers that do an excellent job of maintaining the natural essential oils of the skin, keeping moisture intact. Exfoliate products also work well in removing flaky skin. Oily skin is a little more difficult to tackle, requiring an oil cleanser while maintaining some semblance of natural oil in the service. Make sure your skin care products contain alpha-hydroxy acid which helps to beat dead cells and take them off of clogged pores. By knowing your skin type, you will be a champion at taking care of it using the right products.