The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Skincare Products for Your Skin Type

Our skin protects us from UV radiation, also from bacteria and injury.  Maintaining our body temperature and preventing water loss are also some of its functions.  Our sense of touch performs through our skin and this helps us avoid consequences that may hurt us physically.  That is why we should really give extra time and effort to taking care of the largest sense organ…  the skin.

Let’s find out your skin type so that you can choose the most appropriate skin care for yourself.  Shiny skin has enlarged pores and acne occurs in oily skin.  On the other hand, flaky and rough skin that feels tight may indicate dry skin.  A combination of oily and dry skin can also happen if it is oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry in the cheeks and jawline.  Furthermore, those skin that are allergic to certain chemicals belong to the sensitive ones.  And of course, we have the best type in normal or balanced skin that is neither too oily nor too dry to handle.

The main focus for oily skin is to control oil production, prevent acne, and reduce shine.  A cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree oil is preferable and salicylic acid should also be a vital ingredient in the exfoliating toner.  This skin type can accommodate a lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturizer.  Matte-finish or oil-free formula for sunscreen is good, and use chemical (glycolic or salicylic acid) exfoliants two to three times a week.  However, heavy creams, rich oils, and alcohol-based toners should be avoided. 

Meanwhile, dry skin should choose products that restore moisture, protect the skin barrier, and prevent water loss.  If you have this kind of skin, it can tolerate hydrating cream or oil-based cleanser.   A hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid and a rich,  cream-based moisturizer with ceramides will give you better skin projection.  Select a moisturizing sunscreen with hydrating component.  Exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliator (lactic acid).

A gentle cleanser with niacinamide goes well for combination skin.  While a balancing toner with hazel or hyaluronic acid will work well.  Applying a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to oily areas, and richer cream to dry areas will bring balance to oiliness and dryness.  A lightweight sunscreen will do while exfoliation should be done two to three times a week with AHA/BHA  serums.  

Let’s see for sensitive skin.  To avoid unfavorable reactions of your skin to certain chemicals, purchase a gentle, fragrance-free cream or milk cleanser and a soothing, alcohol-free toner with a calming chamomile.  Hypoallergenic, and also fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides and mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide should be included in your preference.  Gentle, non-abrasive exfoliants once or twice a week will make your sensitive skin happy.

Finally, normal skin can be stroked with a gentle gel or cream cleanser, a hydrating toner with rose water, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer,  and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.  Also, make it a habit to indulge in exfoliation two to three times a week to complete the skincare routine.

Your skin type should be treated with the right product to achieve its best condition.  Change that product that you believe doesn’t fit your skin requirements, and find the best skincare products in Australia!