Skincare Fundamentals

A certain skincare regimen would work for some but may not on others, and skincare products work differently on different skin types. That is why knowing one’s skin type should be the first thing to do, to be able to know how to take care of it.

Oily skin is shiny, usually with large pores; and it is prone to acne. But having oily skin has a good side, like it is not prone

Oily Skin.

to dryness, the skin is supple and wrinkles less compared to other skin types.

For the oily skin type, washing the face twice daily is advisable, according to skincare expert Ellen Bailey at www.healthcentral.com. Unless perspiring heavily, washing more than that can increase oil production.

Dry skin usually has flakes and itchiness. One of the most

Dry Skin.

basic skincare tips for dry skin is to not go for steamy showers as it strips off the skin’s natural oil barrier which is needed to keep the skin moist and smooth, says Wendy C. Fries at www. webmd.com.

Sun damage is also one of the causes of dry skin, and so is aging. For the dry skin type, applying sun protection can help ease the dryness. A person with dry skin should also limit the time in the shower as long showers can wash away the skin’s natural oils.

Combination-type Skin.

Oshetisi Okagbare writes at www.livestrong. com that people with this skin usually have an oily T-zone on the forehead, nose and chin, and those with dry or normal skin on the areas of the face.

Balance is key. Since a combination skin type is both oily and dry, one may avoid over-cleansing the T-zone while protecting the dry areas without overdoing the moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin.

Skin classified as sensitive tends to react adversely upon the introduction of a new product. It easily gets irritated and is more prone to rashes, redness and allergies. According to Renee Loux, in an article at www. womenshealthmag.com, trial-and-error is the way to go. Before applying the new product to the entire face, a person with sensitive skin may do a test run on a small patch of skin, behind the ear.

Looking good starts with good skin. It’s important to know the fundamentals of skincare in order to get that beautiful glow.