Using the Right Products for Your Skin Type
We all know the importance of taking care of your skin, but having an extensive, multi-step skincare routine doesn’t necessarily mean it’s effective. When it comes to choosing the right exfoliant, cleanser, moisturizer, toner, and masks, it’s important to know your skin type to ensure you are targeting your problem areas. For example, you might think that your moisturizer is helping hydrate your dry skin, but it may in fact be irritating it even more. We are here to help you determine which of the five skin types you have, and which products to look for–and avoid–while you are building your skincare regimen!
If you are in the Midlothian, VA area and are interested in beginning treatments targeted for your skin type, contact us at Club West Med Spa today! We are excited to join you on your skincare journey.
Normal Skin
If you have normal skin, you’re one of the lucky ones. Normal skin is neither oily nor dry, and doesn’t get too sensitive when using different products. However, it is still vital to take good care of your skin to ensure that it stays healthy.
Products for Normal Skin
Everything! No, this wasn’t a trick question–normal skin is highly tolerable of different ingredients, which means you can experiment with your routine to find what works best for you. Regardless, we still recommend you start with a good base: a gentle cleanser, exfoliator, and a moisturizer that contains SPF. If you start there, then build up with your favorite toners, serums, and masks, you’ll be golden!
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you likely don’t need us to tell you that you do. Your skin will appear shiny and you may be prone to acne, blackheads, and blemishes. A common misconception is that you should overwash your face to prevent oiliness–in fact, this actually dries out your skin even more, which causes your skin to produce more oil to compensate. This is where the importance of oil-targeting products comes in.
Products for Oily Skin
In general, look for products labeled “non-comedogenic”, as they won’t clog your pores. Choose a salicylic acid cleanser to help purify and exfoliate while removing irritants and bacteria from pores. You can also rotate this with a mild cleanser. As far as moisturizers go, choose something oil-free. In addition, clay masks are the perfect choice for a little extra self-care for your skin. Remember to not wash your face more than twice a day and use SPF daily!
Dry Skin
Dry skin is often caused by external factors like the weather, the temperature at which you keep your home, medications you may be taking, or even if you aren’t drinking enough water! If you have rough patches, areas that are flaky and irritated, or itchy red skin, you likely have dry skin. It is important to find products that target dryness in order to achieve hydration, smoothness, and elasticity in your skin.
Products for Dry Skin
Products with harsh fragrances and scents can be very drying to the skin, so try to shop for hydrating cleansers with minimal fragrances. Finding the right moisturizer is key–go for something rich and creamy, or even an ointment. Remember to apply creams right after you wash your face to prevent your skin from drying out quickly! And, as always, make sure you are applying a hydrating SPF every day.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, your skin may feel oily in some areas and dry in others. You may notice that certain areas are prone to blackheads and shine, especially in your T-zone, while the rest of your face is dry. This skin type can be tricky to find products for since there is a fine line between oily and dry skin.
Products for Combination Skin
Your main goal when aiming to treat combination skin is balance. In general, avoid harsh alcohol-based products that will dry out your skin more or cause irritation. A lightweight gel moisturizer will work best. Next, target your T-zone with a toner to balance out the area. Lastly, make sure to use SPF every day to protect your skin from sun damage!
Sensitive Skin
Do you find your skin stinging, burning, turning red, or just becoming generally irritated when you use certain products? You likely have sensitive skin, which is generally triggered by specific ingredients or products. Trial and error can help you determine what it is that sets your skin off.
Products for Sensitive Skin
Finding the right products is especially critical for those with sensitive skin, as you may experience great discomfort if you don’t. When shopping for skincare products, try to look for items that are designed specifically for sensitive skin. Make sure to avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, and sulfates because these will irritate your skin further. Fragrance-free moisturizers with SPF will keep your skin hydrated without weighing it down.
Get the Results You’re Looking for With Your Skincare Routine
When it comes to choosing the right skincare products for you, paying close attention to your skin is key. Once you are aware of what your skin likes and what it doesn’t, or how it reacts to certain products, you can determine the areas you should be targeting. Interested in taking the next step and starting treatments specifically designed for your skin? We have a wide range of facials, treatments, and products at our Midlothian, VA location that are curated just for you. Contact Club West Med Spa today to get started!