What Type of Skin Do You Have?
Not all skin is created equal, you could have one of the following skin types:
Dry - underactive sebum production which causes dryness, flaking and itchiness of the skin, and is a main symptom of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Ideal products will improve hydration and retention of hydration in the skin.
Oily - overactive sebum production which causes oiliness through excessive oil build-up, acne, blackheads and other dermal conditions especially apparent on the face. Ideal products will include ingredients which help regulate sebum production.
Combination - both oily and dry in separate areas of the face, usually the T-zone of the face is oily and other areas are dry. Ideal products will include ingredients which help to balance sebum production.
Sensitive - skin which is intolerant of particular topical irritants such as synthetics, chemicals, pollen and other environmental factors. Ideal products include ingredients which are gentle, hypoallergenic and form a barrier to prevent further irritants getting into the skin.
What's the Difference Between an Oily, a Dry and a Combination Skin Cleansing Routine?
Mainly the ingredients used to formulate the products - different base and active ingredients, and different ratios of ingredients which alter the effects to the skin.
For example, in a dry skin routine we are looking to gently cleanse away dead skin cells, dirt and debris without stripping the skin of vital natural oils, and then introducing emollients which are readily absorbed and retained in the skin.
However, in an oily skin routine it is necessary to cleanse more actively due to excessive sebum production, and it is necessary to promote regulation of sebum production with ingredient choices in cleansers and moisturizers.
What Changes Are Made for Sensitive Skin in a Cleansing Routine?
Sensitive skin requires extra care to avoid damage from exposure to harsh chemicals and also benefits fantastically from barrier-forming properties in ingredients to protect the skin from irritants.
What Does an Ideal Cleansing Routine Look Like?
An ideal cleansing routine is the same whether performed morning or evening on oily or dry skin, in these steps:
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
Step 2: Foaming Cleanser
Step 3: Exfoliating Scrub
Step 4: Moisturizer
Oil Cleansers
These are exactly how they sound, a combination of oil and oil-soluble ingredients which, because their composition is similar to those in natural sebum, help by blending with the oils of the skin and work to dilute and release built-up dirt and dead skin cells trapped within the pores.
Foaming Cleansers
Foaming cleansers contain surfactants - surface active agents - which, through their natural make-up, attach to dirt, grease and other impurities, surround them in a bubble and lift them away to the surface to wash away.
Exfoliating Scrubs
Scrubs use micro-abrasive ingredients to exfoliate away dead skin cells, dirt, debris and other impurities that have been drawn out of the pores and to the surface through oil and foaming cleansers, polishing the skin and leaving a fresh complexion.
Moisturizers
Moisturizing after cleansing is essential to help your skin restore the balance of moisture. Selecting a moisturizer that targets your specific skin type is essential, especially in this step, because this is the product that isn't rinsed off and will be left to absorb into your skin to work.
You may choose to layer your moisturizing skincare to include gels, toners and other products.
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