Caring for Different Skin Types: The Basics of Facial Skin Care

by John Russel

Unfortunately, there is no generic formula for facial skin care. This would have made life much easier if there is a single beauty regimen that will keep all types of skin healthy. As every dermatologist asserts, skin care is always based on the type of skin you have. There are various products that have different ingredients and different effects. Some products work on one skin type but may be adverse on others. There are four basic types of skin: oily, dry, combination, and normal. Below are basic skin care tips on how to take care of the different types of skin:

Oily Skin: Oil is important because it prevents the skin from drying out and flaking. However, when the skin's oil glands go into overdrive, they produce much more sebum than is needed. The results are not very attractive. Oily skin is characterized by a shiny look and greasy feel. People who have this skin type are most prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. If you have oily skin, facial skin care should involve washing two times a day with a medicated foaming facial wash or cleansing bar. Use an astringent and an alcohol-based toner. Witch hazel, found at any of the nearest drugstores, is also good for oily skin. If you have to treat sudden breakouts that do not need to be there, apply a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide treatment. Be careful, though, because it could dry the spot too well. Avoid using 5% benzoyl peroxide solutions, unless specified by a dermatologist, because they may be too strong for your skin. Higher concentration benzoyl peroxide is best only for persons with severe acne problems.

Dry Skin: Dry skin requires as much facial skin care as oily skin, although it requires skin care products with ingredients that have effects opposite to that required by oily skin. Dry skin often looks thin and flaky. It feels tight, even during midday, because its sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures requires it to make up by tightening up. It may be a good thing to hear that people with this skin type are less prone to acne, but their skins are more prone to chapping, even in wet weather. To care for dry skin, use a facial wash or soap bar formulated for sensitive skin. Follow this up with an alcohol-free and creamy cleanser plus a toner. Also, use moisturized makeup and drink lots of water.

Combination Skin: Many people have combination skin, characterized by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry skin everywhere else. The ideal type of facial skin care for combination skin is to use different products for the different parts of the face. However, this can be expensive and tedious. There are a lot of skin care products specially formulated for combination skin. You can also use alcohol-based products on the T-zone and dilute them in water for the cheeks, eye area, and neck.

Normal Skin: Basic facial skin care for normal skin involves using a mild facial cleanser and toner. If you have this skin type, you may or may not need a moisturizer, so try to experiment first. If a moisturizer causes breakouts, then you probably don't need it.