What's Your Skin Type?

With all the skincare products and information available, it can be hard to not only figure out your skin type, but also find the right products just for you. We hope to make it easier for you with these tips and product keywords to look for. Our beauty experts are also available by phone or email for all your beauty questions.

If your skin tends to be shiny or greasy most every day, maybe with an occasional blemish – you have oily skin.

To get the best skin, you should use products that will deeply clean your pores, without stripping moisture or increasing oil. Your best cleanser will be a gel or foaming consistency. Instead of heavy creams or lotions, use oil-free balancing hydrators, and gel, complex or serum treatments that will quickly absorb and normalize oil production. You should also incorporate an exfoliant into your regimen to clear skin of dead skin cells, helping to avoid clogged pores and breakouts.

• Your Product Keywords: gel, serum, clay, oil-free, lightweight, matte, deep pore, oil control, mattifying, purifying, balancing, clarifying, sebum clearing.
• Special Tip: You may think that you want to rid your skin of all its oil – but beware! If you’re using products that are over-drying, your skin will go into overdrive to replace its natural oils, thus increasing oil production. 

 

If your skin tends to flake, feels tight or looks dull – you have dry skin.

To get the best skin, you should use products that will nourish and moisturize skin at all levels of your regimen. Your best cleanser will have a creamy consistency. It’s essential for you to always wear a daily moisturizer, a sunscreen to prevent further damage-causing dryness and a night cream so you’ll awaken to softer, hydrated skin. You can also see benefits from gel, complex and serum options if they provide penetrating moisture. Choose thicker options during the winter when cold weather and indoor heating will increase dryness.

• Products to look for: cream, milk, lotion, balm, rich, deep or intense moisturizer, conditioning, moisturizing, hydrating, restorative, replenishing.
• Special Tip: A moisturizing toner or mist is your best friend to relieve dryness throughout the day and boost hydration after cleansing. A mask 2-3 times a week will also add moisture.

 

If your skin is sometimes oily along the T-zone, but slightly dry in other areas – you have combination skin.

To get the best skin, you should use products that hydrate as needed, without increasing oil. You also do not want to strip your skin of its natural moisture or your skin will go into overdrive. You can benefit from many formulas depending on your specific concerns.

• Products to look for: combination, oil-free, foaming, gel, serum, lotion, oil control, balancing, hydrating, regulating.
• Special Tip: It's okay to use a variety of different products to spot treat your different areas of concern. Just be sure you are not using drying products on your dry spots or heavy moisturizing products where you're most oily. A balancing toner or mask will also help to normalize your skin.

 

If your skin is often blotchy, red, and is irritated by environmental or cosmetic changes causing it to itch, sting or burn – you have sensitive skin.

This skin type is often misdiagnosed and can be complex, as recommended products will vary depending on your skin’s level of sensitivity. If visiting a dermatologist, it is important to follow their recommendations as well. Many skincare lines are made especially for sensitive skin, with specific products for rosacea, eczema, and other sensitivities.

• Products to look for: gentle cleansers, sensitive or delicate skin, calming, reparative, or protective moisturizers and treatments. Chemical-free sunscreens will be your best option to protect your skin from harmful UV rays every day. Your skin may also benefit from all natural, paraben-free and fragrance-free products.
• Special Tip: Stick to lukewarm water when washing your face or showering. Water that is too hot or too cold will cause irritation.