There is no one size fits all for skincare products. We love to say it’s good for all skin types, but the truth is the product may be gentle for all skin types, but still not work for your skin. Our goal is to make you a more informed consumer, so you can pick the best product for your skin type.
What is my skin type?
Normal skin is neither dry, nor oily. People with normal skin typically have small pores, a smooth skin texture, and are less prone to sensitivity or blemishes.
Dry skin makes the skin look and feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. The location of the dry areas may vary. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. For dry skin, creams and ointments work well. A cream or ointment adds moisture and preserve more water than lotion.
Oily skin is marked by large pores and a shiny, thicker feeling complexion. If you don't treat your oily skin, pores can become clogged and enlarged, and dead skin cells may accumulate. Blackheads, pimples and other types of acne are also common with this skin type. Individuals with oily skin may benefit from lighter moisturizers or gels.
Combination includes areas that are dry and oily. The t-zone on the face is commonly oily. This skin type can change due to the seasons, stress, or hormone fluctuation.
Additional Resources are available at American Academy of Dermatologists
What options do I have for moisturizer?
A good moisturizer will hydrate the top layer of skin cells and seal in the water. When looking at moisturizers the main options from gels, lotions, creams, and ointments. A gel is usually water-based and tends to feel lighter. A cream is thicker and has a higher oil content than a lotion and gel, making it more hydrating. An ointment is the thickest of all, making it the most effective in remedying dry skin.
In general, the thicker and greasier products are better moisturizers. You can use simple ingredients like petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils. Oils are amazing, because they do not contain water. These products are best used when the skin is still damp from bathing, to seal in the moisture.
A good moisturizer, will include ingredients in these three areas:
Humectant substances attract moisturize. Ceramides, glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and lecithin are all humectants.
Occlusives help seal in moisture by creating a barrier on the skin. Some examples of occlusives are petroleum jelly, mineral oil, silicone, dimethicone, beeswaxes, and lanolin
Emollients bind the oils and water together and keep them from separating. There are commercial and natural emollient options. For a natural option, look for cold-pressed almond oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, hazelnut oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, apricot kernel oil, and natural waxes such as unrefined beeswax, shea butter and cocoa butter.
How do I help red, cracking, itching skin?
We recommend selecting fragrance free soap and moisturizers. Pick a moisturizer that you can use twice a day. Before buying, check the ingredients. Look for products with noncomedoegenic oils.
When you see "non-comedogenic" on skincare products it usually means the skincare item won't clog pores. The product is formulated for oily or acne-prone skin. The oils below are natural oils that will not clog your skin:
grapeseed oil
sunflower oil
neem oil
sweet almond oil
hempseed oil
Visit the American Academy for Determatologist for additional tips on treating dry skin.
