Determine your Skin Type

The first step is to identify what your skin type is – normal, dry, oily or combination.

Normal skin is characterized by a soft, smooth texture, even tone, no visible pores and no greasy areas or dry patches. It is supple and has a healthy glow. Although there may be occasional pimples due to increased hormonal activity, acne is not a problem for normal skin types.

Dry skin has a parched, dull look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing until moisturizer is applied. Dry skin is especially prone to fine lines, flaking, chapping and cracking.

Oily skin is shiny and has a thick, dull texture. Often, chronically oily skin has coarse pores, pimples, blemishes and blackheads. In this type of skin, overactive oil producing sebaceous glands produce more oil than is needed causing a greasy shine, enlarged pores and an uneven appearance.

Combination skin is characterized by both dry and oily skin. There is an oily T-Zone consisting of the nose, forehead and chin and dry areas around the cheeks, mouth and eyes. Combination skin is the most common skin type and requires a cleanser that works for both dry and oily skin and the propensities of both.

How to Cleanse your Skin Type

Normal skin requires cleansing twice a day with a mild soap and warm water. A mild freshener will keep pores tight and help remove any remaining cleanser or makeup. If breakouts do occur use an astringent with a low alcohol content to fight blemish causing bacteria and close pores.

Cleanse dry skin with light to moderate cream cleansers that deep clean without stripping the skin of its natural oils and necessary moisture. A cleanser with an exfoliant that gently removes flaky skin is especially helpful. Products containing natural hyaluronic acids help keep skin hydrated.

Use a hydrating freshener that does not deplete the skin’s natural oils and promotes a smooth texture.

Oily skin requires a cleanser that both removes excess oil and maintains a necessary level of moisture on and under the skin’s surface. A lathering cream or bar cleanser works best on oily skin because it penetrates for deep cleaning. Be sure your cleanser will not clog already enlarged pores, is oil-free and is effective for continued use. Follow with a purifying freshener that helps remove and control oil buildup. Look for products with alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that acts as an exfoliant to remove dead cells from clogged pores.

If you have combination skin, determine if your skin is more prone to be oily or dry – which type covers more of your face – and choose a combination cleanser designed for combination-to-oily skin or combination-to-dry skin. These cleansers will have a balanced formula of both the oily and dry cleansing properties described above with rich lathering and moisture-balancing capability. Products with a 4% glycolic acid base smooth the skin, and beta-glucosamine improves immunity and helps restore nucleus material to the cells. Choose balancing fresheners that maintain healthy moisture levels and remove impurities and excess oils.

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