You might already be familiar with three common ways to identify yourself in the skin care world: dry, oily or combination. And if you're here, it's probably because you want to know your own skin type. But it turns out the real answer is often a moving target.
"I think that people have sometimes made this more complicated than it needs to be," says Dr. Jerome R. a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in California. Genetics and what we're exposed to on a regular basis can both influence our skin, but above all, age might be the biggest determinant of what our skin type is.
As we age, Dr says, we have less oil production in our skin. So even if you had super oily skin as a teenager, you could have drier skin as an adult – and if you're like the majority of Dr's patients over the age of 30, you might say you have sensitive skin.
"That's not to say you can't have some older patients that have oily skin, but as a general rule I'd say as we age with less oil production in the skin, our skin becomes more sensitive," Dr says.
All of this to say, you likely won't have the same skin type your whole life, and your skin care routine will probably have to change accordingly.
So even though beauty bloggers and influencers may make you feel like you need all the things (like fancy lasers and light devices) to get better skin, there are a few simple, science-backed principles that can help you more than owning a bunch of products.
Keep reading for what science and a dermatologist say you should really care about when it comes to your skin.
If you spend most of your time indoors or don't live in a sunny place, it's easy to neglect sunscreen, especially in the winter. But you still need sunscreen since your skin is exposed through the car or while walking on your commute, and you can still get sun damage in overcast weather. "Apply a daily moisturizer with SPF 30-plus to your face, neck and your chest every single day -- make it a habit that you don't have to think about it every day," madam said.
It's important to keep your skin moisturized in order for it to feel and look healthy. And even if you have oily skin or acne, your skin still needs moisture.
"Most people should apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing to seal the moisture in. My favorite over-the-counter moisturizers are some cream and beautiful Advanced repair," madam said.
This is most important as moisturizing is making sure you are cleansing your skin and removing makeup, especially before bed.
Just like getting enough sleep is important for your health, so is getting proper nutrition. Eating a balanced diet is key: You don't have to restrict any foods, but eating mostly refined carbohydrates, heavily processed and fried foods takes a toll on your overall health, including your skin. Try to incorporate as many nutritious foods as you can, like fruits, veggies and whole grains.
You must be logged in to post a comment.