What Is Your Skin Type?

Have you been trying out different products to see which is right for you? Have some products left you with a break out and your skin tender and sore? Have some products just felt awful for your skin and hasn't had an effect on it whatsoever? Then again, have you thought about what skin type you have? Have you ever thought to find out and then change your products to the correct type for your skin? Worry and struggle no more, here are all the different skin types and what products you should use!

NORMAL SKIN
In my whole time of training and profession in Beauty Therapy, I have never come across a "normal" skin type. So don't worry, not many people have the "perfect" skin.
Normal skin i not too oily or dry and has fewer imperfections, no severe sensitivity, barely visible pores and a radiant complexion.
PRODUCTS
With a normal ST, you can't really go wrong with products, however if you use a product strictly for oily skin, this may be drying and if you use a product for dry skin, this may be too oily and greasy for your skin. The majority of products cater to a normal ST so do not fret, you are in good hands for make up! If you was to have a facial, the products I would prefer to use on your skin would be Dermalogica or Kaeso, Calming collection.
SKIN CARE
For the removal of makeup, use a cleanser, again preferably a Calming selection, however Body Shop do an excellent cream cleanser and it works wonders for all skin types! Use a toner if you would like and then moisturise daily.

COMBINATION SKIN
A Combination ST is what it is. It can be dry in some places, oily in others (such as the T-Zone) and sensitive in son (such as the nasal area). Many people have combination skin and in some ways benefit from different types of skin care in different areas.
Combination skin can produce, overly dilates pores, black heads and shiny skin.
PRODUCTS
When it comes to make up with combination skin, not much varies, however you need to identify if you have a more of an oily t-zone than you have any dry areas. Ensuring you moisturise before applying any makeup can definitely help balance out the look of the skin. Again, for combination skin you needn't fret about foundation as any would be suitable, depending on your preference. Facial wise the products to use would be Dermalogica or Kaeso, Rebalancing, this will help balance out the oils and dryness of the skin.
SKIN CARE
For the removal of makeup, use a cleanser, again preferably a Rebalancing selection, however Body Shop do an excellent cream cleanser and it works wonders for all skin types! Use a toner if you would like and then moisturise daily.

DRY SKIN
Dry skin can produce, almost invisible pores, a dull and rough complexion, red patches, less elasticity in the skin and more visible lines. Dry skin is in fact rather common, however it is controllable with the correct products and daily moisturising.
PRODUCTS
When exposed to drying factors, such as the sun, the skin can become, itchy, flakey, irritated or inflamed. If your skin is very dry it can become rough and scaly without the correct skin care. People do not realise how their lifestyle can affect their skin, so drinking plenty of water can help minimise the dryness of the skin. Dry skin can be made worse by a number of thing, genetic factors, heat, the sun, UV rays, long baths or showers, ingredients in soaps, cosmetics and cleansers and also any medication you take can have an effect. The best products for dry skin are again Dermalogica or Kaeso, Hydrating range. The cleanser toner and moisturiser will help rehydrate the skin and stop it from looking so dull and distressed, it will also have a nicer feel to the skin. Makeup is hard to find when it comes to dry skin, my recommendations would be to use a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream. For more on BB creams click here.
SKIN CARE
With dry skin, there is a lot of skin care you can do to minimise the dryness. Take shorter showers and baths, use mild and gentle soaps avoiding deodorant soaps, don't scrub your skin whilst bathing or drying, apply rich moisturizers daily, especially after bathing, for the body E45 is exceptionally good, for the face use a hydrating range and make sure you wear gloves when you use cleaning agents. For the face, cleanse, tone and moisturize to take makeup off, ensuring you moisturize BEFORE any makeup application. Drink plenty of water. For removal of makeup use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

OILY SKIN
Oily skin can produce, large pores, shiny, thick complexion, blackheads, pimples and any other blemishes. Oily skin can depend on a lot of things. Such as, genetics, puberty or other hormones, stress and exposure to heat or too much humidity.
PRODUCTS
The best products for throughout the day are blotting papers. You can get these in boots or in most drugstores. By blotting off your face you get rid of the shiny complexion and matte it down. As oily skin can produce pimples and blemishes, do not use a damaging and strong face scrub. Many facial scrubs make your skin feel very tight after use, this is what we want to avoid! Simple, do a very good face scrub for oily skin, it is more of a face wash and doesn't have the scrub in it. However the best products to use for oily skin are again Dermalogica or Kaeso, Calming selection or any products that have "non comedogenic" written on them, these products tend to not block the pores. With regards to makeup you can easily find great ranges for oily skin. I don't have oily skin myself, however I use the Collection Lasting Perfection foundation and it honestly is perfect for oily skin. To see more on this foundation click here.
SKIN CARE
To take care of oily skin, do not wash your skin more than twice a day, use a gentle cleanser and do not scrub, use the correct products and procedures to wash and clean the skin. Do not use anything "oil based". Look out for products that say "oil free" on them, these are your saviours! For removal of makeup use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is very very common. To avoid your skin becoming red and sore you need to find out what triggers the sensitivity. This can be anything from perfumed products to an allergy to Vitamin C. Sensitivity mainly occurs when a skin care product just doesn't agree with your skin and the reason for the sensitivity is your skins response to particular skin care products. Sensitive skin can show up as, red, itchy, burning and in some cases feel dry. Sensitive skin also causes visible capillaries in areas such as the nasal area.
PRODUCTS
The best way to find out which products are best for your skin, simply is a matter of trial and error. For sensitive skin, Dermalogica Rebalancing or Calming is definitely the best choice. Every person is different so it is very difficult to recommend any products for sensitive skin as it may be different products for each person. Having said that, I have never had a problem with dermalogica products for sensitive skin and I believe it is the best product to use for skin care. Again, with regards to makeup it would depend on what causes the skin to become irritated.
SKIN CARE
Use a gentle cleanser, toner and moisturiser, avoiding face scrubs and perfumed products. Keep well away from makeup wipes as they are rough and full of chemicals waiting to cause a reaction. Drink plenty of water and ensure you use a foundation with an SPF 20 +, use a sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays.  For removal of makeup use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

GENERAL SKIN CARE

• Use a high SPF suncream and sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. 
• Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunglasses and a hat.
• Don't smoke.
• Stay hydrated at all times.
• Wash thoroughly every day and never wear makeup to bed.
• Use the correct products for your skin type, do not try to cut corners.
• Moisturize your skin daily.

This post is NOT in any way, shape or form sponsored.