What You Need to Know About Oily and Dry Skin Care
All skin types have certain advantages and disadvantages. With dry skin, the downside is the fact that this skin type is the most prone to wrinkles and lines. The good news is, however, for people who have dry skin is the fact that it is not all that prone to break outs of acne. Because there is lack of oil in the skin, clogging of pores is less likely to happen.
Dry skin is characterized by roughness and tightness. There will also be flakes on the skin. This is especially seen on the face as this is the area most exposed to the sun. Skins on the shins, the hands, and the sides of the abdomen are also prone to dryness. In hot weather, it often peels off while cold weather tightens it up.
Genes Being The Culprit
Still, having dry skin can be really frustrating as some skins may crack because of the extreme dryness and there is actually nothing that we can do about it as it is inherited. All people and dermatologists can do is to control the dryness as much as they can.
Ichthyosis is the term used by skin experts for dry skin that is inherited while xerosis or asteatosis is the drying of skin in the later stages of life.
Although it is largely genetics, dry skin is often controlled through the use of moisturizers. This is actually one of the few essentials of skin care for all skin types but very crucial when it comes to people with dry skins. It helps the skin maintain its suppleness and moisture.
Choosing a Moisturizer
When buying a moisturizer, the first thing that you should ask about the product is made for those with dry skin. Remember that moisturizers are used by all skin types. The formulation of each kind however will depend on the skin type for which it is made. It is important then that you buy a moisturizer that is manufactured specifically for the needs of a dry skin.
Vaselines and petrolatum are some of the most effective moisturizers in the market. They are however not often used especially on the face because both tend to be greasy on the skin.
Another are ointments, which like petrolatum, are also oil-based; moisturizing creams which contain oil and water; and lotions, which are the most popular because it can absorb quickly.
Oily skin can be really tricky to take care of because one wrong move can spell disaster for the skin. One must remember that among the basic skin types, oily skin is perhaps the most sensitive and easily triggered.
Although having oily skin will lessen the possibility of developing wrinkles and lines early in life, one will compensate by being prone to acne, pimples and all sorts of blemishes. This is because over-activity of the sebaceous glands make it more likely for the pores in the skin to get clogged. Clogging of pores with grime, dead skin cells and bacteria trapped inside, can result to swelling and red bumps.
Below are some of the tips that will help you take care of your oily skin.
1. Choose What You Put on Your Face
Oily skin can be very sensitive to irritation. This makes choosing the products that will not irritate the skin all the more difficult. For despite having products that are made especially for oily skin, there are skin types that are very allergic to some ingredients.
It is also recommended that people with oily skin refrain from using cosmetics and skin care products that are oil-based or those that are oily. Using oily products will only add to the oil already on the skin. They should instead use water-based products that are easily removed.
2. Wash Your Face
Another solution to a problem is the frequent washing of the face. This is done to prevent the build-up of oil on the skin which in turn will prevent the occurrence of acne. Basic hygiene is the single best solution to acne problems in oily skin.
3. Remove Make-up
Another reason why pores are clogged is the interaction of chemicals and oil on the skin. To prevent this, avoid sleeping while there is still make-up on your skin. This is actually a no-no for all skin types but all the more important for people with oily skin.
4. Be Consistent with Your Treatment
In taking care of oily skin, it is important that you are consistent with your treatment. Most people with oily skin will probably be asked to use cleansers and then toners. Astringents are also popular as it helps exfoliates the skin and remove dead skin cells on the surface. Moisturizers are sometimes forgone because the skin is oily and moisturized as it is.
The Author:
Low Jeremy
Photo. Vincemarielconlu