Wanna Know How To Manage Your Skin Type? Here Are Some Tips On Streamlining Your Routine
So, do you have oily, dry, or combination skin?
Published for CETAPHIL, 24 Jan 2022, 04:06 PM
There's no such thing as 'one skincare routine for all'
The only way to manage your skin is by using products that are suitable for your skin type, be it oily, dry, normal, combination, dehydrated, or sensitive.
While every skincare routine includes basic cleansing, toning, and moisturising, there are other products you can add to spruce up your regimen, all so you can achieve those #SkinGoals.
1. Dry skin needs extra moisture, so load up on that hydration
Dry skin has a dull appearance and can become rough, flaky, or even scaly. It has a tendency to feel tight or less elastic, and it can display more obvious wrinkles and fine lines. It could also become uncomfortable or irritated. To combat this, you can incorporate more moisture-loving ingredients and products into your routine to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). That's basically when water evaporates from your epidermis.
This skin type needs more nourishing, so try going for moisturisers to prevent moisture loss. You can even try sandwiching and layering multiple hydrating formulas so that your skin stays hydrated. Look out for oils that can provide your skin with the moisturisation it needs, like plant oils.
Routine tips: After cleansing and toning, use a hydrating serum and seal it off with some heavy-duty moisturiser to prevent the moisture from escaping. You can even incorporate a night cream into your routine. That way, your skin will remain hydrated as you sleep, and you can wake up with a radiant, glowing complexion!
2. Normal skin is pretty balanced on its own, but don’t neglect it
Normal skin is essentially balanced skin, and usually does not have many blemishes. It is also not as sensitive as other skin types. However, while normal skin generally does not have many issues to begin with, the condition of your skin is always changing.
That's why it's important to have a simple skincare routine in place for regular maintenance to protect your dermis from issues like a damaged barrier, dryness, and roughness. A gentle cleansing routine is perfect because it doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils. This also prevents your skin’s mantle and pH balance from going all helter-skelter.
Routine tips: Use non-comedogenic products to prevent clogged pores, and try using chemical exfoliators to reveal brighter and softer skin. Non-comedogenic products are usually formulated with ingredients that don't clog your pores. You could also add physical exfoliators if you’re not comfortable with chemical ones. Physical exfoliators are basically products that contain fine granules to help slough the dead skin off your face.
3. Oily skin might be difficult to deal with, but moisturising regularly could help
If you've got skin that gets greasy very fast, then it's quite likely that you have oily skin. Oily skin is usually characterised by an overproduction of sebum, and may result in acne, enlarged pores, and visible shine. However, oily-skinned people may have more resistance to wrinkles because of their skin's sebum content.
Some causes of oily skin are hormonal imbalances, large pores, using harsh soaps, and plain old genetics. But, it's not the be all end all because there are ways to circumvent this. There's a common misconception that oily skin doesn't need moisturiser. The truth is, the right moisturiser will do wonders. Opt for a lightweight formula, and you're good to go!
Routine tips: Besides going for a light moisturiser, it's important to stay hydrated so your skin won't produce so much sebum. Another tip is to wash your face twice a day to cleanse your face of all the grime, preventing your pores from clogging further. This is where choosing the right face wash comes in handy, so that you don't strip your skin of its natural oils while regulating sebum production.
4. For all you combination skinned lads and lassies out there, get yourselves two skincare routines, stat!
The combination skin type is characterised by dry, flaking skin on the cheeks, as well as excess oil and shine on the T-zone which comprises the forehead, nose, and chin. This is usually followed by sensitivity on the cheek area, as well as large pores.
The keywords here are: divide and conquer. Start by understanding which areas of your skin are dry and oily, then you can proceed to treat it accordingly. Use different products for your T-zone and for the rest of your face. You can slather on two types of moisturisers for your face, for example: a heavy one for your cheeks and an oil-free, lightweight moisturiser for your T-zone.
Routine tips: Exfoliation is key, so give your skin some gentle exfoliation but don't scrub your T-zone too hard as you risk damaging your skin barrier. Apply emollient-rich products to the drier areas first, then blend away from the oily parts for optimal results. You can even try applying clay masks on your T-zone to absorb excess oil from your pores.
5. Got dehydrated skin? Don't confuse it for dry skin, because they are two very different things.
If your skin is itchy and sensitive, your skin may be dehydrated. This skin type usually has a lower water content, and may have a dull pallor to it. You may also have to contend with uneven skin tones, and fine lines and wrinkles may also appear more apparent.
Dehydrated skin requires some finesse to deal with, so you could try avoiding caffeine and alcohol as they are both diuretics and can deplete your body's water levels. Besides that, investing in a humidifier to keep the surrounding air humid and moist may also be a good idea for you to look into.
Routine tips: Start by cleansing your face with lukewarm water, and remember — harsh scrubs are a no-no! Instead, focus on adding moisture-rich products that can help your skin retain its hydration levels
6. If you have sensitive skin that's easily irritated, conduct a patch test to rule out products you shouldn't be using
Are you plagued by extremely reactive skin that has a tendency to flush when you introduce new products into your routine? Well, you might have sensitive skin, so it's important to be gentle with your routine.
The best way to determine which ingredients are sensitising your skin would be by conducting a patch test. Leave a product on a small area of your skin for 24 hours and see if you suffer any adverse reactions. Hot showers can also irritate your skin further by stripping it of its natural oils, so bathe with tepid to lukewarm water instead.
Routine tips: Protecting your skin barrier is very important for this skin type, because sensitive skin can suffer from inflammation if triggered. Also, avoid over-washing and over-exfoliating your skin so as not to stress it out even more. Another thing to remember is to use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays.
Regardless of your skin type, Cetaphil can help make your skincare regimen easier
Malaysians suffer from five different forms of skin sensitivity, according to the Cetaphil Skin Health Survey 2021. Dryness, irritation, roughness, and tightness after cleansing are all symptoms of a compromised skin barrier.
With 62% of Malaysians reporting that they have to contend with a weakened skin barrier, and 73% state that they experience dryness in their skin, these skin problems can be easily resolved with a simple, dermatologist-approved skincare routine.
That's where Cetaphil comes in. Their range of gentle yet effective skincare defends your skin against the five signs of sensitivities!
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is the real OG, having attained somewhat of a cult status among skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists alike. Its soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic ingredient list make it an awesome addition to any skincare routine. The best part is that you can choose to rinse it off or use it as a no-rinse cleanser.
If you're looking for an emollient and humectant moisturiser, look no further than the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream. Emollients are moisturising creams that coat the skin to keep moisture in and soothe it, while humectants are ingredients that attract moisture from the environment and pulls it into your skin. A moisturiser that binds water to the skin for long-lasting hydration, leaving skin soft, smooth, and healthy, it can help restore your skin's damaged barrier in one week*.
Their newer range, Bright Healthy Radiance, uses skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and White Sea Daffodil in their GentleBright Technology. These ingredients can help fade away dark spots without irritating your skin!
*Galderma data on file GLI.04.SRE.US10402
Pssst... eh guys! Cetaphil's got something awesome up their sleeve this Chinese New Year. (;
Cetaphil wants to give you healthy skin this festive season, along with awesome prizes up for grabs in conjunction with their Spend And Win contest! You can stand a chance to win three Grand Prizes of Grab ang pows worth RM1,000, and 10 Cetaphil Hampers worth RM180, woohoo.
Here's what you gotta do:
STEP 1: Spend a minimum of RM50 on any Cetaphil products at participating stores
STEP 2: WhatsApp the original receipt to 010-2986863
Ready to combat the five signs of sensitivities with Cetaphil? Head over to this website for more deets on the contest and their products!
