The beauty of being “you”, as that we are all different in so many ways. Figuring out your skin type helps you better find the skin care products and regimens best suited for you. I’ve narrowed down various skin types into 5 categories, which best describe your skin type and recommendations to help keep your face to clean, clear and glowing!
OILY
This skin type is common amongst those who suffer from acne. Blackheads and whiteheads are common. Both are the result of excess sebum a.k.a, the natural oil that is released by our skin cells. Blackheads are whiteheads that become exposed to the air and harden due to oxidation. A common form of acne occurs when oil and skin react with an inflammatory response. If your skin is shiny and you suffer from enlarged/clogged pores. Seeking products for oily skin might help. Here are my top picks:
Potent cleanser
Cleansers are essential for oily skin. Soaps with activated charcoal and antibacterial essential oils such as geranium, tea tree, grapefruit are great for removing build up and tightening the pores. Try Onyx Origami Soap which features activated charcoal, juniper, geranium and rosehip oils. Oil cleansing may help as well.
See: What the Heck is Oil Cleansing?!
Astringent
Astringents are water-based products that help fight bacteria balance the ph of your skin and shrink pores. They also help reintroduce nutrients after the skin has been stripped of its natural oils. They can be as simple as witch hazel or infused with various herbs and botanicals. Try Revival Toner for all skin types.
Lightweight Moisturizer
Even the oiliest of skin still needs moisturizer. Stripping your face of all its natural sebum may result in your skin overcompensating and producing even more oil. Try Revival Serum, which contains apricot kernel oil and carrot seed oil. Both are rich in antioxidants that actually help balance natural oil production.
DRY
Dry skin is that is ashy and dull and sometimes flaky. Anyone can experience dry skin, and it can be in patches, Dry skin can also be environmental, due to winter weather or working in rooms with low humidity. Dry skin needs:
Conditioning Cleansers
Conditioning cleansers remove dirt without drying your skin out too much. These cleansers can also contain humectants, such as glycerine, which help draw moisture to the skin. Chamomile + Honey soap contains rich cleansers like olive oil, as well as honey, which is a great natural conditioner and humectant. Revival Serum is great for sealing moisture that won’t clog pores. If you're looking for something heavier, try Hair + Body Oil in London Fog
SENSITIVE
Sensitive skin can cover a wide range of symptoms. Some sensitive skin is due to underlying conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Always check with your dermatologist for recommendations on how to treat those conditions. For others, it’s simply allergic reactions to harsh, chemicals, detergents and heavy fragrances. Though natural and organic ingredients cannot be used to cure medical conditions. They can help reduce the irritation that comes with harsh products. Two great items for sensitive skin are:
Sensitive Skin Cleanser + Moisturizer
Pink Clay Goats Milk + Rose Origami Soap and Revival Serum are both great additions to the sensitive skin routine because of the abundance of anti inflammatory oils including grapeseed, castor, apricot, cocoa/shea butter (soap) as well as macadamia, rosehip and bergamot and carrot seed oil (serum). Macadamia nut oil is especially unique because it contains palmitoleic acid which helps discoloration cuts, and scars. If you are allergic to nuts, use London Fog Hair + Body Oil as an alternative.
MATURE
Aging doesn’t have to mean old! As time goes on. Your skin needs extra care. Fine, lines, wrinkles, and dryness are all a part of the aging process. As time goes on, the skin cell's ability to reproduce collagen begins to slow. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin plump and moisturized. Products that have conditioning benefits as well as antioxidants such as vitamin C, A, and E, all help your skin to boost collagen production and create a protective barrier against the elements. Pink Clay| Goats Milk| Rose Soap also makes a good facial cleanser for mature skin as well, due to the abundance of silica and other trace minerals in the pink clay. This clay helps with dryness promotes healthy skin renewal and fights to age. For an occasional boost.
Use the R+R Revival Mask to infuse your skin with nutrients from turmeric, chamomile and kaolin clay. The curcumin in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant whereas kaolin clay gently cleanses and conditions without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
COMBINATION
Combination skin is skin that has two or more skin types on different areas of the face. An example of this would be my skin. I have oily skin near my nose cheeks, the flaky dry skin near my eyebrows, and acne flare ups near my jawbone. Some have varying skin conditions in the “T-zone” (the forehead, nose, and chin) and for others in various places on the face. Any of the aforementioned products would be great for combination skin.
The Revival and Rejuvenation masks are the perfect duo for targeting combination skin. Simply mix each mask separately and apply them to the areas that are affected by a certain condition. This is known as mask targeting. Revival is best for dry, sensitive areas, whereas the French green clay and matcha in Rejuvenation are great for lifting whiteheads, shrinking pores and exfoliating.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR ROUTINE
Hopefully, this post has helped you map out your skin type and figure out what's best for you. In addition to finding the best products. I always recommend a balanced diet full of fresh produce and water to help nourish your body from the inside! What products have you found that works best for your facial care routine? Drop them in the comments below!