Choose the Right Acne Products for Your Skin Type
Walking down the skincare aisle at the drugstore can be overwhelming because there are so many products to choose from. There are four primary skin types:
- Normal – Well-balanced skin with fine pores, neither dry nor oily.
- Dry – Skin that produces less sebum than normal, giving it a dull, tight, or rough appearance.
- Oily – Acne-prone skin with heightened sebum production that has visible pores and a glossy shine.
- Combination – A mixture of skin types between the cheeks and T-zone.
If your skin is dry, search for products that moisturize and strengthen your skin's protective outer layer to keep it supple and soft. Foaming cleansers, clay or charcoal masks, and skincare products containing alcohol should all be avoided because they will further dry out your skin. Choose moisturizing moisturizers and gentle cream cleansers instead. You could also use face oil before going to bed.
You want to eliminate extra oil without fully dehydrating your skin if you have oily skin. Avoid using heavy, oil-based lotions and oils on your face, as well as abrasive scrubs that might strip your skin of too much oil. To avoid breakouts, opt for water-based, oil-free serums, lightweight gel moisturizers, and salicylic acid-containing products.
If you have combination skin, depending on the type of skin you have in each location, you may need to apply different products on your cheekbones and jaw than you do on your T-zone. Heavy moisturizers, foamy cleansers, and clay masks should all be avoided. Instead, use light lotions and gentle cleansers, supplementing with stronger moisturizers as needed for dry areas.
