Your favorite skinfluencer just released their daily skincare routine, and you're sure that if you use the same products, your skin will look just as glowing and flawless as theirs. However, after a week, you're left with irritated and dry skin. Sound familiar?
The truth is, not all skincare products work for everyone. You probably have a completely different skin type and concern than your favorite influencer. So, which skincare ingredients are best for your skin? Let's bring you closer to your skin goals with a little help from science.
DOES MY SKIN TYPE REALLY AFFECT MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Yes! Your skin type plays a huge role in the success of your skincare routine. Each type produces varying amounts of oil, has unique sensitivity levels and may react differently to certain ingredients. For example, oily skin thrives with lightweight, balancing ingredients, while dry skin craves hydration.
Plus, your skin's barrier relies on specific lipids and moisture levels to stay healthy. Using the right ingredients can minimize the irritation, breakouts or dehydration that comes from a disrupted barrier.
Once you know your unique skin type, you can choose scientifically-backed ingredients that actually work with your skin instead of against it for a smooth, flawless complexion!
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE
There are five main skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive. The best way to determine your skin type is to do a simple, at-home test. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Wait one hour without applying any products, then observe the results:
- If your skin looks shiny all over, you have oily skin.
- If your skin feels tight, dry and flaky, you have dry skin.
- If your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) is shiny but the rest of your face is normal or slightly dry, you have combination skin.
- If your skin has none of the above and feels soft and hydrated, you have normal skin.
Sensitive skin is a little trickier to spot since it’s technically a skin condition rather than a skin type; you probably won’t be able to tell that you have sensitive skin from this test. However, if your skin frequently reacts negatively to products or becomes easily irritated, sensitive skin is the likely culprit.
Your skin type can also change based on your age, climate and lifestyle, so test your skin every few years to see if your skincare routine needs any adjustments. Once you know your skin type, it's time to start building a skincare routine that works for you.
TOP INGREDIENTS FOR OILY SKIN
Oily skin often produces excess sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. The best skincare ingredients for this skin type work to balance sebum production while also cleansing and hydrating the skin.
- Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is a powerhouse ingredient that penetrates deep into your pores to unclog them and reduce acne.
- Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide balances oil production and reduces any oily shine.
- Clay (e.g., Kaolin or Bentonite): Clays are excellent at absorbing excess oil and impurities from the skin, especially in treatment products like our Serious Action Masque that uses Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay and Salicylic Acid to prevent and reduce the appearance of acne lesions.
- Retinol: This form of Vitamin A is a popular anti-aging ingredient, but it also reduces breakouts and refines skin texture.
TOP INGREDIENTS FOR DRY SKIN
If you have dry skin, you need moisturizing and nourishing skincare ingredients to help hydrate and restore your skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This powerful humectant draws moisture into the skin and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
- Ceramides: They help restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier so it's less susceptible to dryness and irritation.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Dry skin isn't immune to acne and inflammation, and Benzoyl Peroxide will decrease bacteria and reduce breakouts without drying out the skin further.
- Vitamin E: This antioxidant protects the skin and helps it recover from environmental damage caused by harsh weather, pollution and other factors. It can also deeply nourish and hydrate the skin when used in moisturizers like our Vitamin E Cream.
- Botanicals: Natural ingredients like Aloe and Arnica have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm irritated skin.
TOP INGREDIENTS FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin can be harder to create a routine for since it's characterized by having both oily and dry areas on the face. Luckily, there are professional ingredients that can balance out your complexion.
- Niacinamide: This ingredient is great for balancing oil production and soothing irritation. If you're prone to acne, Niacinamide can also help reduce the appearance of breakouts.
- Lactic Acid: Since combination skin can have both oily and dry patches, it's important to use an ingredient that can effectively exfoliate without over-drying the skin. Lactic Acid is a gentle exfoliant that also hydrates the skin.
- Jojoba Oil: This oil closely resembles sebum, so it effectively balances natural oil production without clogging pores.
- CBD: Cannabidiol, or CBD, has anti-inflammatory properties that calm any redness or irritation on combination skin. Paired with Niacinamide, this ingredient can also reduce oiliness while remaining gentle, as seen in our CBD Soothing Serum with Micro-Silver.
TOP INGREDIENTS FOR NORMAL SKIN
If you're lucky to have a normal skin type, you may not have to worry about balancing oily or dry areas. Instead, focus on maintaining your skin's natural radiance with essential nutrients and targeting specific skin goals.
- Peptides: These small proteins help your body produce more collagen and elastin, essential proteins that keep skin firm and youthful.
- Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant brightens the complexion and protects against any environmental damage you may encounter throughout the day. A moisturizer like our Vitamin C Cream is a great addition to a daily routine that also prevents signs of aging.
- Retinol: If you want to further target fine lines and wrinkles, Retinol is a must-have ingredient. As an antioxidant and derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol protects the skin from free radicals and stimulates collagen production, keeping your skin plump and smooth.
- Glycolic Acid: This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is an amazing exfoliating ingredient that's also sensitive enough to maintain balance within the skin. For clearer results, try using our Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid instead of your current cleanser.
TOP INGREDIENTS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin requires special care and attention since it reacts negatively to harsh chemicals and the environment. Find gentle and nourishing products that limit any fragrance or preservatives. GlyMed Plus is a great brand to shop from since they provide pharmaceutical-grade products that are 99% pure with zero synthetic fragrances or fillers.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is highly-regarded for its soothing and hydrating properties. It's the perfect soother for dry and irritated skin, especially if you have other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Ceramides: Sensitive skin often lacks ceramides, which are lipid molecules that help maintain the skin's barrier and retain moisture. Use products that contain ceramides to make up for this deficiency.
- Antioxidants: These natural ingredients help fight against environmental stressors and pollutants, which are big triggers for sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Green Tea extract to prevent inflammation and soothe irritation.
- Niacinamide: This powerful skincare ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can assist in skin barrier recovery.
- Oxygen: Oxygen is essential for skin health and helps promote cell turnover. Use products with stabilized oxygen, like our Oxygen Cream, to improve your overall skin health, aid in recovery and gain anti-inflammatory benefits.
SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID PER SKIN TYPE
Not all skincare ingredients are created equal. While some can work wonders, others can do more harm than good.
- If You Have Dry or Normal Skin: Avoid alcohol! Alcohol can strip the skin of natural oils, leaving it even drier and more prone to irritation.
- If You Have Oily or Combination Skin: Avoid heavy oils and comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Instead, purchase from trustworthy companies like GlyMed, which use reliable and third-party tested formulas.
- If You Have Sensitive Skin: Avoid synthetic fragrances, dyes and strong acids. These ingredients can irritate and inflame sensitive skin, causing redness, itching and discomfort.
There are good and bad ingredients for every skin type, so it's important to research any product thoroughly before adding it to your skincare routine. It might seem like a lot of work at first, but GlyMed has registered professionals all over the United States who are here to help!
With advanced aesthetic education and a passion for healthy skin, GlyMed Professionals can help you create the perfect skincare regimen for your specific skin type and concerns. Reach out to your nearest GlyMed Pro today!