Skin-Care Tips for Every Skin Type

Real Simple Magazine

Wish your complexion would make an about-face? Just rely on this advice.
By Lori Bergamotto

Ericka McConnell
Ericka McConnell

If You Have Normal Skin...
Your skin is neither too oily nor too dry, and you rarely break out or experience redness. Your pores are small (practically invisible), and though an occasional blemish may surface, it's usually tied to your period.

The Best Regimen
-Cleanse and moisturize daily with gentle, basic products. Look for those with antioxidants, which fight free-radical damage and stave off the signs of aging.
-You might also consider adding retinoids or vitamin C to your routine several times a week to boost collagen production, says Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Santa Monica.
-Finally, don't forget moisturizer―one with sunscreen for the day and one without SPF at night.

Related:Keep Your Mind and Body in Top Condition


Ericka McConnell
Ericka McConnell

If You Have Dry Skin...
Blame the flakiness―along with the redness and itchiness―on your skin's barrier layer, which doesn't retain natural oils or water as well as it should.

The Best Regimen
-To keep your complexion quenched and healthy, use cleansers and creams with emollient ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
-Skip foaming face washes, since they strip away lipids, and avoid anything containing harsh retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, says Fran Cook-Bolden, a dermatologist in New York City.
-If your skin is very flaky or peeling, try a face oil under your moisturizer―it will smooth out your skin.



Related:Do Your Hands Give Away Your Age?



Ericka McConnell
Ericka McConnell

If You Have Oily Skin...
Soon after you wash your skin, it looks shiny. You may suffer from blackheads and breakouts that aren't tied to your monthly cycle, and your pores are medium to large.


The Best Regimen
-Help keep your pores unclogged by sloughing away dead skin cells daily with products that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids.
-And, logic to the contrary, it's important to moisturize: If your skin's surface gets dehydrated, your sebaceous glands, which produce oil, will kick in to action (brace yourself!).
-Use oil-free lotions and sunscreens, which won't exacerbate acne, says Leslie Baumann, the author of The Skin Type Solution ($15, amazon.com).
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