The Best Skincare Ingredients According To Your Skin Type
Skincare can be confusing. With endless product choices and significant differences in quality between brands, finding the best skincare can be overwhelming. At Avari Beauty, we believe that informed clients make the happiest clients, which is why we provide high-quality, effective skincare products AND explain how and why they work.
In this article, we're cutting through the marketing buzz words and beauty hyperbole and shedding some light on the most effective skincare ingredients on the market right now, according to your skin type.
How To Determine Your Skin Type
There are five main skin types — normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. It's important to note that some people may have several different skin types at any one time, and skin types can alter over time due to aging and hormones, among other factors.
You can usually determine your skin type by simply observing your skin at home after cleansing. To do this, wash your face with a cleanser and gently pat dry. Observe your skin after 30 minutes — does it feel tight or show signs of flaking? If so, it's probably dry and lacking moisture. If your skin appears shiny or slick, it's oily. Alternatively, if you have areas of your skin that are oily (such as the T-Zone) and others that are dry, you probably have combination skin. Normal skin will usually feel comfortable, with no noticeable oily or dry areas.
The Best Skincare Ingredients For Dry Skin
Dry skin can be caused and exacerbated by aging, genetics, and environmental factors. It's important to choose skincare ingredients that seal moisture into your skin and cocoon it from dry air and other irritants that strip your natural oils. A dry complexion can often indicate that your skin cell turnover rate has slowed, leaving the surface of your skin with a dull appearance. You can combat this by using a gentle chemical exfoliator once a week.
Effective skincare ingredients for dry skin include:
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it helps the skin retain moisture. It also protects against the skin from irritants, such as dry air. It's important to never apply pure glycerin to the skin, as this can actually draw moisture out of the lower levels of your skin. Be sure to always dilute pure glycerin with something gentle and hydrating, such as rose water.
- Rosehip Oil: Rosehip oil contains a ton of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and linolenic acid. Due to its high fatty acid content, rosehip oil effectively hydrates and soothes dry and itchy skin.
- Ceramides: Ceramides are a type of fatty acid found naturally in the skin. Because ceramides create a barrier for the skin, they help prevent permeability, locking in moisture and protecting the skin from environmental damage.
The Best Skincare Ingredients For Oily Skin
Everyone has oil in their skin, but some people find that their skin suffers from over-active sebaceous glands. This can lead to a slick feeling, skin congestion, blackheads, and outbreaks of acne. Oily skin tends to be genetic, so it can be difficult to treat; however, there are some skincare ingredients that can help keep your complexion in balance.
Effective skincare ingredients for oily skin include:
- Kaolin clay: Kaolin clay is a natural clay substance that has been used for centuries to absorb excess oil on the skin. Kaolin clay is one of the most gentle cosmetics clays, as it removes impurities and excess oil without harshly drying the skin.
- Retinol: Retinol is a type of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, helping to make way for new cell growth. Retinol can help people with oily skin to keep acne breakouts at bay by removing impurities and buildup from the pores. Using retinol too frequently can cause irritation; therefore, it's important to introduce it into your routine gradually.
- Hyaluronic Acid: There is a common misconception that oily skin doesn't need hydrating, but this simply isn't true. When stripped of moisture, whether due to harsh cleansers or dry weather, our skin responds by producing even more oil to rehydrate itself. Hyaluronic acid is an effective humectant that draws water to the skin's surface, helping it stay hydrated a dewy.
The Best Skincare Ingredients For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin needs a little extra TLC. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid harsh ingredients such as alcohols, fragrances, and undiluted essential oils.
Effective skincare ingredients for sensitive skin include:
- Squalane: Squalane is a naturally occurring green-friendly super-emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils. It's particularly effective for sensitive skin, as it is incredibly soothing and packed full of antioxidants. Plus, it also helps to neutralize UV light damage, making it ideal for people who suffer from rosacea.
- Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is a soothing humectant that can help sensitive skin fight oxidative stress and stay hydrated. Because jojoba oil is structurally similar to the skin's natural sebum, it's suitable for most skin types — even sensitive skin. Plus, because it contains no triglycerides, it can also be helpful for acne-prone skin.
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs): Polyhydroxy acids work in much the same way that alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) do; however, they're much more gentle. PHAs have a much larger structure than other similar acids; therefore, they don't penetrate as deeply. This is ideal for sensitive skin prone to discomfort and redness.
No matter what skin type you have, the best way to get results from your skincare routine is consistency. When introducing new products, be sure to do it gradually to give your skin time to adjust. It's also important to note that if you notice any increased dryness, redness, flaking, stinging, or pain, you should discontinue use. Finding the most effective skincare products and routine can be trial and error, but understanding how skincare ingredients work makes your decision-making process much simpler. Follow our Instagram page to stay up-to-date with more skincare tips and beauty trends.
