Get to Know Your Skin Story

Every skin has a unique story, with color and features distinctively its own. Even more, our skin shifts over time, changing with each season and each phase of our lives. It’s no wonder there are so many pricy cleansers and lotions out there to target your every skin need!

At my new Integrative Spa, CentreSpring MD Spa, it has become my mission to not only look at the health of you and your skin, but to devise a treatment plan individual to your unique skin background. Unsure what your story is? Don’t worry! I have created a one-stop shop for every skin type. Check out which cleansers, exfoliates, and repair options I recommend for each skin category:

 

Normal: You may belong to this category if your skin has invisible pores, no acne, a smooth texture, even tone, and balanced sebum production. Lucky you! However, it is still necessary to protect and treat your skin.

  • Cleansers: Opt for gentle cleansing milks, like Cetaphil, to keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
  • Exfoliants: If you have light skin (this is referred to as Fitzpatrick type 1) then go for enzyme exfoliants from fruits and veggies, like papaya, pumpkin, and apple. If your skin has a medium to dark tone, you’ll want to use chemical exfoliants with glycolic and lactic acid.
  • Treatment: Always chose a moisturizer with an environmental shield to protect your skin from the sun, and look for vitamin C and A in the ingredients list.

 

Combination: Do you have an oily T-zone, but seem to constantly slather on extra moisturizer onto your cheek area? This is a classic characteristic of combination skin. The bridge of your nose may have some visible pores, but the other areas they appear invisible. Look for products with these descriptions for the best treatment for you:

  • Cleansers: Look for cleansers with pH balancing properties, which will help to reduce extra sebum production on your T-zone, but level out moisture on your cheeks.
  • Exfoliants: Again, if your skin is light in color, chose enzyme exfoliators with fruits and veggies. For medium skin, use mechanical exfoliates with scrubs and grains. For dark skin, use a microdermabrasion with salicylic and lactic acid.
  • Treatment: Look for pH balancing masks and toners to keep that moisture level balanced all over.

 

Oily: Do you suspect an oily skin type? Try this test out: wash your face with a gentle milk cleanser, wait an hour, then grab an oil blotting sheet and wipe from forehead to chin. If the sheet has oil splotches, you more than likely have oily skin. Other characteristics of oily skin type include large pores, cystic or cycle-based acne, inflammation, and a rough texture. Look for these properties in your treatment plan:

  • Cleansers: Chose a water based cleanser, which will reduce the amount of sebum production while also ensuring that the skin doesn’t go into “over-dry”, which can make your pores work harder, producing even more oil.
  • Exfoliants: Be careful when using an exfoliator if you are in the middle of an intense breakout. This can cause the acne to spread. Chose a light exfoliator with salicylic and lactic acid to help dry up those pesky pimples.
  • Treatment: Look for moisturizers with pore purification properties, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

 

Dry: Your skin always seems to be lacking proper hydration, and during the cold seasons may have a few dry patches. Dry skin is typically prone to early wrinkles, so anti-aging and hydration is key here.

  • Cleansers: Cream cleansers work best to hydrate the skin and prevent it from drying out. Look for gentle, milky based cleansers that include sensitive skin needs.
  • Exfoliants: Chose an enzyme exfoliator with fruits and veggies, to help nourish and replenish the skin. For medium skin, use mechanical exfoliates with scrubs and grains. For dark skin, use a microdermabrasion with glycolic and lactic acid. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, which helps to jump-start collagen production and smooth out fine wrinkle lines.
  • Treatment: Look for moisturizers with collagen repair and rehydration descriptions, as this will help to hydrate and reverse aging on the skin’s surface.

 

Check out which essential oils, foods, and supplements I recommend for each moisture type below!

Your Skin Story
Your Skin Story