SKIN CARE TIPS FOR NORMAL AND OILY SKIN TYPES

By Ghozye Nelson

Hey partner!

So, the last time we promised to be back with details on how to pamper your skin type and just as promised, we are back with sizzling skincare tips. I’m sure you already found out which skin type you have by now but if you haven’t, click here before you continue. First, let’s pay attention to the normal and oily skin types. So, if you fall into either of the two categories, we’ve got you covered right here and right now, all you need to do is sit back relax and read through.

NORMAL SKIN TYPE

If you seldom have to worry about any dryness, or excessive shine on your face, then you belong to the normal skin category. Your skin most likely has an even tone; it’s soft, smooth and has no flaky or greasy areas. You may get occasional pimples when your hormonal activity is increased (especially when it’s that time of the month), but otherwise, pimples are almost never visitors on your face. With your normal skin, you often do not need to go the extra mile in taking care of your skin. The following tips would come in handy as you care for your normal skin:

Clean your face twice a day with a mild soap or face cleanser. Don’t forget to clean your face at night especially if you had make-up on during the day.

Use a mild oil-based moisturizer on your slightly damp face and body after shower or cleansing. This may sound simple, but some people often go without using any moisturizer on their skin and this may leave a no-so-good effect in the long run. Use the moisturizer on your face also, before applying your make-up, to help retain surface moisture on your face.

Avoid direct heat on the face, including heat from hair dryers. Direct heat could sap moisture from your skin and leave your skin feeling dry.

Exfoliate your skin once a week. You can get an exfoliating cream at your regular cosmetic store, or make one yourself. One easy way to go is sugar and olive oil. Simply make a paste of olive oil and granulated sugar, scrub your face with it in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water after about 20 minutes and feel your skin become a lot suppler.

OILY SKIN TYPE

If you have oily skin it means your sebaceous glands are over active and produce excess sebum, leaving your face extra shiny and prone to acne, blackheads, clogged pores and all what nots. However, looking at the bright side, you are less prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging because there is always moisture locked in on your skin. Here are some tips to help you in keeping your oily skin in good shape always.

Cleanse and cleanse again. To control the excess oil, you need to cleanse your face two to three times daily to get rid of accumulated dirt and oil build up which may result in clogged pores. Go for a cleanser or face wash which is oil-free; medicated soaps may also work but avoid products with harsh ingredients and too much soda content which may strip your skin of its natural moisture, and cause the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil. It is advisable you go for products that contain ingredients like honey, tea tree oil and salicylic acid.

Scrub often, but not too hard. It is very important to exfoliate your oily skin. Exfoliation cleanses your skin, opens up clogged pores and removes dead skin cells. You should do this once or twice a week as it helps to keep blackheads and pimples at bay.

You must moisturize. You may think that you do not need to moisturize your skin since it’s already oily on its own but that’s wrong; every skin needs to be moisturized no matter the type. When picking a moisturizer avoid the oil-based ones, go instead for water-based, oil free products and if it helps, look for products with the word “non-comedogenic” which means it will prevent your pores from getting clogged.

Don’t forget the mask. After exfoliating your skin, try to follow it up with a face mask. You could try the face masks you get from the cosmetic stores or make one in the comfort of your home with apple and honey. Simply peel and cut up one apple, then blend into a paste and mix with one to two tablespoons of honey. Apply the paste on your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. There are other types of DIY masks you can try at home, just ask Google and you will have as many recipes as you want.

No matter the skin type you fall into, remember to “do unto your hands and neck as you do unto your face.” It’s easy to give so much attention to the face that we forget that the hands and neck are parts of our body too. I’m sure you don’t want a fresh face with wrinkled hands and a not-so-fresh neck. Also, eat healthy, drink lots of water and never go to bed without washing off your make-up.