Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by excess oil/sebum production and generally has larger pores. Oily skin requires more exfoliating and cleansing because the pores clog easily and so dead skin cells build up over time resulting in blemishes, whiteheads and blackheads. The goal for oily skin is to balance oil production without over exfoliating or drying out the skin too much. If the skin does get stripped of its moisture the body tends to overcompensate for the dryness and produces even more oil than before.

A water-based moisturizer is ideal for oily skin to balance and keep skin clear and protected. While oily skin can be prone to acne and blemishes, oily skin actually ages slower than all the other skin types, so there's definitely an up to having oily skin!

Ingredients to look for are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, bisabolol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin c), aloe barbadensis leaf juice.

Products we recommend:

SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Oily, Eminence Organic Starter Set Oily Skin, Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner, Dermalogica Skin Kit Oily, MD Formulations Facial Cleansing Gel, Jan Marini Bioglycolic Oily Skin Cleansing Gel, Effaclar M, La Roche-Posay Effaclar K, Biomedic Conditioning Solution, Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Physiological Scrub, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Toner, SkinCeuticals Clarifying Toner

Dry Skin

Many of us at some point in our lives have experienced dry skin, but what are the actual causes of dry skin and what can we do to increase our skin's hydration and relieve tightness and irritation?

Dry skin is caused by many different internal and external variables. Cold wind, low temperatures, sun exposure, and even smoking can cause dry skin because it removes vitamins A & C from the body as well as nutrients vital to skin's protection and barrier from the environment. The amount of water we drink every day can even affect the dryness of our skin, although dry skin isn't completely caused by the lack or water intake but drinking more water can definitely improve skin texture and comfort. If you have dry skin, ingredients to look for in skin care products can vary. Dry skin can be sensitive and easily irritated by heavy alkaline soaps and detergents. Ingredients like Lavender, Aloe Vera, Calendula or Chamomile to help relieve any irritation or discomfort. Cream cleansers are great for dry skin as well as moisturizers with lavender or evening primrose to alleviate irritation.

Never wash dry skin with hot water and keep a moisture spray in your purse or bag to spritz on throughout the day to help keep skin supple and hydrated. If you have dry skin, starting out with a regimen put together in a kit by a skin care line is a good idea if you're not exactly sure what products you should be using, in a kit you get all the products in a regimen to keep you on track to more hydrated skin.

Ingredients to look for are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, aloe vera, essential oils, corn germ oil, sodium PCA

Products we recommend:

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance, La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Moisturizer, Dermalogica Dry Skin Kit, Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser, Eminence Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream, La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Toner, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche Soothing Protective Cream, PCA Total Face & Body Hydrator, SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight, Eminence Mimosa Champagne Tonic, Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque, Dermalogica UltraCalming Relief Masque

Combination Skin

The most distinct characteristic of combination skin is the T-zone through the middle of the face tends to be oilier while the outer areas of the face tend to be dryer or even flaky. Combination requires a little more T.L.C than normal skin because of the imbalance of oil and dryness.

Great ways to care for combination skin is to regularly exfoliate and use a deep cleanser. Toners are also great for combination skin because the help to balance the T-zone and keep skin clear and blemish free especially in that area.

Products we recommend:

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque, Dermalogica MediBac Sebum Clearing Masque, La Roche-Posay Redermic Normal to Combination, La Roche-Posay Effaclar M, Eminence Eucalyptus Cleansing Concentrate, Eminence Rosehip & Maize Exfoliating Masque, Eminence Sugar Plum Oil-Free Revitalizer, Dermalogica MediBac Oil Control Lotion