Follow these 5 STEPS FOR A BETTER SKIN ROUTINE
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: People with dry skin tend to have almost invisible pores and a complexion that can look dull and rough. You might also have reddish patches on your skin and have a tendency to show lines and wrinkles(1).
WHAT TO DO: If you have dry skin, wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser or creamy cleansing wash like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Avoid taking baths that are too long or with the water too hot, as this can dry out your skin even more.
Applying a moisturiser just after cleansing will help to soothe skin and minimize the visible lines(2). Be sure to use the moisturiser while your skin is still damp, as this will help lock in moisture(3). And as your skin is the type that’s extra-thirsty, don’t be scared to apply moisturiser several times a day.
The ideal moisturising cream for dry skin should contain ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid(4), which help the skin retain more water. And remember that, for dry skin, exfoliating once a week should be enough, making sure to use a gentle exfoliator with skin conditioners.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Oily skin shows enlarged pores and a shiny complexion. All of this is caused by excess levels of sebum (the substance that lubricates and waterproofs our skin)(5).
WHAT TO DO: If you have oily skin, you might be tempted to wash your face more often to remove the excess oil and dirt. However, it’s important to still limit cleansing to no more than twice a day; washing too much can actually lead to even more oil production. You may want to try a foaming cleanser like Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash that’s specially formulated for oily skin.
As for exfoliation, this removes dead skin cells, leaves skin looking brighter and, in the long-term, can even promote increased collagen production. People with oily skin can benefit from more frequent exfoliation (as often as once a day, provided you use a gentle scrub)(6).
Apply a light moisturiser once a day, and choose one that’s optimized for oily skin. The best moisturiser for this type of skin is one that’s light, easily absorbed and reduces oil and shine, such as Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturiser SPF 30. And when choosing any skincare products for oily skin, be sure to choose one that is labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores(7).
Aside from moisturiser, use sunscreen regularly and throughout the year as this helps to prevent UV damage.
Does your skin shine more than most? Is it prone to acne breakouts, congestion, and feels oily to touch? There is a simple reason why: your skin is producing more oil or sebum from its sebaceous glands and falls under the ‘oily skin type’ category.
Regardless of skin type, skin hydration is a must-have. In fact, "oily skin doesn't need hydration" is a common skincare myth. Thinking that oily skin does not require the help of hydrating skincare products puts it at risk of becoming unbalanced and parched. Giving your skin the water it needs means that you not only avoid dehydration in the form of tightness, dry patches and flaking, but you also give yourself a chance to have a flawless complexion. Sufficient skin hydration helps prevent acne breakouts and keeps the first signs of aging at bay.
When people with oily skin skip hydration or don’t properly hydrate their skin, their oil glands receive feedback to produce more sebum. Tricked into thinking they need to produce more sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture, the body desperately goes into oil overdrive as an answer. This leads to more congestion, blocked pores, acne and unwanted shine. It's a vicious cycle!
So, what is the solution? Our straightforward tutorial and simple skincare steps will leave you feeling in control of your skin health.
Oily Skin and You
Genetics are primarily responsible for your oily skin type. Other factors include a stressful lifestyle with little time for clean eating and regular exercise. Stress releases the cortisol hormone, which in turn increases oil production. Add poor nutrition to the mix, and that will exacerbate your oiliness. You may be tempted to control your stress levels by consuming comfort food but tread with caution! While sugar is said to turn down the brain's response to stress, it also causes inflammation and the result is more sebum on the skin.
A correct skincare routine makes all the difference. Take extra care to understand what your skin needs by understanding your skin type and needs, and what products are best suited for its condition. Exfoliation is another vital step to your oily skin routine – don’t skip it! By exfoliating at least two to three times a week, you remove the surface layer of dead skin cells, allowing your skin hydration products to penetrate effectively. Exfoliating regularly also rids your skin of oil, dirt and debris. Choose gentle cleansers and emollients that will not strip your complexion of its all-important skin hydration levels.
The Best Skincare Ingredients for Skin Hydration
Find out how to hydrate your skin without making it oilier.
The best ingredients for skin hydration are very often what our bodies produce, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides. In other words, the solution lies in restoring natural ingredients that over time get lost as we age.
Depriving your oily skin of water will only lead to dehydrated skin, adding on to your combination of other skin issues. On top of existing oiliness in areas of your skin, you will have to contend with dryness and flaky patches. Rather than withholding moisture, treat your skin to skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid – a super moisture-binding ingredient that helps to hydrate and plump the skin from the inside out.
Heal with Hyaluronic Acid
The amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin naturally decreases as we age. Replenish it with AHC Aqualuronic Toner, opens in a new window, which contains hyaluronic acid in a Triple Complex Formula, together with an Aqua Ceramide Complex and mineral-rich seawater. This blend of skin hydrating ingredients means not only increased water levels for your skin but also replenished energy and a fortified skin barrier.
Treat with Aqua Ceramides
AHC Aqualuronic Serum enables long-lasting hydration within your skin.
Ceramides play a critical role in anti-aging, protecting skin from environmental aggressors like pollution, UV rays and dry air. They are naturally found in high concentrations in the uppermost layers of skin, thereby strengthening its protective barrier. In other words, they guard against water loss, dryness and skin irritation. Ceramides hold the skin together, keeping it supple so that fine lines and wrinkles look less noticeable.
Find Aqua Ceramides in AHC Aqualuronic Serum, opens in a new window. Containing AHC’s exclusive Aqua Ceramide Complex, combined with mineral-rich seawater, this serum enables long-lasting hydration within your skin. Additionally, it has low, medium and high molecular weights of Hyaluronic acids, which will allow it to penetrate the skin at different levels and build up moisture from within.
After applying the serum, use AHC Aqualuronic Emulsion, opens in a new window, a water-light moisturiser that will not leave a sticky feel. With its combination of Triple Ceramide Complex, Hyaluronic Complex as well as mineral-rich seawater, your skin becomes supple, receives moisture deep from within, and enjoys long-lasting hydration.
Pamper, soothe and balance your skin with a mask infused with ceramides.
The routine is complete with the AHC Natural Essential Aqua Calming Sheet Mask, opens in a new window. This product contains patented Aqua Ceramides and is infused with a Natural Calming Solution, comprising seven natural plant extracts to soothe rough skin, including the Centella asiatica extract which provides potent calming benefits for stressed skin.
The Recommended Skincare Routine to Combat Oily Skin
After finding the right products for oily skin, you can commit to a simple beauty routine as follows:
Morning
Evening
Ready (and excited) to give your oily skin its much-needed treatment with your new-found knowledge on the ingredients it needs? Go ahead and check out what AHC has to offer and get the right products, opens in a new window for your skin hydration needs.
References:
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging, Dermato Endocrinology, opens in a new window