What does my skin need? Check the care for each type

Every skin needs care – be it dry, normal, mixed or oily. Thus, in addition to keeping it healthy, it is also possible to guarantee a better appearance and avoid the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, expression lines etc.

However, before starting a skincare routine (facial care) you need to know what your skin type is and understand what is needed for your case. Check it out and find out everything you need:

Contents

What is my skin type?

Finding out what your skin type is may not be as easy as it looks, especially considering that it is normal for the dermis to undergo changes – whether due to external factors (such as the weather, for example) or issues such as hormonal changes, stress etc.

The first step is, preferably, to consult with a dermatologist. Thus, the professional will be able to carry out an analysis and give you this information in a precise way.

However, some characteristics can help to identify each type of skin. Check out:

Normal skin

As the name suggests, normal skin is one in which no characteristic prevails. That is, there is no excessive production of sebum and no lack of natural oil in the dermis.

  • Moderate brightness;
  • Closed pores;
  • Homogeneous tone;
  • Velvety / smooth texture;
  • Firmness and elasticity.

In addition, it is also common for normal skin to have a greater tolerance for the use of cosmetics, being less sensitive to possible allergic manifestations or unwanted reactions – such as, for example, increased oiliness or dryness.

Dry skin

When there is a low production of lipids in the skin, the skin barrier does not form properly, since there is a lack of sebum (oiliness).

As a result, the dermis cannot retain enough water to keep it properly hydrated and healthy looking. Thus, it is characterized as a dry skin, presenting the following characteristics:

  • Dryness (on the whole face or in specific areas);
  • Rough texture;
  • Dull skin;
  • Peeling, itching and redness (on the whole face or in specific areas).

Thus, it is notable that it is a more sensitive skin. Which, consequently, also reflects in the products that the dermis accepts without causing irritation – in general, one should prefer everything that has a more creamy and emollient texture.

Mixed skin

As a main characteristic of mixed skin, it can be highlighted the oiliness in specific regions of the face – mainly in the so-called T zone (forehead, nose and chin). In addition, other characteristics that define this type of skin are:

  • Dry (or normal) skin on the cheeks and temples;
  • Dilated pores in the T zone;
  • Non-uniform texture and hue.

In this case, it is common for the dermatologist to indicate the use of products with a “gel-cream” texture, being an intermediate type between the more aqueous (or gel) and more emollient products. Thus, in order to adapt well to the face as a whole, in a balanced way.

Oily skin

There is not much secret to talking about oily skin, basically the main feature is the overproduction of sebum. What causes the person to show some signs such as:

  • Dilated and more visible pores;
  • Excessive brightness;
  • Coarse texture;
  • Oily aspect;
  • Acne (pimples and blackheads);
  • Pale shade.

When you have oily skin, it is common that you need to include in the skincare routine some astringent products and light texture (gel or aqueous). In addition, another precaution is not to use comedogenic products – as they clog pores and increase oiliness.

What does normal skin need?

It can be said that normal skin is the easiest to care for, since it maintains a balance in the production of sebum and dryness. In addition to its better tolerance to cosmetics, as well as cleaning products and even aesthetic procedures.

So, those who have normal skin do not have to worry about restrictions or very specific care in the skincare routine . The basics are to clean , moisturize and protect your skin with sunscreen.

With this, you have the advantage of having more product options when choosing what to use to care for the dermis. Some that could be indicated by a dermatologist, for example, are the following:

  • Soaps – the best ones for normal skin are those indicated as “for all skin types”, since they tend to do a balanced cleansing. This is the case of Neutrogena Deep Clean Grapefruit , Nupill Firmness Intensive Vitamin C and Nivea Micellar Rose Water ;
  • Moisturizers – in this case, you can also choose those indicated for “all skin types”, or opt for a matte finish or more moisturizer, according to your preferences. Some examples are: Profuse Nutrel Balm Soothing , Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 25 and Nivea Nutritive Cream ;
  • Sunscreen – as with moisturizers, when choosing a sunscreen for normal skin, you can appreciate the desired finish (more dry or more moisturizing). There are options such as: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Protect , Cetaphil Sun Light Fluid and Isdin Foto Ultra Spot Prevent Fusion Fluid .

In addition, you can include antioxidant products in your routine. As is the case with vitamin C , which prevents premature aging and preserves the health and good appearance of the skin.

What does dry skin need?

As mentioned, dry skin is the least tolerant (both for products and procedures). Therefore, although it also needs care such as cleaning, hydration and sun protection, it is necessary to choose the right products and to appreciate the proper use.

In this sense, for example, it is worth noting that it is not necessary to clean the dry skin with soap every day (or twice a day, for example).

In order to avoid further dryness and impair water and nutrient retention, products such as moisturizing tonics or cleansing oils can be chosen , as they provide greater softness. Check out the options for this and other steps:

  • Cleaning – you can choose cleaning foams, moisturizing (or mild) soaps, moisturizing tonics (as astringents can dry the skin) and cleaning oils, since all are less aggressive to the dermis. Some options are: Bioré Oil , Natura Chronos Gentle Cleansing Foam , Vult Facial Moisturizing Tonic and Natura Chronos Moisturizing Soap ;
  • Hydration – this is a very important step for those who suffer from dry skin, as it is the time to replenish the necessary water and nutrients. It is ideal to choose cream products (not gel or aqueous): Cerave Moisturizing Facial Lotion , Epidrat Calm and Nivea Antissinais Facial Moisturizer ;
  • Sun protection – when choosing a protector for dry skin, also prefer the most moisturizing. That is, they are not of the matte type (or dry touch), such as: Bioré UV Aqua Rich , Nivea Nutritional Balance and Filtrum Vit .

Another important thing is to pay attention to the ingredients present in cosmetics. Recalling that actives such as hyaluronic acid , vitamin B5 and vitamin E are emollient actives that provide high hydration content to the dermis.

And of course, avoid products that promise a matte appearance , dry touch or something like that.

What does mixed skin need?

Who has mixed skin needs a balance in the stages of cleansing and hydration, since there are different characteristics on the face. Therefore, it is necessary to reach an intermediary between dry and oily skin care.

For example, the dermatologist could indicate washing the face only once a day and at the other time cleaning with a tissue or tonic – unlike dry skin, here the products can be of the astringent type, providing greater cleaning and freshness.

In this case, some examples are the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water (acts as a tonic and cleanses the skin), the Micellar Needs Facial Cleansing Handkerchief or the Nivea Glow Control Soap .

As for the hydration step , the ideal is to opt for products in gel texture. Thus, it will be possible to hide the excess brightness of the T zone and still keep all skin hydrated and healthy – products such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel can be used .

And it is also prudent to give preference to a sunscreen with a more dry appearance, also to minimize excessive light. An example is the Avène Toque Seco Sunscreen .

It is also possible to include, in the care routine, the exfoliation step (1x a week) and the use of items such as thermal water, vitamin C and anti-aging serums. Thus, providing more complete skin care, but always with professional guidance.

What does oily skin need?

More than any other, oily skin needs cleansing. Therefore, it is common that more than one product is needed to compose this step, such as the use of a soap and a tonic, for example.

So, the goal is a thorough cleansing in order to eliminate excess sebum and not to build up pores. Consequently, the appearance of blackheads and pimples is minimized , as well as improving the overall appearance of the dermis.

So, you can choose soaps such as: Needs Face Antiacne Facial Gel , Darrow Actine Control Soap and RoC Oil Control Intensive Cleanser Facial Cleansing Gel . And for tonics like Neutrogena Deep Clean Astringent Lotion and Vichy Normaderm Astringent Tonic .

Unlike what some people imagine, oily skin does need hydration . But it is necessary to choose the ones that are indicated for this characteristic, which usually includes products with a gel or watery texture (due to its rapid absorption).

Alternatively, there is the Bepantol Derma Toque Seco Moisturizer and the Nupill Derme Control Facial Moisturizing Gel , both provide hydration and shine / oil control.

Finally, when choosing a sunscreen it is also possible to choose those indicated for oily skin, since they will provide a more dry and dull appearance. An example is Nivea Sun Beauty Skin Oily .

In addition, the dermatologist can also recommend treatments for greasiness and acne , such as the use of certain acids – such as Retinol (vitamin A), for example.


Although the most common skin type among Brazilian women is mixed skin, there are still many people with other characteristics. But the best way to do this is, without a doubt, to seek help from a specialized professional.

We hope you have benefited from this content and, if you have any questions or suggestions, you can leave them for us in the comments. Keep following the Healthy Minute!

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