The Types of Skincare Products You Should Use, Based On Your Skin Type
Skincare can be all kinds of confusing, especially when you walk into ULTA or Sephora and are completely overwhelmed.
If that sounds like you, don't worry, because we've all been there. The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for skincare is actually your skin type. You need to look at ingredients, in particular, to make sure you're grabbing a product that will help your skin, not harm it.
Not sure what types of skincare products work best for your skin type? We spoke with Dr. Karyn Grossman, M.D. and celebrity dermatologist, and she gave us all of the info we could ever need! Scroll below to your skin type to find out what types of skincare products you should use.
Normal
Ingredients you should look for: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, rosemary, aloe, mushrooms and green tea.
Ingredients you should avoid: parabens, phthalates and PEGs.
Products she recommends: Karyng Restructuring Night Cream ($77) and Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($24.99)
"The best thing about normal skin is that it can tolerate many different types of products and ingredients. Some of the important things to look for are antioxidants such as green tea and vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as rosemary, niacinamide, aloe and mushrooms."
-Dr. Karyn Grossman
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: How to Remedy 'Maskne,' According to an Expert
Dry
Ingredients you should look for: oils (olive oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil), butters (shea butter), ceramides, AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
Ingredients you should avoid: salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Products she recommends: Burt's Bees Facial Oil ($19.99) and Darphin Aromatic Care Oil ($80)
"Dry skin needs ingredients that bring both hydration into the skin and help to form a barrier to keep them there. Humectants (ingredients that bring water into the skin) include things such as hyaluronic acid, aloe, wheat/rice proteins and sugar cane. Emollients (ingredients that keep the moisture in the skin) are often plant-based oils and butters. These include shea butter, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and apple extract. Dry skin should avoid exfoliating products containing beads, grains or granules as they disrupt the natural skin barrier creating greater water loss and inflammation. One of my favorite tips for dry skins is to add a few drops of oil to your moisturizer."
-Dr. Karyn Grossman
Oily
Ingredients you should look for: glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHAs, sugarcane, glycerin, retinol, adapalene and niacinamide.
Ingredients you should avoid: emollients (heavy oils or butters).
Products she recommends: RAF FIVE After Hours Moisturizing Lotion Acne Treatment ($42) and Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer ($16.97)
"Oily skins produce a lot of their own natural oils and therefore often have issues with acne or clogging. People with this type of skin should look for products with retinoids (retinol, adapalene), AHA or BHA to help improve exfoliation. Hydration with HA gels are also a benefit for these people. Sugarcane and glycerin are great for hydrating oily skins as well. People with oily skin should avoid over-stripping their skin, which can stimulate more oil production, and should also stay away from oils on the skin."
-Dr. Karyn Grossman
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: How to Look Absolutely Glowing This Summer
Combination
Ingredients you should look for: vitamin C, glycolic acid, witch hazel and hyaluronic acid.
Ingredients you should avoid: oils.
Products she recommends: Neutrogena Hydroboost Moisturizer ($23.99) and Epicurean Colostrum Cream ($97)
"Combination skin works best with normal skin products. Individuals with combination skin can also consider products with witch hazel, which can help to gently degrease the skin and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Combination skin should also steer clear of oils, as they may aggravate the oily areas of the skin."
-Dr. Karyn Grossman
Also read about: The Most Effective Skincare Masks for Every Budget
Sensitive
Ingredients you should look for: jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, AHAs and shea butter.
Ingredients you should avoid: sulfates
Products she recommends: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer ($28.98) and Derma-E Sensitive Skin Moisturizer ($30.50)
"Sensitive-skinned people should look for products with lots of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. For those looking for some anti-aging ingredients, I recommend looking for products with peptides to help stimulate collagen, and willow bark extract which very gently exfoliates the skin."
-Dr. Karyn Grossman
(via Shutterstock)
Feel like getting a facial treatment? Look HERE to find out which type you should get, based on your skin type.