Almost as bad as not doing anything for your skin at all, using the wrong products for your skin types can cause just as many problems.  Many times I have heard clients say, “Oh, I don’t use (name your type of product here) because it makes me (name your type of problem here)…”  In many cases, they are using something that’s completely wrong for their skin, be it using an astringent cleanser on dry skin; or putting heavy duty moisturizer on oily skin…

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People with dry skin don’t usually make this mistake because it’s easier to tell that the products are not doing enough for the skin.  The most common thing with dry skin people is using a cleanser that’s too drying; or not using a cleanser at all because they think all cleansers dry out skins.

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Oily skin people tends to having more problems with moisturizers.  A common misconception is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer.  But oily skins can be dry, especially if the skin is dehydrated.    In most cases, oily skins need more hydration (i.e. water) than moisturization (i.e. oil).  But the oils in this case provide the seal to keep the water in skin, so they are still necessary.

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Those with combination skin have the hardest time with skin care, in my opinion.  Their skins are oily in some places, dry in others; or oily and dry all over at the same time.  In the combo skin type’s case, remember the hydration and moisturization balance.  It’s all about providing the skin the right amounts of water and oil.  There’s no magic number as to what water and oil ratio works best because each person’s skin has different needs and responses differently.  Experiment to find what works for you, my friend…

It takes time…

If my posts have inspired to you go skincare product shopping, please remember it takes time see the true result of any new skin care product.  It takes about 28 days for our skin cells to turn over completely.  So when trying out a new product, give it at least 2 weeks, if not 4, before determining whether it’s working for you.*

One at a time…

And if you’re switching skin care products or regiment, try not to switch everything all at once.  If you develop any reaction to the new products, it’s really hard to tell switch product you are reacting to when multiple new products are involved.  Sometimes, it might be just one or two products in a regiment that is not working for you.

Questions about how and what to choose the right products for your skin type?  Get them answered by posting them in the comment section.

* Of course if you develop some kind of reaction such as rash or serious breakouts to a new product, stop using it immediately.  If the condition does not improve, consult a doctor.