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Determine your skin type. To have a healthy face, you will need to understand what makes your face unhealthy. Human skin is divided into four types: “normal”, oily, dry and combination.[1] Your face may fall into one or more of these categories, and different parts of your face may be drier, healthier, or oilier than others. Look in the mirror and review the characteristics of each skin type:
“Normal” skin is neither dry nor oily. It should feel flexible and soft. “Normal skin” is characterized by few blemishes, no severe sensitivity, barely visible pores and a radiant complexion. It doesn’t require as much care as other skin types, although you can still take steps to keep your face healthy.[2]
Oily skin is characterized by enlarged pores and an oily or shiny complexion. People with oily skin are more susceptible to blackheads, pimples and other blemishes. It can be due to stress, overexposure to heat/humidity, or hormonal imbalances such as puberty.
Dry skin may feel tight or show flakes of dead skin. Dry skin can cause almost invisible pores and low facial elasticity. You may notice red spots, visible lines, and a rough, dull complexion. You may have dry skin for a variety of reasons: genetics, hormones, exposure to the elements, overheating, or certain medications.
Combination skin is the most common. Sometimes it’s oily, sometimes it’s dry, and sometimes it’s perfectly healthy, and these qualities can be entirely situational. Typically, combination skin is oily in the T-zone (along the forehead and from the nose to the chin) and normal to dry elsewhere.[3]
Step 2 Keep oily skin pores clean and unclogged.
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Keep oily skin pores clean and unclogged. Oily skin is naturally porous and oily, so it’s best to prevent chemicals and bacteria from clogging the pores. Use these tips to care for oily skin:
Wash your skin no more than twice a day and after sweating a lot.
Use a mild cleanser and do not scrub.
Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze the kernels. This prolongs the healing time.
Use products labeled “non-comedogenic.” They tend not to clog pores.
Step 3 Moisturize dry skin.
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Moisturize dry skin. If your face tends to get dry, be very gentle with it to avoid irritation. Moisturize frequently to counteract dryness and follow these steps to keep your face healthy:
Do not rub while bathing or drying; Rubbing a dry face can make the complexion red or break the skin. Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid deodorant soaps.
Apply a rich moisturizer immediately after bathing.[4] Ointments and creams may work better than lotions for dry skin, but they tend to be messier. Consider carrying lotion with you in a purse or purse so you can hydrate as needed throughout the day. If you are going out, use a high SPF sunscreen to hydrate and protect yourself from UV rays.
Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once a day. Use a humidifier and do not let the indoor temperature get too high. Overexposure to heat can dry out the skin.
Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents or household detergents. Some harsh chemicals can irritate the skin if they are still on your hands when you touch your face.
Step 4 Combine treatments for a “combination” skin type.
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Combine treatments for a “combination” skin type. When your skin is oily, try to keep the oil low and use acne creams. When your skin is dry, gently moisturize it. When your skin is healthy, continue to wash it frequently to maintain balance.
