Dry Skin vs. Oily Skin (and why both need special care)

Hundreds of vloggers, celebrities, and social media icons share their daily skincare routine, prompting thousands of their subscribers and fans to follow suit and, sometimes, the outcome is not what they hope for. We’ve got different skin types, with our personal diets and skin sensitivity affecting the texture and elasticity of our face. But worry not! Find out what your skin type is and how to take care of it.

What’s my skin type?

1) Kiss and tell

Between dry skin and oily skin is a whole spectrum of different types that depend on your regular water intake, skin sensitivity, and oiliness levels. One way to find out where you are on the scale is through texture.

If your T-zone feels oilier than the rest of your face, you could classify it as Combination. By definition, a Combination Type refers to the uneven distribution of oil glands throughout the face. These glands become active during your adolescent stage and can change as you grow older.

Dry skin types usually feel tight and – you guessed it – dry. People who have this skin type will experience flaking during the cold season. In extreme cases, the skin is more sensitive and is prone to redness and stings.

Oily skin types appear shiny and feel greasy. Out of all the skin types, this is the one least prone to wrinkles and dryness. If you’re always in need of oil sheets, then you’re part of the club.

People who have normal skin sit on the middle of this spectrum, blessed with an even skin that is rarely irritated, dry, or oily on regular days.

2) Pore size is key

Another way to determine your skin type is by taking a look at your pore size. This is an indicator of your face’ oil production. Combination types usually have large pores on the forehead and nose area, and smaller ones on the cheeks and temples.

People with dry skin have small pores that are often tight. Sensitive skin types, however, may have normal to large pore sizes, depending on its reaction to the products the person may be using.

If the pores are large and prone to clogging, then you have an oily face. People with normal skin have barely noticeable pores.

3) Cleanser problems?

Although cleansing may involve different steps per person, this would generally mean what your face experiences after taking away dirt by using face soap or toner. People with dry skin will usually feel a tightness to their pores, while people with oil skin will feel clean and oil-free. Typically, cream cleansers are used to give the skin extra moisture if your skin is dehydrated after taking the makeup off with face wipes. Gel cleansers can be used for oily or combination skin. Combination types will feel a mix of these two, while sensitive skin types should be careful not to place too much product on their skin to avoid irritations. Amidst all this, people with normal skin types will feel refreshed and would not usually need a moisturiser for their face.

4) To moisturize or not

Moisturiser is often needed to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. But the type and dosage differs per skin type. People with sensitive skin might need moisturiser, but would have a difficult time finding one that suits their skin. Dry skin would need multiple touch-ups throughout the day, especially after cleansing. Try Skin O2 Collagen Renewal Moisturiser for dry or sensitive skin. Oily skin types would never need a strong standard moisturiser, lest having duller skin tone is what they’re going after. For oily skin, try a lightweight serum and moisturiser in one, like the Skin O2 MultiVit Cream B.A.C.E. instead. A person with combination skin type would need to put moisturiser more often in some parts than in others, while a person with a normal skin type would seldom need to put on much moisturiser at all. Our moisturisers are friendly to every skin type and feeds your skin with the vitamins it needs to keep it healthy and bright.

Final Thoughts for Each Skin Type

The most delicate of the skin types would need extra care when choosing a cleanser and moisturiser. Unscented and mild ones are usually the best pair for your skin. Combination skin type is the most common of skin types and it would be smart to use mild cream cleansers for the dry areas and a stronger deep cleansing one for the oily areas.

If your skin is oily, be sure to avoid the creams and heavy oil-based moisturisers. You would want to keep your face free from clogging, and keeping it fresh all throughout the day would be a feat, should you use heavy creams. Also, for oily skin use oil-free non-pore clogging makeup like Skin O2 Mineral Compact to keep your skin fresh and clear. If your skin is dry, then water-based or oil-based moisturisers with added anti-ageing ingredients like Skin O2 BB foundation with plant stem cells will be your best friend.

And finally, if you have normal skin, keeping your face free from thick products will save you from pimples and clogging. Since your pores are the perfect size, your job is to keep it where it is by staying hydrated and clean. Try the Skin O2 Hydrating Spritz to keep your face fresh throughout the day.