While some women have flawless, bright skin naturally, the majority of us do not. We devote countless hours and countless money to the pursuit of clean skin, starting with the oiliness and zits of adolescence.

One step in the proper direction is realizing your skin type. Use the proper products for your skin and stay away from those that may irritate it. Every skin type has different requirements.

For instance, oily skin may only require a mild moisturizer used once daily, but dry skin may require a thicker formulation applied both in the morning and at night. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if you have combination skin with both dry and oily regions, you require a gentle cleanser.

If you have combination skin, use a mild cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Use a medium-weight, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Use an over-the-counter or prescription retinol treatment to remove dark spots, improve skin texture, even out the color, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Gradually increase the potency of retinol (which might irritate the skin) and always follow with a moisturizer to avoid dryness or peeling.

For dry skin, Use a gentle or creamy cleanser twice a day for dry skin. If your skin is really dry, think about only washing in the evening; in the morning, simply rinse with cold water (this will help the skin maintain its natural oils). Apply a moisturizer with sunscreen after cleansing. This will help the moisture be retained. Look for a moisturizer with sunscreen that is creamy, smoothing, and has components that can help keep skin moisturized, such as petrolatum, antioxidants, dimethicone, grape seed oil, and dimethicone. Midway through the day, reapply moisturizer if your skin feels tight. Only exfoliate once a week since dry skin could be uncomfortable. Start off by using retinol every other night, always finishing with a moisturizing cream.

For oily skin, cleaning may be necessary twice or three times each day. However, proceed with caution as excessive washing might increase oil production. To avoid breakouts, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic (i.e., it won’t clog your pores), foamy cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Even when skin is oily, a moisturizer may still be necessary. Use one that won’t clog your pores and is lightweight. Exfoliating should be avoided while acne is breaking out since it might make things worse. Avoid products with substances like cocoa butter, cinnamon, and coconut oil if you are prone to acne. To reduce fine wrinkles and stop further breakouts, use a retinol gel or serum at night.

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