What’s your type? Your skin type, that is. While it’s tempting to wing it with your skincare routine, determining your skin type and addressing your skin’s unique needs and concerns can make a world of difference to the look and feel of your complexion. Plus, it’s more cost-effective to skip the frustrating trial and error process and choose products that are designed to work for your skin type, not against it.
“What everyone wants is bright, illuminated and hydrated skin,” says Ole Henriksen, legendary Danish skincare cosmetician. Using the correct products for your skin type can plump and hydrate dry skin, balance an oily complexion, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with gorgeous, glowy skin.
To help you find the right skincare routine for your complexion, we asked Ole Henriksen to share his expertise on how to build the perfect routine for your skin type.
Balanced Skin
If you have balanced (normal) skin, congratulations because you’ve hit the skin type jackpot. But that doesn’t mean you can skimp on your skincare regime. “Normal skin is skin that’s very much balanced and doesn’t have visible pores, but as that skin gets a little older, it may become a little bit more surface dry and scaly if you don't take proper care of it,” says Henriksen. Your skincare routine is all about maintenance and prevention. According to Henriksen, the most important thing to keep in mind for normal skin types is stimulation through active ingredients and exfoliation. “Vitamin C as an antioxidant is very stimulating together with other vitamins, but exfoliation, both chemical and physical, is very important.”
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, your skincare routine should keep you looking radiant and hydrated. “The power of vitamin C is tremendous and what's great about it is its multitasking,” says Henriksen. “With the Ole Henriksen Truth collection, you get the brightening that vitamin C is able to give you and the natural fats, the essential fatty acids that cushion, calm and hydrate your skin, so you get that soft, hydrated look all day long.” If you’re experiencing flakiness, use either a chemical or physical exfoliator regularly. Moisturising is especially important for dry skin types. Henriksen suggests using a formula with essential fatty acids, like the Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser, to keep your skin protected from the elements.
Oily & Breakout Prone Skin
If your complexion feels oily and you always have a few active breakouts, incorporating the right ingredients in your routine can help reduce excess oil production while still keeping your skin soft and supple. “Eucalyptus, tea tree oil, peppermint and salicylic acids are important because they are anti-inflammatory so they will help to reduce inflammation and control excess oil flow,” says Henriksen. Aim to cleanse, tone and use a mask, like the Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask, once or twice a week to keep your complexion balanced and under control. If you have active breakouts, Henriksen recommends avoiding physical scrubs as this can spread bacteria leading to more blemishes. Use a chemical exfoliator like the Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment instead.
Combination Skin
Combination skin requires a more unique approach as you’re targeting multiple concerns at once. “This skin type has the famous oily T-zone and a slightly drier cheek area,” Henriksen says. “Often with combination skin, there may be an issue with the chin being a little active and there may be blackheads that get inflamed, so I would definitely do the Cold Plunge Pore Remedy Moisturiser because it gives a light hydration and you can feel reassured that it's also going to help regain balance in your skin including fighting blemishes,” suggests Henriksen.
Sensitive Skin
Last but certainly not least, we have sensitive skin types. You want to use ingredients that work to calm, cushion and comfort your skin without irritation. “Sensitive skin means that your skin flares up easily, especially when it’s stimulated,” Henriksen says. He recommends reducing stimulation by using a chemical exfoliant over a physical exfoliant. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory, so don’t forget to apply a vitamin C serum in the morning.
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