I don't know how many times I have asked a patient their skin type and they say Oily while I find no 
sign of shine or oil anywhere on their skin. Just because you were oily at 18, does not mean you will be oily at 38, 28, or even 21. Our skin is constantly changing based on our diet, climate change, our choice in skincare, etc. Those changes could be every couple of years or even seasonally. Even if you love a product in the winter, doesn't mean you will love it in the summer. You wouldn't wear your thigh high leather boots for the 4th of July, right? This means throw out that acne cleanser you've been using since the 90s! If you are unsure about your skin type, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- When I wash my face, does my skin feel tight? If so, where?
- How many times a day do I need to touch up my powder because of shine?
- Do I breakout when I use certain moisturizers?
If you said yes to number 1, you have dry skin. The dryness can be caused by using the wrong cleanser or simply because your skin is naturally a little dry. If you like the squeaky-clean feel, you can keep using a gel cleanser. My advice: stay away from salicylic acid and use a heavier moisturizer to compensate for moisture-loss while cleansing.
If you touch up your powder more than 1-2 times a day, you are most likely oily. The answer is not to glob on more powder! Try using an exfoliating cleanser with either salicylic or glycolic acid to help clean out your clogged pores. And use an oil-free moisturizer. Yes, oily skin still needs a moisturizer. When your skin is deprived of moisture, it will over-compensate by producing more oil. Since I am sure that is the last thing someone with oily skin wants, start looking for an oil-free moisturizer. Some oil-free moisturizers take it to the next level by absorbing shine like the IMAGE Daily Defense Matte Moisturizer. This uses a sponge technology that absorbs your shine while still providing you with the essential moisture and sun protection.
For those of you who said yes to number 3, you are either sensitive or oily. How do you know? Ask yourself the first two questions, and then proceed. If you are sensitive, you are most likely on the dry side. Dry and sensitive skin types should stay away from any skincare products with artificial coloring or fragrances. Using a mild or organic cleanser like the IMAGE Ormedic balancing cleanserwith a pure physical sunscreen would be an ideal daytime skincare regimen. If you breakout due to oiliness, you are probably not using the right cleanser and/or moisturizer. Be sure your cleanser has a strong exfoliant to clean out your pores, then use an oil-free moisturizer so that you do not contribute to the oil being produced in your skin. This will keep your pores clean so that you don't end up with a breakout.
Most likely, in your teens, you were concerned with breakouts. Now, your concerns are shifting to either wrinkle prevention or minimizing the appearance of aging. Since those concerns have changed, some of the type of products should also change. Here are some of the things to replace:
- Acne Spot Treatment switch to a great eye cream to prevent crowsfeet and dark circles
- Strong toners switch to an anti-oxidant or glycolic treatment to encourage cell turnover
- Exfoliating Scrub switch to a glycolic masque or scrub to increase cell turnover and to reveal fresher, younger-looking skin
If you are still not sure about the products you are using, it is always a great idea to bring them into a skincare specialist who can help you better determine your needs. Just remember to listen to your skin. If things are reacting differently, it is most likely time for a change.
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