Here at Poosh, “moist” is not a dirty word. In fact, we’re wondering why it’s become so cringe-worthy in the first place. We’ll say it again. Moist. Moist, moist, moist! Properly hydrated skin is absolutely the number one step to maintaining a youthful glow, and there is no excuse not to get your moisturizing routine in order.
We realize that this can actually be a pretty confusing step for some, while others see it so clearly for what it is—a necessity. Some fear moisture because they think it will exacerbate acneic concerns. Others can’t get enough and still wake up feeling dry and scaly. Whether you’re on one of these sides of the skin spectrum or land somewhere in the middle, everyone needs some type of moisture. What determines the amount? Your skin type.
Skin type identification is a tricky methodology when it comes to skincare, because it’s fluid and nuanced. You’re certainly not born into one category of skin type and then must subscribe to that for the rest of your life. Your skin type can be influenced by region and climate, your diet, how much water you drink (or alcohol, for that matter), your stress levels, hormones, and other products in your routine.
These skin types can be categorized into oily, normal, combination, or dry—aka the classics. We know that any of these types can also be subject to sensitivity, but here at Poosh we strive for non-toxic and safely effective ingredients, so you can trust that unless you have a known allergy, you’re in the clear with our picks.
Oily babies, don’t fear the moisture. It’s a common misconception that adding more moisture to your seemingly saturated skin will compound the issue, making for a sopping complexion, all the more prone to makeup slipping and oil breakouts. Au contraire, it’s often—as in, almost every time—that your skin is overcompensating for a lack of moisture in general or from a harsh cleanser and is kicking into high gear.
There are a few approaches. Moisturize with an airy moisturizer with SPF so you don’t have to layer too many creams prior to your makeup. A retinoic acid can help control oil (only use at night because it makes skin photosensitive). Or go for a light cream with hyaluronic acid that feels weightless and absorbs well.
Parched skin can make itself apparent in a number of ways. For some it can be neutral, just a lack of “dew” that can be subbed in with a spritz of rose water or a careful application of highlighter. For others, it can manifest itself in dry areas that cause discoloration or red, flaky patches, or even be scaly and peeling. First of all, make sure you’re drinking enough water (and eating it too, in the form of fruits and veggies!). You’ll also want to layer up with a hyaluronic-based serum, a breathable balm, and a moisturizer, and follow up with an oil.
Layering is best so that your skin has time to soak up each layer and add to it. Oftentimes, over-parched skin doesn’t absorb your generous moisture offerings as well as you’d hope, and instead, your efforts evaporate off the skin, making you even more dry! This is also true with mists. It’s best to mist prior to your serum so that the hyaluronic acid has something to lock in, rather than as a finisher that won’t penetrate the oil barrier you just laid down.
We find this type a little misleading, as all skin types are “normal.” Essentially, this is well-behaved skin that has a balanced, dewy finish without too much shine. To maintain this balance, it’s smart to use a natural, botanical oil after serum because it won’t disrupt sebum production. You can use a light moisturizer prior to the oil like those listed for dry types, but you might not need the extra layer.
Perhaps the most common skin type people experience is combination, which is the super fun party where both dry skin and oily skin in the T-zone come together. It’s often mild, as the T-zone tends to be where the sebaceous glands are the largest, but it can be extreme and cause blotchy dry patches with an oil slick of shine in the center of the face.
Instead of painting on different moisturizers for the seemingly different climates on your face, even things out with a neutralizing vitamin C powder, mixed into a serum or any of our calming and balancing picks below.
Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.
