Hydration for Every Skin Type

No matter what skin type you have, it will get dry on occasion. But that doesn’t mean that all skin types need the same solution to get back to tip-top shape. So, we asked our Skin Care Expert Melina Galeadi to share her best advice. Here they are!

SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is easily affected, and can react to environmental changes or specific ingredients. This may result in skin flushing and redness. Those with sensitive skin usually experience an uneven texture with dry patches or an overall tightness.

Hydration levels in sensitive skin
The top layer of the skin acts as a natural barrier, protecting from outer influences and helping to maintain sufficient moisture levels. In people with sensitive skin, this barrier tends to be thinner and unbalanced, which is a reason for less protection against moisture loss. Less protection also leaves the skin more vulnerable to outer elements. The skin barrier can also become less effective with age, which can further contribute to skin dryness.

What products to use
You want to use products that soothe, hydrate and help to protect the skin like: Optimals Hydra Care Comforting Day Cream Dry/Sensitive Skin and Optimals Hydra Care Soothing Night Cream Dry/Sensitive Skin (it helps to strengthen skin barrier overnight!)

OILY SKIN
Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum and excess oil, which usually create a shiny surface. Furthermore, those with oily skin often experience enlarged pores, blackheads and breakouts around the forehead, nose and chin area (T-zone).

Hydration levels in oily skin
Oiliness is a sign of unbalanced skin, and a result of excess sebum and oil production. A common mistake is to over-wash to get rid of the oil. However, this can have the immediate effect of drying out the skin and triggering further excess oil production. To get out of this vicious circle, adding products with balancing and moisturising properties is the correct way to go.

What products to use
You want to use mattifying products with light textures that prevent oiliness, while at the same time provides balanced hydration. That is – to target the visible problems while regaining a better balance. I recommend: Optimals Hydra Matte Balancing Day Fluid Oily Skin.

DRY SKIN
Dry skin usually equals a dull complexion prone to redness with small pores and visible lines. Those with dry skin could also experience an overall tightness or tension in specific areas.

Hydration levels in dry skin
The dryness of the skin depends a lot on the ability of the skin’s outer layer, Epidermis, to maintain stable moisture levels. This is often affected by age or climate. The production of sebum decreases as we get older, which can lead to increased water loss from the skin. Also, colder climates and temperature drops during winter makes the air dryer, and as a result the skin becomes drier as well.

What products to use
You want to use comforting, nourishing products that can leave the skin feeling deeply hydrated, like: Optimals Hydra Care Comforting Day Cream Dry/Sensitive Skin and Optimals Hydra Care Soothing Night Cream Dry/Sensitive Skin.

COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin can be tricky to identify and deal with, as it features two or more skin types at once. Normally those with combination skin experience excess oil on the chin, forehead and nose area – around the T zone. Cheeks and other areas are usually dry to normal.

Hydration levels in combination skin
Combination skin may experience unusual dryness at certain times of the year due to weather changes. The production of sebum often increases in warmer climates and decrease in colder temperatures. Hormonal changes can have major impact as well. It is important to keep balance, and not try to fight an oily T-zone by neglecting to complete your daily skin hydration routine.

What products to use
Due to the mix of different skin types, you don’t want to use products that will only meet the needs of one facial area. You want to use products that improve and maintain skin hydration and radiance, while at the same time balances excess shine. I recommend: Optimals Hydra Radiance Hydrating Day Cream Normal/Combination Skin and Optimals Hydra Radiance Nourishing Night Cream Normal/Combination Skin.

Words by: Photographs by: Oriflame and Getty