Let's Ditch "Skin Types"

Most of us feel very comfortable settling for one or two definitions of our skin type: oily, dry, normal, combination, acne-prone... The truth is -- our skin is too complex to fit just one or two descriptions. You wouldn’t define your personality in just two words, right? 

Your skin is as unique and dynamic as you are.

By putting rigid labels on our skin types we automatically create an image of what our skin needs, instead of tuning in and listening to what it actually wants. We limit ourselves to the products we think are suitable for our “skin type”, instead of using products that our skin is craving. 

Learning to understand your skin takes time. But here are a few tips that will speed up the process!

1. Understand what your skin craves

Your skin is an ever-changing organ. Stress, diet, sleep, weather, work/school schedule, and hormone levels are all factors that affect your skin condition from day to day. Depending on your needs of the day, you may be reaching for different types of products.

• Are you feeling dull and bogged down? 

Your skin may be feeling the same. Some gentle exfoliation with Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) will help give your skin a little boost so that it can continue its natural process of renewing. Give our Kale-Lalu-yAHA a try!

• Is your skin congested because you haven’t been eating well or because it has been humid and polluted outside?

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can reach into and unclog your pores while reducing inflammation.

• Is your skin dehydrated because you’ve been outdoors quite a bit or because you’ve been using BHAs? 

A hydrating toner or serum filled with humectants can help. Serums and toners are most effective when applied right after the shower.

• Are you fighting pigmentation from acne, the sun, etc.?

 
You may consider dropping all actives and focus on healing your barrier. Try incorporating a product that contains barrier-friendly ingredients, such as ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and natural moisturizing factors. Our Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser is a great option that will help wash away the grime while protecting your barrier.

As a general rule of thumb, tackle one issue at a time. You may risk overloading your skin and causing a reaction.

2. Know what your skin loves and what it doesn’t

Everybody’s skin is unique. Start paying attention to how your skin reacts to different ingredients instead of listening to the conventional advice relating to your “skin type.” Commit to your products, and give them the time to work. Two people of the same “skin type” can have very different reactions to the same ingredient. Give the products an honest try to find out what works best for you and what doesn’t.

3. Tune out the BS

Trust yourself. Once you’ve learned what works for you, have the willpower to stand up to trendy products with cute packaging or crazy promises.  Remember - no advice from anyone (even us) will ever compare to what your skin can teach you about yourself. Let go of the labels, let go of your “skin type,” and listen to your body!