Oily or dry skin? The best skincare products for these common skin types

Are you oily or dry? These two common skin types both come with their own pros and cons, but the good news is that with the right skincare routine they’re both fairly manageable. 

With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to determine your skin type and start a skincare routine that was hand-picked for your specific skin concerns. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between oily and dry skin and recommend products to treat both. 

What’s Your (Skin) Type?

Are you still trying to determine whether you have oily or dry skin? Answer the below quiz questions to get a better idea of what kind of skin you have so you’ll know how to treat it.

If you were to wash your face and not use moisturizer, what would it look like after an hour?

1. Pizza levels of grease
2. Tight and itchy

The worst season for your skin is…

1. Summer: There are not enough mattifying products in the world to dull the shine on my forehead
2. Winter: My skin is dryer than the Sahara desert and I need heavy moisturizers 

How often do you break out?

1. When am I not breaking out?
2. Hormonally or never

If you answered mostly A’s: you likely experience oily or combination skin

If you answered mostly B’s: you likely experience dry skin

 Why is my skin so oily?

Our skin produces sebum, which is a waxy (and oily) substance that hydrates and protects the skin’s surface. When skin overproduces sebum, it results in what we know as oily skin, which can also contribute to acne, breakouts, and clogged pores.

There are many factors that can explain why you could have oily skin but these are some of the most common culprits:

Over-drying skin: Believe it or not, using drying skincare products that strip the skin of its natural oils and sebum can actually cause oily skin. It actually makes a lot of sense - when you dry out your skin, it causes your pores to increase sebum production to make up for lack of moisture, thus causing oily skin. That’s why oily skin types should always use moisturizer, even if it feels counterintuitive. Lightweight and hydrating moisturizers will do well for oily skin. 

Genetics: Many people with oily skin likely have family members that also have oily skin. 

Age: Younger skin, especially when going through puberty, produces more sebum. As we get older our skin tends to become drier. 

Location: Where you live can also determine if your skin is on the oilier side depending on the climate. For example, the humidity in tropical climates may result in oilier skin, while a dry, frigid climate can cause you to have skin that leans on the drier side.

 

 Why is my skin so dry? 

Many of us only experience dry skin in temporary conditions like cold weather or low humidity, but it’s also possible to have dry skin year-round. 

While dry skin can be genetic, it can also be caused by a number of factors like excessive hot baths and showers, harsh soaps and drying skincare products or chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis that make you prone to dry skin.

That said, some oily skin types are actually dry skin in disguise. It's true!

As we discussed earlier, a skincare routine stripping dry skin of its natural oils using harsh products can cause an overproduction of oil to compensate, leading to oily feeling skin. It’s important to realize if this applies to you so you can be sure to treat your skin concerns appropriately.

 

 An Ideal Skincare Routine for Your Skin Type

Stumped on what products to combine for your skincare routine? No worries - this bundle is specifically designated for oily skin types, with products that will help bring balance to your skin so you can feel less oily and maybe even leave the blotting papers at home!

There is also a version of the bundle for dry skin, which makes it super easy to treat any skin concerns you have. It’s also great if you are oily in the summer and dry in the winter, so you never have to think too hard about what products to use.

Cleanser

It’s very important for oily skin types to keep their skin clean and clear of dirt, makeup, pollution, and other grime that clogs pores. Cleansing day and night will also help clear away any excess oil. The included Better Bean cleansing scrub will leave your skin feeling clean and fresh. 

This cleanser is also great for dry skin types because it will help gently exfoliate away dry skin patches and flaky skin so your makeup will apply more smoothly and all your skincare products will sink in better.

Moisturizer

Don’t forget to keep your oily skin hydrated! The moisturizing cream included in the oily skin bundle was made for oily skin and has hyaluronic acid, one of the best ingredients for oily skin, thanks to its ability to hydrate and plump skin without feeling heavy.

Dry skin types - don’t worry: there’s a dry skin edition of the moisturizer as well. With the texture of a rich souffle, your skin will appear softer and more hydrated without that dreaded heavy and greasy feeling. This potent moisturizer packs the soothing properties of Aloe Vera Gel, plumping Green Tea Leaf Extract, and gentle Calendula Extract to pamper your skin with an extra dose of moisture.

Under Eyes 

Tired eyes no more! This light as air enriched eye cream is your new go-to solution to wake your eyes up and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and dryness, whether you have oily or dry skin. Vitamin A, Shea Butter, Glycerin and Coffea Arabica (Organic Green Coffee) Seed Extract, are all active ingredients well-known to moisturize, working hard to reveal an appearance that is smoother and wrinkle-free. With daily use, this eye cream will help recharge your eyes and nourish the delicate area.

What’s your skin type? Let us know what types of products you love for your skin concerns below.