What's your skins number?

Did you know there are four basic types of healthy skin? Normal, combination, dry, and oily. The bummer news is that skin type is determined by genetics, and there is very little we can do about what we are given at birth. But the good news is that the condition of our skin can vary greatly. It all depends on the various internal and external factors it is subjected to.

The best news is, that with a little knowledge and some tips from yours truly, we can get your skin looking naturally beautiful, no matter what type you were born with.

First, let’s figure out… What’s your skin type?

#1 Normal Skin Type

Not too dry and not too oily, normal skin has:

• No or few imperfections
• No severe sensitivity
• Barely visible pores
• A radiant complexion

#2 Combination Skin Type

Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. It may need slightly different care in different areas.

Combination skin can have:

• Pores that look larger than normal
• Blackheads
• Shiny skin

#3 Dry Skin

Dry skin can feel tight and rough and look dull. Dry skin produces less sebum than normal skin and as a result, lacks the lipids that it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external influences.

You may have:

• Almost invisible pores
• Dull, rough complexion
• Red patches
• Your skin is less elastic
• More visible lines

#4 Oily Skin Type

Oily skin is characterized by a person having an overproduction of sebum. 

You may have:

• Enlarged pores
• Dull or shiny, thick complexion
• Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes

Oiliness can change depending upon the time of year or the weather. Things that can cause or worsen it include:

• Puberty or other hormonal imbalances
• Stress
• Heat or too much humidity

 

So now that you know your number, here’s what you can do about it.

 

#1 Normal Skin

Even people with seemingly perfect skin can occasionally exhibit a bit of dryness or oiliness or find a rare clogged pore, but for the most part, these skin unicorns have low maintenance skin. They face only minor blemishes and barely detectable defects. 

Even though problems rarely arise for those with normal skin, it is still important for them to wear sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to protect themselves from harmful UV rays, moisturize and drink plenty of water. One great daily skin care item for those with normal skin to add to their routine is Bella Botanicals Moisture Boost Facial Serum, which will both hydrate and replenish the skin with ingredients like Organic Argan Oil, multiple weights of Hyaluronic Acid, and antioxidant rich Hemp Extract!  Check out this YouTube video to learn more. 

#2 Combination Skin

Combination skin is the special treat of having patches of both dry and oily skin. Caring for your face as a whole, when different areas need different things, can be difficult. Additional stressors in your life and a lack of nourishment are common triggers for breakouts of combination skin. If you find yourself struggling to maintain blemish free skin in your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), an area with the most oil secreting glands on your face, it is likely you find yourself in the Combination Skin camp. But don’t worry, Bella Botanicals has come to the rescue! 

 

For combination skin we recommend using Bella Botanicals Antioxidant Facial Oil along with our Moisture Boost Facial Serum.  With this type of skin it helps to use an oil in areas that seem to be dryer than others.  For example if you’re dry around the nostrils you can use the Moisture Boost Facial Serum all over your face and then apply the oil to the dry spots around your nose.  We also recommend using our Rose Clay Face mask to gently exfoliate and polish the skin, which in turn helps your moisturizer work more effectively. 

 

You can also exercise! I bet you didn’t expect that one! But heart pumping exercise brings fresh oxygen to your skin, which helps both dry and oily conditions! And finally, relax! Stress is a mortal enemy of those with combination skin. Take a little me-time, in nature or your garden, or cozy up with a good book or favorite movie. Lowering your stress level will definitely have positive effects on combination skin.  

 

 

#3 Dry Skin

Dry skin may be caused or made worse by lots of things. Your genes, aging or hormonal changes and medications are common contributing factors for dry skin. Weather (such as wind, sun, or cold), Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds and Ieven indoor heating can irritate and dry out skin. Long, hot showers and baths, especially when you use soaps, cosmetics and cleaners with damaging ingredients can also be culprits of robbing your skin’s moisture. 

Dry skin can be a big problem, but you can use these tips to help alleviate it.

• Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once daily.

• Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers, like Bella Botanicals Sweet Orange Facial Cleanser.
• Use Bella Botanicals Moisture Boost Facial Serum with hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into the skin and Organic Jojoba and Argan Oil to soothe and nourish.  You can also use this product in conjunction with our Antioxidant Facial Oil with CBD!
• Don't excessively scrub while bathing or drying.
• Use a hydrating floral mist like our Witch Hazel and Lavender Facial Toner throughout the day to nourish and replenish the skin.
• Use a humidifier, and don't let indoor temperatures get too hot.
• Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents.

#4 Oily Skin

Oily skin can come from a lot of places, but two very common ones are weather and a poor diet. According to Foreo.com and their article The Root of Oil Evil: Top 7 Causes of Oily Skin, “Humidity and hot weather tend to stimulate the secretion of sebum, leading to more oil on the skin. Conversely, in arid or cold climates, skin can dry out, causing oil glands to go into overdrive to compensate.” A few months ago on the Bella B Blog, we talked about how eating affects our skin. To check out all the details, click here. But for brevity’s sake, excessive eating of sugar, refined carbohydrates and dairy can contribute to skin’s oily appearance.  

 

Here are a few additional ways to take care of oily skin:

• Wash no more than twice a day and after you sweat a lot.
• Use a gentle cleanser, like our Sweet Orange Facial Cleanser with Willow Bark Extract. This face wash can tone oil levels and prevent pore clogging, which in some can lead to acne.
• Don't pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. They'll take longer to heal. Use our toner and hydrate.  
• Look for the word "noncomedogenic" on skincare products and cosmetics. This means it won’t clog pores. I’d highly recommend our Moisture Boost Facial Serum or our Antioxidant Facial Oil. 

The beautiful thing about using Bella Botanicals is that these products can work for a variety of skin types. The regimens we have put together are meant to be general guidelines to get you started. We are aware that usage of these products varies from user to user. 

For example, Founder Leslie, a lifelong number 2, has found success using the moisture boost facial serum 5 nights a week and the antioxidant facial oil twice a week. Her BFF, Becky, also a number 2, uses the facial serum two nights a week and the facial oil 5 nights a week. We know it can be confusing, but founder Leslie is dedicated to working with you to find your perfect fit, so you too can achieve naturally beautiful skin. 

Hopefully, armed with the identification of your skin type and these Bella Botanicals product regimens, you can achieve naturally beautiful skin too.