Type 4
The Individualist
An Oily Skin Type. Clogged Pores, Breakouts and Blackheads
Hey Individualist,
One thing's for sure: as the Individualist, your skin loves to express itself! Type 4 skin is moody and dramatic with all reactivity types - oily clogged pores, breakouts, and blackheads! But the news is good, as your skin doesn't fall under one of the sensitive types, meaning your options to dial down the drama are plentiful!
Type 4's main priority needs to be decreasing sebum levels, which means the oil has gots-to-go or find some balance. Using the ol' one-two punch will be required to get deep to find some peace, which can be challenging but nothing you can't handle with the proper product combination.
Clearing the pores should be top of your to-do list, making products like salicylic and Glycolic Acid your new best friend. Salicylic penetrates from a top-down approach, getting to the nitty-gritty. In comparison, glycolic Acid has a potent superpower and will exfoliate the top layers of your skin so that you can say good-bye to those pesky blackheads and breakouts!
It may seem counter-intuitive to a Type 4 to add Hyaluronic Acid as a treatment for breakouts since it's usually thought to hydrate. But nothing could be further from the truth. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in our body. Supplementing it topically strengthens the skin barrier, a must for the acne-prone, it also increases cell turnover; both necessities when it comes to getting clear!
Characteristics of the Individualist
And Abundance of Oil!
Where's that oil shut-off button? If skin came with one, you'd definitely be reaching for it! Unfortunately, your skin hasn't received the memo and likes to keep your face well lubricated. Not to worry, using a gentle, not irritating cleanser that targets your skin's oil production like one with salicylic acid (BHA) will do the trick. Avoid harsh cleaners and ones that heavily foam even though it may seem like your skin needs to be stripped of the oil valve, but this will only lead to more sensitivity and breakouts.!
Breakouts, Acne and Clogged Pores!
Your skin's abundance of sebum (oil) level leads to a vicious cycle; it can feel like a losing battle. You may want to consider Hyaluronic Acid, which can be an excellent overall choice in your routine, as it can hold 1000 times its weight in water without adding extra oils. This step could and may help bring some balance to your skin.
While it may seem that your skin needs a good "scrub," extreme exfoliation like facial brushes and textured products will lead to more dryness and excess oil production. Again, gentle exfoliation like AHA's and BHA will help bust-up the pore-clogging sebum, but consistency is key! That breakout you have today likely originated a few weeks ago!
Anti-Aging and SPF
If you want to reduce signs of aging, add an evening serum, like retinol. Ease slowly into a retinol treatment by starting with 1-2 nights per week. Slow down when irritation occurs and gradually work your way into an every night routine.