Type (Without Wasting Money)
Knowing your skin type is half the battle in building an effective, budget-friendly routine. The American Academy of Dermatology defines five basic types: dry, oily, normal, combination, or sensitive . Matching products to your type prevents wasted purchases on the wrong formulas. Here’s how to
shop smart
Dry Skin: Characterized by rough, tight or flaky patches. Dry skin lacks sebum, so it needs rich hydration. Look for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser and a moisturizer with humectants (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin) and occlusives (like ceramides or petrolatum). Dr. Zamborsky advises using a moisturizer with ingredients that draw water into skin (e.g. aloe, urea, glycerin). Budget picks include Cetaphil or CeraVe (both heavy-duty yet affordable), or Vaseline/Aquaphor as thick overnight treatments. Avoid alcohol-based toners or drying acne gels (unless spot-treating).
Oily Skin: Noticeably shiny with enlarged pores and frequent breakouts. Oily skin still needs moisture, but the right kind. Opt for gel-based, oil-free products. Cleansers with salicylic or glycolic acid (as noted by the Cleveland Clinic) can help break up excess oil and clear pores. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers (gel or lotion). “Noncomedogenic” means it won’t clog pores. Even oily skin requires daily SPF, so get a matte-finish sunscreen or a tinted mineral SPF if you dislike greasiness. Listen to Zamborsky’s advice: wash off sweat (after sports) promptly to prevent pore clogging.
Combination Skin: Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with drier cheeks. You may need a mixed approach. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for oily skin, but consider applying a lightweight moisturizer only on dry areas. For example, a thin hydrating lotion everywhere, then add a few drops of oil or a richer cream on cheeks only. Some brands make “combination skin formulas” (usually milder versions of oily skin products). Peptides and oils marketed for “combination skin” often simply contain less percentage of actives like benzoyl peroxide (e.g. 2% BP instead of 10%).
Adjust as needed: if your T-zone is very oily, you can also use a salicylic acid wash there and a gentle creamy cleanser on dry areas (though one cleanser is often fine for the whole face).
Normal Skin: Congrats – it has no extremes. Stick to a basic routine: clean, moisturize, and sunscreen. Even if you have “normal” skin, regular maintenance prevents problems. Use a mild cleanser, a balanced moisturizer, and never skip SPF. You can also benefit from occasional exfoliation or a vitamin C serum for brightness, but it’s not mandatory. 4950
Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated, prone to redness, stinging or eczema. If you have sensitive skin, “it’s best if you avoid dyes, fragrances and other harsh ingredients”. Look for products labeled “fragrance-free” or “hypoallergenic.” Gentle non-soap cleansers (like Baby Dove or Cerave hydrating) and simple moisturizers (like Vanicream or Cetaphil) are safe bets. Even beneficial ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause stinging, so use those only sparingly, if at all. Patch-test everything new, and if your skin flares up, switch to gentler formulas until it calms.