Get Clear Skin for Your Skin Type

Getting clear skin is a common, yet frustrating endeavor for most people.

Often, beauty experts and even dermatologists give very broad advice on how to get clear skin with no mention of a person's individual skin type. When it comes to skin, one size does not fit all.

Skin types vary between individuals and often, an individual's skin type changes with age. Luckily, getting clear skin for your skin type does not need to be such a disheartening mission.

There are four main skin types. In your quest to get clear skin for your skin type, it is of foremost importance to figure out how to classify your skin. People with oily skin tend to have a "shiny" face with blackheads and enlarged pores. People with dry skin are more prone to flakiness and the skin may seem to peel often.

Sensitive skin is usually thin, delicate, and very reactive to harsh elements or skin products. In the case of combination skin, the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) may be oily while the rest of the face is dry. Because combination skin tends to be the norm, it is interchangeable with the "normal" skin type.

Oily skin tends to be one of the most mistreated skin types. People with oily skin tend to over-wash their skin with harsh cleansers, which causes the skin to overcompensate by producing more oil. The excess oil tends to cause more blemishes and blackheads.

Having oily skin does not mean skipping the moisturizer! Moisturizer is an essential component in getting clear skin for your skin type even if your skin is not dry. An oil-free, hydrating moisturizer is your best bet if you have oily skin.

Dry skin requires a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that does not strip the skin of oils. Since dry skin tends to flake and peel, use a product with alpha hydroxys to revitalize the skin. Using an alcohol-free moisturizer with an SPF is also important to get clear skin for your skin type. Sun exposure tends to dry-out the skin causing more peeling.

Sensitive skin can also be oily or dry. With very sensitive skin, water may be an irritant due to chemicals, such as chlorine, used to treat it. In this case, using a cleanser that does not require rinsing is a good idea. Sensitive skin is prone to allergic reactions, so hypoallergenic products are of utmost importance. Aloe vera gel is soothing for sensitive skin and causes very few allergic reactions.

Combination skin combines dry with oily. Some areas of the face are oily and others are dry. On the oily areas, follow the oily skin regime. On dry areas of the face, follow the dry skin regime. A great tip for getting clear skin for all the above skin types is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water flushes out toxins and hydrates the skin.