How to Choose the Right Products for Your Skin Type

There are so many skin and body care products out there that promise to do everything from simply moisturizing your skin to magically (and allegedly) making you look 20 years younger. It’s hard to cut through all the noise and find the products that your skin actually needs and will benefit from. We understand the struggle, and we’re here to help you out! Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right products based on your skin type. 

Normal

We know, we know. There’s really no such thing as “normal”, right? When it comes to skin types, though, normal just means the skin isn’t particularly dry or oily. According to WebMD, your skin type is probably classified as normal if you don’t have a lot of blemishes and breakouts, your pores aren’t overly visible, and your complexion is generally even and bright. 

Even though normal skin doesn’t necessarily have any specific problems that need to be addressed and usually doesn’t require special products, it still needs proper care. If you have normal skin, we suggest using a light moisturizer such as our signature hand and body lotion to keep it in good shape. Exfoliating with a moisturizing sugar scrub is another step you can take to keep normal skin in great condition. 

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is usually caused by either an impaired skin barrier function or an overactive immune system, according to Derm Collective. Sensitive skin can certainly be genetic, but allergies and irritants can cause it as well. If you often find that your skin is blotchy and red, itchy, or even burning, there’s a strong possibility that your skin type is sensitive. 

Since sensitive skin is so… sensitive, you have to be careful about which products you use on it. Be Beautiful suggests using products with lighter fragrances and fewer ingredients than typical skincare products. We recommend using a mild bar soap along with a light hand and body lotion to cleanse and moisturize sensitive skin.   

Dry

Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture or natural oils. Derm Collective explains that it can be genetic, but it can also be brought on or exacerbated by external factors like dry weather. If you tend to have dry patches and flakes on your face and body, a dull complexion, and generally itchy skin, you’re likely dealing with a dry skin type. 

Dry skin needs (you guessed it) lots of moisture. Adams Dermatology suggests using gentle, ultra-moisturizing skincare products that contain ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter if you have a dry skin type. Good news! Lots of our products here at Farmer’s Body contain those skin-loving, moisturizing ingredients. Our favorites include our rich body butters and our nourishing lip balms. 

Oily

Unlike dry skin, oily skin is typically caused by an overproduction of sebum, which is a substance our bodies produce to keep our skin moisturized and protected. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that an oily skin type can be the result of a variety of factors, including ​​stress, humidity, genetics, and fluctuating hormones. If your skin always has a shiny appearance and your pores are noticeably visible, your skin type is probably oily.

Oily skin can be finicky because it requires just the right level of moisturization and care. If your skin is already oily on its own, you should avoid heavy moisturizers and oily products. Instead, opt for light lotions and mild soaps that will nourish your skin without overloading it with moisture.  

Combination 

Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like: a mixture of oily and dry skin. This is one of the most common skin types. If you have combination skin, parts of your face and body will likely be pretty dry while other parts are excessively oily. 

In the same vein as normal skin, combination skin is fairly common and doesn’t necessarily require specific products to treat skin issues. The trick is to treat each area of your skin according to what it needs. If some parts of your skin are oily, make sure to treat those areas with light moisture. When it comes to the dry parts, try switching to something a little bit denser like our body butters.  

P.S. There’s absolutely zero risk in trying out Farmer’s Body products! If they don’t work out with your skin type, let us know and we’ll help come up with the perfect solution.