What Type of Skin Do I have? Here’s How to Know

Knowing your skin type is essential to creating a tailored, effective skincare routine and understanding how your skin reacts to different ingredients and environmental stressors. However, it can be tricky to identify your skin type since it can change based on many factors, including age, diet, climate, and stress.

This guide will help you understand your skin type — whether it’s normal, oily, dry, or combination — and how to best care for it. We’ll also identify the perfect Glo2Facial customization to address common skin concerns based on skin type so you can get gorgeous, glowing skin that lasts.

Types of Skin

The skin can be categorized into four basic types, and your skin type determines your skin concerns and the best way to care for them. The four skin types are:

1. 1. Normal: Normal skin is the goldilocks of skin types. It isn’t too oily or dry, doesn’t break out often, has few signs of aging, and doesn’t react negatively to new products or seasonal changes.
2. 2. Oily: Oily skin types often appear greasy a few hours after cleansing, have visible pores, and may experience breakouts often.
3. 3. Dry: Dry skin often feels tight, especially after cleansing, because it lacks moisture. It may also have a dull, rough appearance.
4. 4. Combination: Combination skin types experience dryness and oiliness simultaneously on different parts of the face. The t-zone is typically oily, and the rest of the face is dry.

How to Determine Skin Type

There’s no foolproof way to determine skin type, but there is a simple test that can help you make an educated guess.

Try this simple test to help you determine your skin type:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
• Leave your skin bare for about one hour.
• Check your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin for any shininess. Make a few exaggerated facial expressions to see if your skin feels tight.

The results:

• If your skin feels tight, you likely have dry skin.
• If you have a sheen on your nose and forehead, you likely have normal skin.
• If you have shininess on your nose and forehead but your cheeks feel tight, you likely have combination skin.
• If you have a shine on your cheeks as well as your forehead and nose, you likey have oily skin.

Oily Skin: How to Know if You Have Oily Skin

Oily skin is one of the easiest skin types to identify because it leaves many clues behind.

• Greasy appearance: The most noticeable sign of oily skin is a shiny or greasy look caused by excess sebum production.
• Large pores: The overproduction of oil can lead to clogged pores that make them appear enlarged.
• Acne-prone: Oily skin is often accompanied by breakouts due to oil-clogged pores.
• Makeup doesn’t last: If it seems like your makeup disappears within a few hours, you may have oily skin.

Caring for oily skin requires a targeted game plan to limit breakouts, reduce shininess, and halt excess oil production. Here are our best skincare tips for oily skin types:

• Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil. Avoid harsh cleansers with alcohol, which can lead to even more oil production.
• Exfoliate three times per week to help remove dead skin cells and oil that clog pores and lead to breakouts.
• Use oil-free, non-comedogenic skincare products that won’t clog pores.
• Don’t skip the moisturizer. Oily skin still needs moisture to be healthy; skipping this step can trigger the body to produce more oil.

Balance: The Best Glo2Facial Customization for Oily Skin

The Glo2Facial Balance customization works exceptionally well to deep-clean oily skin types. Its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties make it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin.
Benefits of the Glo2Facial Balance customization:

• Fights acne: Gentle exfoliation and antibacterial ingredients help treat acne-prone skin.
• Minimizes oil production: Antioxidants help reduce pore size and promote collagen growth to balance oily skin.
• Removes dirt and impurities: Bamboo charcoal absorbs dirt and impurities to clarify the skin.

Dry Skin: How to Know if You Have Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks sufficient natural oils to keep it hydrated and protected. Here are the most common signs of dry skin:

• Has a rough texture that may be accompanied by flaking or peeling
• Feels tight after washing
• Has a dull appearance due to the lack of moisture
• Is often red or irritated because it’s not protected by the body’s natural oils

With the proper care, you can hydrate dry skin and reduce or eliminate tightness and flakiness. Follow these tips to improve dry skin:

• Apply a rich, ultra-hydrating moisturizer after washing your face or bathing.
• Avoid soaps, cleansers, and treatments with alcohol or fragrances, which can irritate dry skin and strip away any natural oils.
• Hydrate your skin from within by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Hydrate: The Best Glo2Facial Customization for Dry Skin
  The Glo2Facial Hydrate customization is tailor-made for dry skin types and features deeply hydrating ingredients. Glo2Facial Hydrate provides:
• Better moisture retention: Improves the skin’s moisture retention and works overtime to replenish dry and dull skin.
• Enhanced hydration and firmness: Helps dry skin types retain more moisture and exfoliates dead skin cells for a smooth, hydrated complexion.
• Stronger skin barrier: Supports the skin barrier during seasonal and environmental changes, which can lead to dehydration.

Normal Skin: How to Know if You Have Normal Skin

A normal skin type is what we all strive for, so if you naturally have this skin type, consider yourself lucky! A normal skin type is characterized by the following:

• A smooth texture, with few visible pores or fine lines
• A radiant complexion that’s not oily or dry
• Clear skin that’s rarely bothered by breakouts

Normal skin has no major concerns, but it’s still important to take care of it properly. We recommend using gentle products to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize, and of course, use sunscreen daily.

Detox: The Best Glo2Facial Customization for Normal Skin

Those with normal skin types don't have to worry about balancing oil production or enhancing hydration, but they’re still at the mercy of the environment. External factors like pollution, UV rays, and allergens can irritate the skin and diminish your natural glow. Glo2Facial Detox treats and protects your skin, shielding it from environmental factors and proactively addressing signs of aging.

Combination Skin: How to Know if You Have Combination Skin

The aptly named combination skin type experiences a mix of dry and oily skin. You likely have combination skin if:

• Your t-zone is oily, and the rest of your face feels dry or tight.
• You have large, visible pores where your skin is oily and small pores where your skin is dry.
• You experience dry, flaky patches in some areas and breakouts in others.

Caring for combination skin can be frustrating since different areas of your face have opposite needs. Here are a few tips to help you care for combination skin effectively:

• Look for skincare products specifically formulated for combination skin.
• Use blotting sheets to control oil in your t-zone without affecting the dry areas of your skin.
• Take a targeted approach with serums, moisturizers, and treatments by applying them to specific areas of concern rather than your whole face.

Balance + Hydrate: The Best Glo2Facial Customizations for Combination Skin

Combination skin calls for a highly tailored treatment that combines our Balance and Hydrate customizations to ensure all areas of your skin get the treatments they need.

Glo2Facial Balance benefits for oily skin:

• Fights acne with gentle exfoliation and antibacterial ingredients
• Minimizes oil production and reduces pore size
• Removes dirt and impurities with bamboo charcoal to clarify the skin

Glo2Facial Hydrate benefits for dry skin:

• Improves moisture retention to replenish dry, dull skin
• Strengthens the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss and eliminate the uncomfortable tightness that dry skin can cause
• Promotes cellular regeneration to rejuvenate dull, rough skin

Book the Best Glo2Facial Customization for Your Skin Type

Now that you’ve identified your skin type and know what your skin needs to look and feel its best, it’s time to book your tailored Glo2Facial treatment! Find a Glo2Facial provider near you and enjoy the immediate and long-lasting benefits of our patented technology.

by timur

The Fastest Growing Ingredient In the Cosmetic Industry: Niacinamide

Niacinamide, sometimes called nicotinamide, is the new rising star of the skincare industry thanks to its wide-ranging benefits, from improving rosacea and boosting collagen production to potentially treating skin cancer.

Although it has exploded in popularity recently, niacinamide isn’t a new ingredient with questionable benefits. It’s been around for decades, and a large body of research backs its effectiveness. Its growing popularity is due to social media, such as TikTok and Instagram, which provide skincare experts with a platform to educate the public about effective but lesser-known ingredients.

In this article, we’ll delve into what exactly niacinamide is, illuminate its many benefits, and share the best way to incorporate this rockstar ingredient into your skincare routine.

What Is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a vitamin B derivative, an essential nutrient that supports bodily functions such as turning food into energy and repairing DNA. Because it’s water soluble, the body can’t store niacinamide, and it must be replenished each day through your diet. Foods such as whole grains, fortified cereals, legumes, and seafood are all great sources of dietary niacinamide.

In the realm of skincare products, niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that’s appropriate for all skin types. This is excellent news for people who’ve had a bad reaction to vitamin C, because niacinamide offers the same brightening effect and improvement in hyperpigmentation without the redness, tingling, or burning vitamin C sometimes causes.

Niacinamide is absorbed by the skin easily, which makes it an excellent addition to nearly every type of skincare product, including serums, creams, masks, and cleansers. It works its magic at the cellular level by repairing cells damaged by free radicals and providing and on the skin by improving skin tone and providing some protection against sun damage.

What Is Niacinamide Good For? Benefits of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that provides a host of benefits for all skin types.

1. 1. Improves skin barrier: Niacinamide plays a crucial role in helping the skin build keratin, a type of protein that keeps the skin firm and healthy. It also aids in the production of ceramides, which are lipids that form the skin's protective barrier and help retain moisture. Together, keratin and ceramides protect and strengthen the skin barrier to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
2. 2. Regulates oil production and reduces breakouts: If you have oily skin, niacinamide will be your new favorite ingredient. It helps regulate sebum production to balance oil levels in the skin. This helps reduce the afternoon greasiness that plagues those with oily skin and can also help get rid of acne caused by an overproduction of sebum.
3. 3. Minimizes pores and fine lines: Regular use of niacinamide can reduce pore size over time and improve the skin’s elasticity. These results work in tandem to refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, giving you a smoother, more youthful look.
4. 4. Reduces hyperpigmentation and brightens skin: Niacinamide can reduce melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even-toned complexion. It can also help give skin a bright, healthy glow.
5. 5. Soothes redness and inflammation: Niacinamide's anti-inflammatory properties help calm and soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation. This makes it a valuable ingredient for those with sensitive or inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and acne.
6. 6. Protects against oxidative stress: Free radicals from UV damage and environmental factors such as pollution can prematurely age your skin. Niacinamide protects against this by repairing DNA damage and limiting the effects of oxidative stress.

When to Use Niacinamide? Incorporating Niacinamide Into Your Routine

Niacinamide is gentle on the skin and considered safe for daily use. You can use it both in the morning and at night to get the full spectrum of benefits. Applied in the morning, niacinamide protects your skin from damaging environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, and smoke. Used at night, it supports the skin's natural repair process, helping to undo the damage of the day and strengthening the skin barrier.

Dos and Don’ts: Layering Niacinamide

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when exploring the world of skincare products. Not only are there countless ingredients to learn about, but it’s also important to use those ingredients in the right order to ensure you get the full benefits.

We’ve demystified the dos and don’ts of layering niacinamide in your skincare routine so you can incorporate this powerhouse ingredient into your routine confidently.

Dos:

• Layer products from thinnest to thickest. Since niacinamide is in so many different types of skincare products, choose the layering order based on the product’s consistency, from lightest to heaviest. This ensures that products with a thinner consistency can absorb into the skin easily without having to penetrate a barrier of thicker products first.
• Pair with any other skincare ingredients. Unlike some skincare ingredients, niacinamide plays well with others. You can pair it with many other ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, peptides, AHAs/BHAs, retinol, and vitamin C. It complements these ingredients and enhances their benefits.
• Always apply sunscreen in the morning. While niacinamide offers some protection, it’s not a substitute for SPF. It’s essential to protect your skin with SPF 30+ daily. Be sure to apply your niacinamide products before layering on the sunscreen.

Don’ts:

• Don’t rush the layering process. To see the best results, allow your skin to fully absorb the niacinamide product before you add the next layers of skincare products. Wait about one minute before applying the next product.
• Don’t skip the patch test. Niacinamide is widely regarded as a gentle ingredient that even those with sensitive skin can use, but it’s still best to err on the side of caution with any new skincare ingredient. Test the product on a small patch of skin first to ensure you don’t have any type of reaction.
• Don’t overuse niacinamide products. If using it daily is causing your skin to become dry or irritated, switch to every other day or look for a product with a lower concentration of niacinamide.

Get Glowing Skin With a Glo2Facial Customization

Niacinamide is the current darling of the skincare industry thanks to its wide range of benefits, from brightening skin tone to repairing damaged cells. You can get these benefits and many more by adding a Glo2Facial Detox customization to your regular skincare routine. Book your professional treatment with a Glo2Facial provider near you!

by timur

In What Order Should I Do My Skincare Routine?

Have you ever purchased a skincare product with rave reviews, only to see little to no results? The problem may not be the product itself but how you applied it. To get the best results from your skincare products, they must be absorbed into the skin. How you layer your products affects their absorption and effectiveness, meaning you could be missing out on many skin-enhancing benefits and throwing away the money you spent on the products.
To ensure your beauty routine leads to healthy, glowing skin instead of expensive disappointment, we’ve created this article to guide you through the correct way to layer your skincare products for maximum results.

Skincare Routine Steps

Your skin has different needs in the morning than in the evening, so skincare routines are typically grouped into a.m. and p.m. categories. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of a balanced routine that will support your skin morning and night.

Morning skincare routine:
The biggest challenges your skin faces during the day are sun damage and exposure to environmental stressors such as pollution and dirt. Your a.m. routine should include sunscreen, as well as products with skin-protecting ingredients such as niacinamide and green tea extract.

1. 1. Cleanser: Gently cleansing your skin to remove any sweat, oil, or other impurities it may have been exposed to during the night.
2. 2. Exfoliant: Use a gentle chemical or physical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells for a brighter complexion. It’s best to exfoliate no more than three times per week.
3. 3. Toner: Use a toner to balance your skin's pH level, remove dead skin cells, and prepare your skin for the next step.
4. 4. Serum: Apply an antioxidant-rich serum to protect your skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress.
5. 5. Moisturizer: Moisturize your skin to provide hydration and “lock in” the other products.
6. 6. Sunscreen: Apply a mineral-based sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 to any skin that will be exposed to the sun. About ¼ of a teaspoon is enough sunscreen to protect your face adequately.

Nighttime skincare routine:

A nighttime routine is all about supporting your body’s natural process of repairing and regenerating the skin while you sleep. Focus on products with ingredients that help with cellular turnover, collagen production, and hydration, such as retinol, squalane, and marula oil.

1. 1. Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and the day’s grime.
2. 2. Toner: Apply a toner to rebalance your skin's pH and remove all traces of cleanser and impurities.
3. 3. Treatments: Nighttime is the best time to apply treatments like retinoids since these can increase the skin’s sun sensitivity.
4. 4. Eye cream: The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and it’s one of the first places to show signs of aging. Use an eye cream to protect this area and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
5. 5. Moisturizer: Use a rich moisturizer or night cream to deeply hydrate your skin before it goes into the repair and regeneration process.

Dos & Don’ts: Layering Skincare

Dos

• Do apply products in order of their consistency. Always go from thinnest (serums) to thickest (moisturizer or creams). This ensures that each product can be absorbed into the skin without being blocked by heavier ones.
• Do wait between layers. Wait about one minute between layers to give each product enough time to be absorbed.
• Do customize your routine. Everyone's skin is different, so tailor your routine and products to your specific skin concerns, such as acne, eczema, or hyperpigmentation.

Don’ts

• Don’t mix certain ingredients. Not all ingredients are team players, and they may cancel each other out or cause irritation when used together. For example, mixing retinol and vitamin C can irritate your skin, and benzoyl peroxide can deactivate retinoids.
• Don’t overuse products. Sometimes less is more when it comes to skincare products. For instance, if you have sensitive or very dry skin, you may not be able to apply a retinol serum every night or exfoliate as often.

10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

The elaborate 10-step Korean skincare routine is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of beauty regimens, and its effectiveness lies in the proper layering of ingredients. Our recommended a.m. and p.m. skincare routines are pared down versions of the K-beauty practice, but if you have the time and patience, you can incorporate the full version below to get even more skin-supporting ingredients into your daily routine.

1. 1. Oil-based cleanser: Removes makeup dirt while keeping the skin hydrated.
2. 2. Water-based cleanser: Removes the oil and any lingering impurities.
3. 3. Exfoliant: Removes dead skin cells and improves product absorption (1-2 times per week).
4. 4. Toner: Balances the skin’s pH level.
5. 5. Essence: Hydrates and soothes the skin, preparing it for the next products.
6. 6. Ampoule: Contains concentrated ingredients for maximum skin benefits.
7. 7. Serum: Focuses on specific skincare concerns, such as dryness or uneven texture.
8. 8. Sheet mask: Supports skin in various ways depending on the type you choose.
9. 9. Eye cream: Protects and nourishes the sensitive under-eye area.
10. 10. Moisturizer: Moisturizes the skin for a healthy, dewy complexion.

FAQs

Here are answers to your most common skincare routine questions.

Do you cleanse or exfoliate first?

Cleanse your skin first and then exfoliate.

What is the most important skincare step?

Each step in a skincare routine supports the others, so the process as a whole is important. That said, applying sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your skin.

What are common skincare mistakes?

Common skincare mistakes include layering products in the wrong order (always go lightest to heaviest consistency), not using sunscreen, and not exfoliating.

Are toners necessary?

Toners help soothe skin, tighten pores, and balance pH levels, but they aren’t an essential step.

Add a Professional Facial Treatment to Your Routine

An at-home routine is essential to support healthy skin, but you can supercharge your daily beauty routine by incorporating a professional facial treatment, like the customizable Glo2Facial, every four to six weeks. Skincare professionals have access to cutting-edge technology and more potent ingredients than those available for home use, so you see immediate and long-lasting results.
To experience the benefits of Glo2Facial for yourself, find a provider near you!

by timur

Summer Skincare: Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

The warm, bright days of summer bring plenty of opportunities for leisurely sun-soaked activities. As you enjoy your fun in the sun, it’s important to remember to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. To get you ready for summer, we’ll cover what you should know about sun damage on the face, the best treatments for sun-damaged skin, and sun safety tips.

What You Should Know About Sun Damage on the Face and Body

Sun damage to the face and body is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Two types of UV rays affect the skin — UVA and UVB. While both types cause skin damage, they have different effects.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are primarily to blame for premature signs of aging. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays can penetrate clouds and glass, making them especially dangerous since people often skip sunscreen on cloudy days or when indoors. This means that even if you’re not a sun worshiper, you can still be at risk through the accumulated damage of daily exposure.

Sun damage can affect any skin that’s exposed to the sun, but the most common areas to show damage are the face, neck, ears, and hands. These areas are most susceptible because they’re exposed to the sun on a regular basis, unlike the skin of the back, legs, or stomach. Consistent sun exposure without proper protection can lead to skin cancer and signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots, and a rough or leathery texture.

Thankfully, you can limit the risk of sun damage in many ways while still enjoying the sunny days of summer. Read on to learn our best sun safety tips.

Sun Safety Tips: Preventing Sun Damage

To keep your skin healthy and beautiful, follow these tips to prevent sun damage:

1. 1. Wear sunscreen daily. Whether you’re headed to the beach or plan to stay inside all day, it’s essential to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) every single day. For daily use, choose an SPF of at least 30, and if you plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes, opt for SPF 50+ in a water-resistant formula.
2. 2. Reapply regularly. Unfortunately, no sunscreen can provide all-day protection, so it’s critical to reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
3. 3. Stay in the shade. Choose a shady spot to enjoy your outdoor activities out of direct sunlight. If this isn’t possible, avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the most intense.
4. 4. Cover up. Clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts can help protect your skin from sun exposure. You can also look for UPF clothing, which is specifically designed to block the sun’s rays.
5. 5. Remember often overlooked areas. The scalp, lips, ears, and feet are often overlooked when it comes to sunscreen application. These areas have thin, delicate skin, which makes them much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays.

Remember, these sun safety tips aren’t just for bright summer days. Incorporate them into your daily routine to protect your skin from the cumulative effects of sun exposure.

Summer Skincare Routine

As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. The summer months require a more targeted approach to protect your skin from the harsh sun and keep it hydrated and healthy.
Here’s an easy routine to maintain a bright, healthy complexion during the summer:

1. 1. Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and dirt.
2. 2. Toner: Apply a toner to balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores.
3. 3. Serum: Use an antioxidant-rich serum to repair damage from free radicals and boost collagen production.
4. Moisturize: Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer, even if your skin tends to be oilier in the summer. Skipping moisturizer can trigger your skin to produce even more sebum.
5. 4. Sunscreen: Use a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine.
6. 5. Nighttime care: Apply a rejuvenating treatment or hydrating overnight mask to support your skin’s natural regeneration process as you sleep.

The Perfect Summertime Facial: Glo2Facial Revive

Glo2Facial treatment customizations blend natural ingredients with science-backed processes and technologies to give you healthy, gorgeous skin. Our facial technology is the only one on the market that triggers a natural oxygenation process within the skin, creating the ideal conditions to nourish and transform skin from the inside out.

Glo2Facial’s Revive customization uses powerful antioxidants such as retinyl palmitate and caffeic acid to reduce sun damage and signs of aging, refresh dull skin, and improve overall skin texture. It’s the perfect antidote to the sun-drenched days of summer that can take a toll on your skin. Incorporate Glo2Facial Revive into your summertime skincare routine every four to six weeks to see outstanding results.

Dos & Don’ts: Summer Skincare Ingredients

During the summer, incorporate skincare products that contain ingredients that provide sun protection and hydration while repairing sun-damaged cells. Avoid ingredients that increase sun sensitivity.
Dos:

• Niacinamide: Provides sun protection, evens out the skin tone, brightens the complexion, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Green tea extract: Moisturizes the skin and regulates sebum production, which often goes into overdrive during summer and can lead to breakouts.
• Red Algae: Contains anti-aging properties that improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Caffeic Acid: Increases collagen production and prevents premature aging.
• Vitamin E: Supports the skin barrier to improve moisture retention and helps heal sun damage.
• Peptides: Stimulates collagen production and repairs sun damage.
• Ceramides: Strengthens the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.

Dont’s:

• Citrus oils: Can increase your skin’s photosensitivity, making you more at risk for sun damage.
• AHAs and BHAs: Often found in chemical exfoliants, these acids can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
• Alcohol: Can dry out your skin, which is already prone to dehydration from sweating in the heat in the summer.
• Fragrances: Some fragrances can cause sun sensitivity and skin irritation.

Get Glowing Summer Skin with Glo2Facial

Sun protection is essential to maintain healthy, beautiful skin during the summer and year-round. You can tailor your summer skincare routine by choosing antioxidant-rich, alcohol-free products and complementing your at-home routine with regular professional facial treatments. Book your Glo2Facial Revive today to get maximum anti-aging benefits all summer l

by timur