The Philippines is a tropical country, so it only has two seasons: wet and dry. The hot and unstable weather in the country makes it hard for Filipinas to protect their skin from the harsh environment. Nevertheless, there’s a way to take care of your skin properly. And it all starts with consulting with dermatologists at Rakuboss and knowing what type of skin you have.
Normal Skin
Filipinas who are blessed with normal skin have a perfectly-balanced and healthy skin type. Meaning, it’s not too dry or oily. The skin produces the right amount of moisture, so normal skin types have little to no imperfections, nearly visible pores, and radiant complexion.
They say nothing’s perfect, so are there people who really have normal skin type? There is. But technically, no person possesses zero imperfections. You can still categorize your skin as normal if you have no major problems such as acne, blemishes, zits, and dry patches.
If you have a normal skin type, dermatologists approve the once-a-day cleaning regimen. Don’t scrub or clean your face too much as your skin needs moisture. After cleaning your face, use a day and night moisturizer in the morning and before bedtime. Further, only exfoliate once a week. Another good thing about having normal skin types is you won’t need to be picky when choosing skincare and drugstore make-up products in the Philippines.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is common among women. However, identifying if you have a combination skin type is tricky. Having one means that parts of your face are dry or normal, while other areas are oily—especially the T-zone which comprises the nose, forehead, and chin. Dry and oily areas vary from person to person.
If you have a combination skin type, it’s best to find skincare and cosmetic products that cater to people with normal to combination skin. Only use a gentle cleanser twice a day, morning and night. Remove dirt and excess oil on your face after waking up and before going to bed. You may exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your current skin condition. When going out, use oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is hard to combat. People with this skin type have small pores, dull complexion, lines and wrinkles, and red or white patches. Although having dry skin in the Philippines is rare, there are Filipinas who still experience having dry skin when the weather is cold. Aside from environmental factors, one of the top reasons for having dry skin is over-cleansing.
To take care of dry skin (or to avoid it at all costs), change your bathing routine and always drink water. Take shorter hot showers, and use mild soap or cleaners. Avoid using products that can disturb your natural pH. Most importantly, apply cream or gel-based moisturizers twice or thrice a day to restore your skin’s moisture.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is probably the most problematic skin type, yet it’s the most common. Because of the weather and pollution in the country, Filipinas who have oily skin have large pores and are more prone to acne and blemishes. Further, they always experience sebum buildup when exposed to sun and dirt. As a result, their T-zone and cheek areas always look shiny.
This type of skin must be treated with care. The cosmetic industry knows is aware of this fact, so there are specialized products that cater to people with this type of skin. You won’t have a hard time finding the best products in the market as according to Statista, “Skincare is the leading category” in the global market.
If you have oily skin, cleanse, tone, and moisturize twice a day. Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen (with SPF 25 or above) before leaving the house. Lastly, exfoliate and use face masks once a week to prevent your pores from clogging.