For the most part, everyone’s skin is the same. For everyone, it is the largest organ of the human body. It is also the first line of defense against the outside world. As a result, we must all take proper care in protecting our skin, so it continues to perform its duties. However, not everyone has the same skin complexion. There are six skin complexion types, and your complexion dictates what skincare products to use.
Every complexion has different needs and forms of care. In this article, we’ll reveal what skincare products yours needs.
Extremely Fair Skin
If your skin is extremely fair, then it burns easily and is difficult to tan. Fair skin has little melanin (dark brown or black pigment that occurs in hair and skin) and is susceptible to reddening and freckles. Because of this, your skincare routine should focus on protection against environmental stressors like sun damage. We recommend using moisturizers, foundations and BB creams with SPF. However, if you only use sunscreen for protection, it should be no less than SPF 20 and 30.
It's also important to take every possible measure to protect your skin against the sun, from wearing long sleeves and big hats, to using umbrellas when the UV index is high.
Fair Skin
If you have fair skin, it is slightly darker than extremely fair skin, but it still burns and freckles easily. As a result, you should also focus on skincare products that protect your skin against sun damage and always take preventative measures, like wearing sunscreen and staying indoors when the UV index is high. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF no less than 20 and try to find other skincare products that have SPF.
UV rays aren’t the only battle you must face. Fair skin is also prone to drying and sensitivity. When choosing skincare products, make sure to avoid harsh ingredients, like parabens, synthetic fragrances, and GMOs. Look for ingredients that add and lock moisture, from your cleansers to your moisturizers. If you’re on the market for a hydrating moisturizer, we recommend Gle Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide.
Medium Skin
If you have medium or beige skin, you won’t burn as easily as the first two skin types, but that doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. Look for sunscreens with SPF 15-30. Let's not forget about the products to exclude, such as harsh chemicals. Your skin is sensitive to the sun, so you don’t want to damage the layers of skin that protect against UV exposure.
When it comes to your cleansers, we recommend gentle cleansers that won’t strip away oils and good bacteria. You’ll appreciate the gentle ingredients in the Foaming Face Cleanser, which provides a deep cleanse without causing dryness.
Light Brown Skin
Light brown is slightly darker than medium. Rather than having a beige complexion, your complexion leans towards an olive hue. As a result, you tan more easily and you’re less susceptible to burning. Again, that doesn’t mean you should skip wearing sunscreen – in fact, nobody should skip sunscreen, no matter their complexion!
When your skin burns, it can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which creates uneven skin tone. There are multiple causes of PIH, sun exposure being among the most common. You can prevent PIH by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. If you already have PIH, look for products containing ingredients to combat hyperpigmentation. These include:
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
Brown Skin
Among the six skin complexion types, this is among the least likely to experience sunburn. However, a significant problem people with brown skin face is hyperpigmentation, which is characterized as dark patches due to melanin. Melanin gives brown skin its dark complexion, and it’s possible for there to be an overproduction of melanin.
Look for products that treat hyperpigmentation, like niacinamide. Again, we recommend using Gle Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide along with a brightening serum. Additionally, look for anti-inflammatory ingredients in your skincare products, like aloe, chamomile, and ceramides.
Black Skin
When you have black skin, this means you have a high volume of melanin. This protects against sun damage, so it’s very uncommon to burn due to sun exposure.
Uncommon, but not unlikely.
Always wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin against UV damage. Even if you don’t burn, sun exposure can result in premature aging.
Just like brown skin, black skin is susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resulting from damage or irritation. When the skin is damaged or irritated, its response is to create extra melanin – more than you may need. So, not only should you protect your skin against environmental stressors but be cautious with the skincare products you buy. Look for all-natural ingredients and fragrance-free formulas.
