La Roche-Posay Products for Different Skin Types: Part One
La Roche-Posay is one of the world's most beloved French skincare brands, known for its simple yet highly effective formulations and use of nourishing, nutrient-rich Thermal Spring Water. The brand develops products with the help of dermatologists to ensure efficacy and safety for sensitive skin, and they have a variety of product ranges designed to tackle different skin types and concerns.
In this article, we'll guide you through the best La Roche-Posay products for sensitive, oily, and dry skin types. Be sure to check out Part Two which will cover products suitable for mature skin, normal or combination skin, and skin prone to redness. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
How to identify your skin type
To figure out your skin type, you should assess your complexion when it is completely free from makeup or products. Wash your face with a cleanser and wait for 15 minutes to let any redness settle down.
If your complexion feels smooth, is not overly shiny or oily and doesn't have any signs of flaking, your skin is probably normal. If the complexion feels tight, dehydrated, and has flaky areas, you probably have dry skin. Skin that is very red, tight, itchy and flushes easily could be sensitive.
Skin that appears shiny and feels slick is classified as oily. People with oily skin tend to frequently experience blemish breakouts. If you have an oily forehead, nose and chin (T-zone), but the rest of your face feels either normal or tight and dry, you likely have combination skin. The oily areas may be susceptible to large pores, blackheads and blemishes.
La Roche-Posay products for sensitive skin
Symptoms of sensitive skin include:
- Tightness
- Itching
- Burning sensations
- Frequent flushing and redness
These symptoms might worsen when the skin is exposed to products with fragrance or harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures such as cold, wind, or intense heat.
The Toleriane range from La Roche-Posay is designed with very sensitive skin in mind. Toleriane products have minimal, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulations to hydrate, soothe irritation and support the skin's natural barrier. Also included in the range are such as the Foaming Gel Cleanser (suitable for intolerant skin), moisturisers and eye creams, as well as a collection of gentle makeup products which are ideal for those who struggle to find foundations and powders that do not irritate their sensitive skin.
Reactive and allergic skin
If you have known skin allergies and tend to react to products often, you might find Toleriane Ultra Overnight Care particularly helpful. With soothing Neurosensine and nourishing Carnosine and Vitamin E, it works to relieve sore skin as you sleep so that the complexion feels nourished and healthy every morning.
La Roche-Posay products for oily and blemish-prone skin
Symptoms of oily skin include:
- Shiny, slick texture
- Enlarged pores
- Blackheads
- Blemishes
Although oily skin can simply occur due to someone's genetics, it might be made worse by fluctuating hormone levels and stress. Environmental factors also play a role. For example, if the skin is frequently exposed to pollutants it may be more susceptible to blemishes. Blemish-prone skin should not be confused with acne, which is a more severe problem and should be managed with products specifically designed for acne.
The Effaclar range is designed specifically for oily skin, using ingredients such as niacinamide and salicylic acid to control oil production and minimise the appearance of blemishes. The Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is one of the most popular products in the range. It works to efficiently cleanse the skin of impurities without stripping natural moisture away, so it doesn't leave the skin feeling tight and dry. There are also toners, moisturisers and serums all available in the Effaclar range which are designed to manage oily skin with daily use.
Teenage skin
Many teenagers experience oily, blemish-prone skin as a result of increased hormonal changes during puberty. The Effaclar Micro-Exfoliant Astringent Lotion is a great product for teens. It contains active ingredient LHA and should be used after cleansing to remove all traces of oils and impurities from the pores. It is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Follow up with the Effaclar K(+) moisturiser which helps to control blackheads and mattify the skin.
Clogged pores
Those who struggle with blackheads will benefit from using Effaclar Duo+ Unifant Light which is designed to be used after cleansing to smooth and refine skin texture. It works to control shine while hydrating the skin and unclogs pores within four weeks.
La Roche-Posay products for dry and dehydrated skin
Symptoms of dry and dehydrated skin include:
- Tightness
- Peeling and flakiness
- Rough or scaly texture
- Redness and irritation
While genetics often play a role in dry skin, sometimes it can be caused or made worse by environmental factors such as exposure to harsh weather, pollutants or fragrances. Certain medications can also lead to dehydrated skin, and diet might play a role. Age is also a factor; mature skin is more susceptible to dryness than younger skin and often benefits from a retinol serum which can both hydrate and firm the skin.
Hydraphase is La Roche-Posay's range designed specifically for dry skin on the face. These products contain hyaluronic acid fragments to help skin retain water and stay hydrated for 24 hours. Hydraphase Intense Riche is for particularly dehydrated skin; it leaves skin feeling soft, nourished and comfortable after cleansing.
For skin that is sore or damaged as a result of extreme dryness, Lipikar is a brilliant range. Most of these products are designed for the body and are suitable for all ages, including children and babies. Lipikar Lait is a replenishing body lotion that contains shea butter, canola oil and Omega 3 and 6 to reinforce the skin's natural barrier and soothe sensitive skin.
Eczema
Lipikar Baume AP+M offers triple-action relief for eczema-prone skin. It provides instant relief from itchiness and soreness, 48-hour hydration, and restores the skin's barrier to help prevent future flareups.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use La Roche-Posay under makeup?
Most La Roche-Posay products are designed to fit seamlessly into your skincare routine and therefore can be used underneath makeup
What is hyaluronic acid and what does it do to your skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin which contributes, in a variety of ways, to healthy skin function. It is a humectant, which means it draws moisture from its surroundings. When hyaluronic acid is included in a skincare product it helps the skin cling onto moisture, leaving it looking and feeling softer and smoother. It can help to reduce the severity of dry skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.