how do i know what’s my skin type?
Knowing what skin type you have is necessary for the best skin care routine to suit your needs. This is because skincare products are designed to work for different skin types. If you’re unsure what skin type you have, read below to find common characteristics of normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin types. You’ll also discover tips for your skin type and our top picks of products to help with these issues.
What are the Different Skin Types?
The five common skin types are normal, dry, oily, and sensitive skin. Basic skin types are intrinsic, as we are born with a predisposition for the skin to develop in to one of these types depending on our inherited genetic characteristics. Skin conditions on the other hand are influenced by internal (medication, hormones, diet, water intake, stress, illness) and external (environment, climate, skincare habits, lifestyle) factors. Any skin type can experience any skin condition at any given time. Always treat the skin according to the skin type first, and then address the skin condition.
Normal Skin
“Normal” skin is used to refer to a skin type which is not described as oily or dry. Instead, the skin is well-balanced and experiences little sensitivity. Normal skin types also tend to experience few blemishes and minimally visible pores. Normal skin types are uncommon, as most people experience a slight imbalance between their skins’ oil and dryness. Other characteristics of normal skin types include the feeling of soft and supple to the touch and feeling neither tight nor greasy.
How to Care for Normal Skin Types
Stay hydrated- our skin is the largest organ in the human body and all these cells are made up with water. Lack of hydration will cause your skin to feel tight and look dry or flaky.
A healthy daily routine is important for maintaining overall skin health
Use broad spectrum, Zinc Oxide based sunscreen to protect from harsh UVA and UVB rays. Try SKN-RG Pure Shield SPF30 or MG Naturals BB Cream.
Oily Skin
Somebody with an oily skin type tends to experience excess oil on their face, producing a greasy or shiny appearance. This tends to be caused by over-secretion of sebum which is the oily substance within our skin. Characteristics of oily skin types include makeup wearing off easily, skin easily attracts dust & dirt from the environment, less visible wrinkles, visible or enlarged pores, shiny skin and often having breakouts.
Skincare Tips for Oily Skin
Use a cleanser regularly which suits oily skin- this will remove oil which may clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Use a high quality nourishing and organic toner daily to rebalance the skins pH levels like the Cellular Balance Toner or Revitilize Face Mist
Use a detoxifying charcoal mask or a clay mask once or twice a week for a deeper cleanse.
moisturising oliy skin is more important than you think. To retain moisture use a non-comedogenic face oil such as vitalize face elixir and a hydrating face cream.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common issue which happens when there is increased transepidermal water loss or potential damage to the epidermal layer (the protective outer layer on our skin). Dry skin can occur from weather conditions (such as dry winter air), but some are more prone to having dryer skin naturally. Other common characteristics of dry skin include visible fine lines, flaky looking appearance, visibly small pores, skin feeling tight and irritable, as well as makeup sometimes being hard to apply.
How to Care for Dry Skin Types
Limit the time spent in the shower and make sure the temperature isn’t too hot- these factors will dry out your skin.
Minimal sun exposure with sun protection at all times and avoid artificial atmospheres.
Do not use harsh abrasive exfoliants and maintain the acid mantle at all times.
Use creams designed for dry skins with natural ingredients like Cellular Repair Moisturiser and boost your skin’s essential fatty acids with Pro Oil Concentrate.
Sensitive Skin
Some people are born with a skin naturally more prone to sensitivity, for instance, individuals with fair, “porcelain-like” skin, light or red hair, with freckles. The skin is delicate, fine textured, flushes easily and is prone to allergic reactions, evident redness all over.
How to Care for Sensitive Skin
Only use organic and natural products on your face. By avoiding synthetic ingredients such as parabens, preservatives, and silicones, this will likely minimise the amount of irritation.
Test the product on a small patch of skin.
Use UV protection religiously and avoid extreme hot or cold environment.
Use a gentle cleanser like rejuvenation clay cleanser or a super rich cream cleanser and avoid harsh abrasive exfoliants.
By following the simple guide above, you can determine what characteristics sound most like your skin to find what skin type you have. While it may not be possible to literally change skin types our skin itself does change and adapt over time due to our lifestyle, general health and environment we live in. If you’re still not sure on what skin type you have or how to target your different skin conditions or want a personalised skincare routine then book a skin consultation today.