Getting to know your skin type is the first step towards building an effective skincare routine for your skin.
Your skin type is determined by how much sebum your skin naturally produces and there are only four different skin types; Normal, Dry, Oily or Combination.
Sensitive skin is not formally a skin type. It is considered a subjective issue, at least half of us believe we have it! Sensitive skin reacts (turns red, bumpy or itchy) to almost any element that has potential irritation. It's usually worse during the cold and dry months. If you have sensitive skin, it's best if you avoid irritating ingredients such as fragrances, drying alcohol, essential oils and colour agents. Look for hypoallergenic cosmetics which are manufactured without certain ingredients that are known to cause allergic reactions. When looking for sun protection look for sunscreens with zinc oxide & titanium dioxide, the two sunscreen ingredients least likely to cause allergic reactions.
How to determine your skin type:
The easiest way to determine your skin type is to follow these two steps. First, wash your face and wait an hour. Don't apply any skincare products on your face during this time. Secondly, once the hour is done, examine your skin and observe how it feels to determine which of the following profiles applies to your skin!
NORMAL
Signs:
Does not appear oily or shiny
Does not feel tight or dry
No obvious flaking
Few, if any, enlarged pores
Very few, minor breakouts
Your skin is balanced in terms of moisture. It produces enough natural oil to feel smooth and retains enough moisture, but not so much oil that it can be seen on the surface.
What your skin will benefit most from:
Focus on maintaining the quality of your skin with proper morning and evening cleansing and protecting your skin from oxidation caused by free radicals (pollution, exhaust fumes) and sun damage.
Look for ingredients high in antioxidants. Prickly pear seed oil is a fierce free radical scavenger (rich in antioxidants) with great anti-aging properties.
DRY
Signs:
Skin feels tight
Skin feels dry to the touch
Appears dull
Fine lines & wrinkles may appear more pronounced
Barely visible pores
Your skin produces less sebum than normal. The key to caring for dry skin is to keep the skin barrier properly hydrated. You want to add moisture back in as help the skin barrier retain this moisture. Dry skin is also often more sensitive than normal or oily skin.
What your skin will benefit most from:
Look for product's that contain ceramides. Ceramides are natural fats that are one of the major components making up the skin barrier. They strengthen the skins barrier against moisture loss and help the skin appear smooth and plump.
Carrier oils such as Prickly pear seed oil are outstanding natural moisturisers and can be applied underneath your daycream to seal it in.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisture-binding ingredient, if used in combination with a moisturiser it will help lock hydration in.
AHA's (Alpha hydroxy acids) are a family of naturally occurring acids that include lactic acid, glycolic acid and mandolin acid. AHA's work as an effective exfoliant removing dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and keeping dull and flaky skin at bay. AHA's also possess humectant moisturising properties.
OILY
Signs:
Skin looks shiny & oily
enlarged pores throughout the face
Whiteheads or blackheads
Frequent acne breakouts
Your skin produces excessive sebum production. On the bright side, it's not all bad! Research shows that a high level of oil in the skin is associated with fewer wrinkles. The goal with oily skin is to clear the skin of dead cell buildup and 'control sebum' production.
What your skin will benefit most from:
Oily skin will benefit from double cleansing daily with a gentle foaming cleanser and exfoliating regularly.
Remember even oily skin needs to stay hydrated. Use a lightweight non-comodogenic (won't cause breakouts) day cream to avoid dehydration. You may find a night cream isn't necessary.
Look for products containing niacinamide which has many benefits for oily skin. Niacinamide regulates oil production and promotes ceramide production to repair the skins moisture barrier. It works to treat and prevent acne and lighten hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic acid is the hero ingredient for oily skin types. It is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and controls sebum production. It is very helpful in treating acne and hyperpigmentation.
AHA's (Alpha hydroxy acids) are a family of naturally occurring acids that include lactic acid, glycolic acid and mandolin acid. AHA's work as an effective exfoliant removing dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and preventing clogged pores.
COMBINATION
Signs:
Oily in some areas (T-zone)
Dry patches in some areas (cheeks)
Enlarged pores in oily areas
Dry areas prone to dry and flaky patches
A combination of normal to dry skin type on one hand, and oily on the other. Combination skin is generally the most common skin type. The oily skin is often in the T-zone (forehead nose and chin) while cheeks are generally normal to dry. It may also be the other way around.
What your skin will benefit most from:
Look for products formulated for 'all skin types', that will balance the skin without over-drying or cause excess oil production.
If differences between your dry and oily areas are extreme it may be beneficial to use different exfoliators and serums on contrasting areas.
Let us know in the comments below which skin profile matches your skin!
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