KNOWING YOUR SKIN TYPE WELL TO BUILD A SUITABLE BEAUTY ROUTINE
Understanding your skin type is extremely useful for building your beauty routine and identifying which ingredients are appropriate and which ones to avoid. Some active ingredients can do more harm than good if they do not match your needs. Choosing the right product helps treat and prevent most skin concerns, which is why we will help you choose from the many products available.
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “SKIN TYPE” AND “SKIN CONDITION”?
Your skin type is determined by your genes. You will generally keep the same skin type throughout your life. There are three main skin types: dry, normal, and oily. The spectrum of skin types ranges from dry to oily depending on sebum production.
Your skin type cannot change, however each type has different needs. You can use products that balance the skin if it is oily or nourishing products if it is dry. Knowing your skin type allows you to build an effective and suitable routine.
TAKE THE TEST!
Wash your face (with a gentle cleanser), pat it dry, and do not apply any other products. Wait 30 minutes, then evaluate the look and feel of your skin. “If your entire face appears shiny, you likely have oily skin. If it only shines on the T-zone, you have combination skin. If your skin feels tight and looks dull, you have dry skin.”
THE DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES
DRY SKIN
Dry skin is usually thin and produces very little sebum. Pores are small or even invisible and the skin appears dull. It may flake and feel uncomfortable.
NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin is the ideal skin type we would all like to have. It is perfectly balanced, radiant, and healthy.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin produces excess sebum. The sebaceous glands are overactive, resulting in shiny skin and enlarged pores. Oily skin is more prone to blemishes because excess sebum is one of the factors that causes breakouts.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin is probably the most common skin type. It is characterized by an oily T-zone while the rest of the face is normal or dry.
THE DIFFERENT SKIN CONDITIONS
There are five skin conditions. These conditions are influenced by internal factors such as premature aging, hormones, stress levels, and the microbiome, as well as external factors such as cold weather, heating, UV exposure, and pollution. The good news is that these concerns can be addressed, unlike skin type which is genetic. All skin types can experience these conditions. Oily skin can be dehydrated, and dry skin can be sensitive. We only have one skin type, but it is possible to have several skin concerns at the same time.
DEHYDRATION
Dehydrated skin lacks water (while dry skin lacks oil). It is unable to retain moisture properly. Fine dehydration lines may appear.
ACNE
Blemishes appear when pores become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
SENSITIVITY
Sensitive skin can feel uncomfortable and react quickly to temperature changes or cosmetic products you apply. It may appear red and inflamed.
PIGMENTED SPOTS
This is the slowest concern to resolve. Sun exposure or scars can cause these spots.
PREMATURE AGING
Time inevitably passes and the skin becomes thinner, collagen production decreases, and the skin becomes less elastic. However, it is possible to slow down or even reverse the signs of aging thanks to targeted skincare.