Do I need to know my skin type?
Let’s start with the Skincare basics!
January 31, 2021
What is skin condition?
February 11, 2021
Investing time and resources in taking care of our skin is important. There are no ifs, buts or maybes… The main reason that taking this action may be difficult, however, is because we don’t know what we’re doing in this department; we then either avoid the subject completely or make mistakes when making decisions on skin care.
The most important tip we suggest is: GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN! How can you look after something well if you don’t know what’s required or what’s important? This applies to your skin too. You need to start by identifying your skin type and condition. We’ll cover skin type in this article and look at skin condition in a later one.
The first step to getting to know your skin is getting to know your skin type. This will allow you to begin to observe, classify and come to relatively accurate conclusions about your skin and how best to care for it. The good news is that once you know your skin type, it will take away about 50% of the guess work and allow you to care for your skin better.
There are four standard skin types:
- Normal
- Dry
- Oily
- Combination
If you have combination skin, you’re likely either more oily or dry: we call these types Combination Oily and Combination Dry. You have only one skin type. This determines the basic needs of your skincare. Consider your skin type the foundation of putting together your regimen. There are two ways you can find out about your skin type:
- You can find out more about your skin type by visiting a dermatologist. We always have this as our top choice because they’re experts in their field and will be able to help you look after your skin both internally and externally, especially if you’re experiencing severe skin issues, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis or eczema.
- The second option is this simple home test:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 15-30 minutes
- Don’t apply any products during this time
- Determine your skin type based on your skin’s natural characteristics (below)
| NORMAL SKIN
1. Skin feels smooth and, well, normal. 2. There are no signs of flaking or oiliness. 3. The right skincare products will keep your skin looking healthy, smooth and hydrated. |
DRY SKIN
1. Your skin feels tight and dehydrated and may have flaky areas. 2. The right skincare products will nourish skin, repair the skin’s critical barrier and prevent moisture loss. |
| COMBINATION SKIN
1. Your skin usually has an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and is normal to dry everywhere else. 2. Oily parts may have enlarged pores, signs of breakouts and blackheads. 3. With the right products your skin will become more balanced, look smoother and clearer. |
OILY SKIN
1. Your skin looks shiny and may feel slick to the touch. 2. You’re no stranger to breakouts. 3. The right skincare products will balance skin and help it look smoother. 4. For oily skin it’s important to avoid heavy emollient textures. |
The next step would be for you to figure out the best skin care routine that would work for your skin type. Hopefully you can now build a skin care regimen that will maintain your skin’s health, while also addressing any specific skin concerns. Join us on the next article to find out more.
