What’s your Skin Type?

All skin types can benefit from a daily cleansing and moisturizing, but different skin types have different needs. Some skin types require a few more steps in your daily routine to maintain that glow while others are much more minimalistic. What are the different skin types you ask? There are 5 different basic types of skin: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin.

Take a look below to see the tell-tale signs of each skin type:

Normal - Normal skin generally describes well-balanced skin which is neither excessively oily or dry. While it is always expected there may be a slight bit of oil build up in your T zone (forehead, chin and nose), overall your moisture level is quite balanced. Pores are generally quite small in this skin type and is less likely to be prone to breakouts or blemishes! Sounds like a dream, right?!

Dry - Dry skin describes skin that produces less sebum than normal skin and therefore lacks the proper lipids needed to retain and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. Unfortunately, due to this dry skin can often become rough or flaky and tends to be more prone to visible lines.

Oily - Oily skin has the habit of producing an excess of sebum which can leave you looking shiny and greasy throughout the day, especially in your T zone! This skin type is also commonly known for having enlarged pores and therefore is more prone to acne and breakouts

Combination - Combination skin typically has areas of both excess oil and being either normal or too dry. It is commonly the T zone that produces extra oil, while the cheeks are either normal or dry. Many people have this type of skin and can be a bit tricky to navigate since different areas of the face often require different care.

Sensitive - Sensitive skin can happen in conjunction with any of the above skin types, which means anyone can have sensitive skin! If you have sensitive skin, you may often feel irritated as your skin may be red or itchy. This is most common when your skin is vulnerable to external triggers - many people are sensitive to certain ingredients or fragrances. It is best to identify such triggers so you can attempt to avoid them in your everyday life if possible. 

So Samm, how do I figure out my skin type?

The easiest way to determine what type of skin you have is to see how it presents itself from morning to night on a typical day - here is a quick reference to prompt yourself!

Does your face feel oily or look shiny by the end of the day? 

You most likely have oily skin

Is your T zone shiny, but the rest of your face appears matte?

You most likely have combination skin

Do you have minimal oil, flakiness or redness, or none at all?

You most likely have normal skin

Do you find your skin feeling flaky or tight?

You most likely have dry skin

Is your skin itchy, red or inflamed?

You most likely have sensitive skin 

If you’re still unsure, book yourself a consultation with a skincare specialist or dermatologist!

It is so so important to know your skin type so that you have a truly customized skincare regime tailored to your skin's needs, also this information can be extremely helpful to estheticians in recommending products and treatments for you to see the best results!

Stay tuned next week to hear more about the best tips and tricks as well as tailored am/pm skincare routines for each type of skin!