In order to find the right products for your skin, you need to first know what skin type and conditions you have. The skin is the body’s biggest organ and at times it can be unpredictable and frustrating.
Here is a quick and easy guide to help you tell the difference between skin types and hopefully shed some light on how you can help your skin!
Skin types and skin conditions are two very different things! A skin type is the skin you are born with, it’s the natural, predisposed state that you have inherited. These are characterised as: Dry, Normal, Combination and Oily.
Skin conditions are treatable and include some of the main skin concerns that people have. These are influenced by both internal, and external factors. The main skin conditions are: Ageing, Dehydrated, Sensitive, Skin Pigmentation and Blemish Prone.
Often for younger people, particularly between the ages of 13-25, common skin complaints are sensitivity, blemish prone and dehydrated skin.
Skin Conditions
Dry: Dry skin types will find that their skin is lacking in the skin’s natural oil (sebum). This oil is an important protective barrier for our skin. Dry skin will often look quite dull and will feel rough to touch. Those with dry skin may also find that they’re often more sensitive to products and weather changes causing the skin to appear red in areas.
This skin type requires nourishing products to help replace some of the oil and to help protect the vulnerable skin underneath. Cream and oil based cleansers and moisturisers work well for dry skin types.
Normal:Normal skin types are characterised by a healthy balance of oil on the skin, meaning no very oily areas and no very dry areas. This skin type will appear to be radiant and will have a healthy smooth texture. This skin type is often the one that everyone is jealous of!
Combination: Combination skin types are perhaps the most common as most people will have a little bit of two types. Most people with this skin type will find they have oily skin around the T-zone area (nose, forehead and chin) and will be either dry or normal everywhere else. These people will find that they need both oil absorbing products and nourishing products everywhere else!
Oily: Oily skin types can often feel frustrated with their skin as it is more prone to breakouts and harder to keep makeup in place! This skin type can over produce oil which is a contributor to enlarged pores, congestion and a greasy texture on the skin. Don’t despair! This skin type ages better and will look younger for longer! For the time being, avoid heavy, oily products and instead stick to lightweight lotions and products formulated for oily skin.
*Important note* do NOT use too many drying products. This will stimulate the glands to produce more oil which can make matters worse.
Establishing what skin type you have is a great starting point for finding the right products that will help to improve your skin. A very simple routine is to use a cleanser to remove makeup, dirt and oil, followed by a moisturiser to help replenish the skin and prevent moisture loss throughout the day!
Using the right products will help you to see an improvement sooner, bring you more confidence and stop you wasting money on products that aren’t effective.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
