How to discover your skin type
You must have come across the terms that different cosmetic companies use to describe their products according to the skin type they are designed for. Oily, dry, normal, combination, mature, problematic... No idea which category yours falls into? Let's take a closer look.
Why discovering your skin type matter
If you take the time to get to know your skin, you'll know how to care for it properly and address any problems you might have. Once you know what your skin type is, it's easier to build your skincare routine and choose products that work for you. That way, you know you're doing the best for your skin - and it will reward you for it.
As we age, not only does our body change, but our skin does too. That's why it's a good idea to pay attention to your skin and adjust your skincare to what it needs and requires. For example, our skin tends to be more oily at puberty, while after menopause (or simply later in life) you may notice a lack of hydration and drier skin.
The environment we are in or the season also has a big impact on our skin. Therefore, it may be advisable to adjust your skincare according to where you are going on holiday, for example. However, it's essential to know your skin type so that you can prepare yourself properly for any changes.
TEST: How to know your skin type
A simple test that can guide you towards knowing your skin type:
- Wash your face and dry it gently with a towel.
- Leave your skin as it is - don't use any products.
- Set an alarm for 30 minutes and wait to see how your skin reacts.
- After 30 minutes, it's time to analyse. How do you feel?
If soon after washing your skin feels tight and dry, this is a clear indicator of dry skin.
Oily skin, on the other hand, will show an overproduction of sebum, which you can tell by shiny skin. You can also tell if you have too much sebum by putting absorbent paper against your skin, which will soak up the grease.
Combination skin is characterised by an oily t-zone, while the rest of the face remains dull.
Tip: After the test, apply absorbent paper to different parts of the face. This will give you an idea of whether the skin on your entire face reacts the same or is mixed - and which specific areas are oilier.
Basic skin types
Oily skin
Oily skin produces an excess of sebum. If you feel like you're glistening like a disco ball and the sun is reflecting off you in photos, you're probably dealing with oily skin.
Oily skin is also more prone to developing acne, various pimples, enlarged pores or blackheads and is generally prone to imperfections (hence why it is sometimes called “problematic”).
What oily skin appreciates:
Use lightweight gel or foam cleansers, oil-free moisturizers and products containing salicylic acid, which cleanses pores.
What to watch out for: Oils, silicones and overly heavy products that tend to clog the skin.
Beware: Even oily skin can become dehydrated. In this case, it often ointments all the more to make up for this deficiency. After incorporating hydration into a skincare routine and taking proper care of the skin, skin that appeared oily may just lack proper care and even end up looking combination or normal.
Dry skin
Dry skin produces less sebum. Listen to your intuition: as well as feeling dry, such skin can often feel tight, irritated and flaky (bits of dry skin literally crumble off your face). It is prone to fine lines and wrinkles due to low levels of hydration.
Hydration is essential in dry skin care, and products with moisturizing and soothing ingredients are a good choice. Most of the time, such skin enjoys thicker creams that form an occlusive layer, holding in hydration and leaving the skin supple and nourished. Pay even more attention to thick creams in winter, when skin needs protection from drying frost.
What dry skin appreciates: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, peptides.
What to watch out for: Drying substances such as alcohol. Be careful when including acids and retinoids.
Normal skin
Normal skin is often considered the ideal skin condition. It is balanced, not too dry or too oily. Typical features of normal skin are fine pores, smooth texture, no blemishes or other noticeable imperfections.
When caring for normal skin, it is important to maintain its natural balance. Avoid aggressive products and focus on gentle cleansers, moisturizers containing antioxidants and sun protection.
What normal skin appreciates: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide.
Substances to be wary of: As with other skin types, be careful with retinoids and acids (e.g. AHA, BHA). They can be too strong for normal skin and cause irritation.
Combination skin
Combination skin is a mix of several skin types, and usually facial areas differ in their need for hydration. The T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) tends to be oilier, while the cheeks can be dry or normal.
Caring for combination skin requires an individual approach to different parts of the face. Use different products for oily and dry areas, such as a light moisturiser for the cheeks and a regulating cream for the oily T-zone.
Ingredients suitable for combination skin: Glycerin for hydration, niacinamide for balancing sebum production and moisturizing, salicylic acid to help cleanse pores in oily areas.
Be careful with: Alcohol, it may cause overdrying your dry areas.
Further indications of your skin type
As well as the basic 4 skin types, you may also come across terms such as 'mature' or 'sensitive' skin (and certainly many others). Although they have their own specific needs, mature and sensitive skin is also oily, dry, combination or normal - and should be treated as such.
Mature skin
This term usually refers to aging skin. It tends to become thinner, lose elasticity and develop more visible wrinkles and pigment spots.
Mature skin care
Prioritise products rich in antioxidants, peptides and retinoids, which promote skin regeneration. Don't forget sun protection and adequate hydration, which skin usually needs more of as it ages.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is easily irritated. It can react to different substances by redness, itching or burning. It requires gentle care and careful product selection.
Care for sensitive skin
Choose hypoallergenic products without perfumes and alcohol. Products should be soothing and protective, with ingredients such as aloe vera and panthenol.
For each skin type, the key is to know its specifics and choose products that will promote its health and beauty. Remember that regular use of the right products (like our skincare routines) is essential to keep your skin in great condition.
