You will often see skincare products aimed towards certain skin types. That may leave you wondering, what skin type am I?
It’s important to remember that while you may have a dominating skin type, this could change depending on certain circumstances and seasonality. Understand what skin type you are will help you develop the most effective skin care regime and tackle your biggest skin concerns.
There are five main skin types:
- Oily: This is fairly self-explanatory. You will notice more than a subtle ‘glow’ to your skin, instead this will make you look shiny – even without highlighter.
- Dry: If you have flaky skin that is rough to the touch.
- Combination: You guessed it. This is a combination of oily and dry skin in different areas of your face.
- Sensitive: If you skin is easily irritated, red or itchy, it could be sensitive.
- Normal: You neither suffer with extreme dryness or excess oil and have no problems with irritation.
So, you might now have an idea which skin type you could be, but how can you test that theory?
Follow these simple steps to find out:
- Wash your face with your normal cleanser
- Pat dry with a towel (do not apply any products including moisturiser)
- Leave your skin alone for one hour (do not touch it, pick it or prod it!)
- Take some tissue and blot your forehead, nose and chin.
- Take another piece of tissue and blot the rest of your face.
If you notice a lot of oil on both pieces of tissue, then you are likely an oily skin type. Only the first bit of tissue showing signs of oil? Then you are combination.
No visible signs of oil and your skin is feeling tight? Your skin type is dry.
If there is no noticeable difference, then you likely have normal skin.
Skin feeling irritated and tight with areas of redness? You’re probably sensitive.
Now that you know your skin type, here are my top tips for treating each one!
Dry Skin
- Ensure your products are optimised to treating dry skin. Especially look for deeply hydrating moisturisers and face masks
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. 2 Litres is the recommended amount
- Use SPF everyday
- Serums can make great additions to your skin care routine. For examples the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster, or Phyto Replenish Oil.
Oily Skin
- Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells
- If you’re using an oil-based cleanser (which is fine for oily skin) make sure to follow this with a gel-based cleanser
- Apply a clay mask 1-2 times per week
Combination Skin
- Choose an oil-free moisturiser
- Look for products specifically designed for combination skin
- Try multi-masking! Apply a clay mask to your t-zone and a ultra-hydrating mask to the other areas of your face. Avoid lips and eyes.
Sensitive Skin
- Choose perfume/ fragrance -free products
- Dab your face to dry, do not rub
- Always test new products (you should anyway) on a small patch of skin first
If you’re suffering with dry skin from battling the winter elements, read our October blog on preparing your skin for the winter.