What Is Your Skin Type?
Overwhelmed by marketing, it has now became very difficult to find the right product, adapted to your skin type. But do you know at least what's your skin type, between Normal, Dry, Oily and Combination? Understand what's the difference and find out what is your skin type.
The 4 different types of skin
There are essentially four types of skin that you may already know: Normal, Dry, Oily and Combination. No worries we are here to help you identified in which category you fall into:
Normal skin is a well-balanced skin which means that the overall sebum production and the moisturization are balanced, living the skin neither too dry nor too oily. It is characterised by fine pores, a smooth and soft texture, a uniform tone and very few imperfections. Here, one of the goals of using skin care would be to help protect the skin functioning.
2- DRY SKIN
Dry skin means that there is an underproduction of sebum, caused by the inability of the skin to retain water supplied from the deeper skin layers. The skin therefore lacks lipid needed to regain the moisture and protect the skin correctly. There are different degrees of dryness of the skin and this can be characterized by a sensation of tightness, low elasticity and rough look. Dry skin is also more sensitive to irritation and need extra attention. Here you may be looking for products that help to rebuild a healthy skin barrier and provide an extra moisturizing effect. Perfumes can be harmful for dry skin, look for gentle products only!
3- OILY SKIN/ ACNE PRONE
As opposed to dry skin, oily skin means that there is an overproduction of sebum, which can lead to various forms of acne. It can be caused by a lot of factors, among which figures medication, the level of stress or simply genetics. The use of comedogenic products, in skin care or make-up products, can also cause the skin to become oily. Oily skin is characterised by visible and enlarged pores, a shiny effect, some impurities and in some cases acne.
Combination skin means that you have both Oily and Dry skin (probably the most common skin type). This condition is caused by an unbalanced sebum production between the two zones: your forehead, nose and chin (called the T-zone) is oily due to an overproduction of sebum, when your cheeks are dry. It is also characterised by some impurities or enlarged pores. The ultimate test to find out your skin type at home You're still having a hard time finding the category you fall into? No worries this easy method should give you the answer! It is called the blotting paper test:
MAKE THE TEST:
- Step 1: Wash your face with a cleanser (Beware of classic shower gels that can dry your skin!).
- Step 2: Wait about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Step 3: Gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face.
- Step 4: Hold the paper to the light and determine your skin type!
ANALYSE THE RESULT:
- You are more likely to have dry skin if the sheet reveals little or no oil.
- You have a combination skin if the paper reveals oil from your T-zone area and not on your cheeks.
- You are more likely to have oily skin if the paper reveal oil from all the areas of your face. Now you have taken the first step into choosing a product that fits your needs! Beware that other factors can affect the skin type and therefore you won’t have the same type of skin your whole life! Our advice is to regularly take the time to evaluate the needs of your skin hat can vary among seasons and depending on your environment (pollution, sun exposure, stress).