If you happen to be looking for the right skincare product, but you are unsure about your skin type and its needs, here’s a quick guide with the characteristics of each skin type, to make your choice easier.
NORMAL SKIN
How to identify – Normal skin is characterized by good blood circulation and balanced sebum secretion. No dry or oily areas, blackheads or enlarged pores.
It is not affected by temperature changes, the skin tone is even, the texture of the skin is smooth, and there are no imperfections or sensitivity to the products used.
Tips for normal skin – normal skin is the easiest skin type to care for, but it’s important to know that it can change over time due to the seasons, the aging process or hormonal changes. This is why a consistent skincare routine and proper protection against UV rays can help maintain healthy skin.
Apply skincare products with ingredients such as ceramides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or retinol (PM routine only) and a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (for the AM).
COMBINATION SKIN
How to identify – Combination skin, the most common skin type, is a mix of oily and dry skin. It shows excess sebum, blackheads and enlarged pores around the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) while the cheek area is often dry or even shows signs of sensitivity. Breakouts commonly appear on the forehead, chin and nose area. Combination skin type requires skincare products adapted for each area.
Tips for combination skin – to properly care for both dry and oily areas, exfoliation is an essential part of your skin care routine as it helps remove dead skin cells in dry areas while also unclogging pores. Focus on products with soothing extracts such as centella asiatica, aloe vera or green tea. Use cleansing and toning products that balance the skin’s pH and a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (for the AM).
OILY SKIN
How to identify – Oily skin is characterized by the shiny, oily appearance of the skin, due to excess sebum. Oily skin type is prone to acne and is common in teenagers and young adults. The pores are dilated, the skin tone can be uneven, and blackheads are also common. Oily skin is determined by a number of factors such as stress, genetic factors, hormonal imbalances or climate influence (high humidity). Skin can also be thicker skin due to genetic factors and less prone to dehydration, meaning wrinkles are less visible and appear later than other skin types.
Tips for oily skin – oily skin requires a more careful selection of the skincare products used. Choose products with ingredients that are non-comedogenic and acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or tea tree and a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (for the AM).
DRY SKIN
How to identify – Dry skin is characterized by its abrasive texture and flaky skin. Sebum secretion is reduced. There is the sensation of tight skin, and redness and irritation are common. Pores are less visible, skin elasticity is reduced and fine lines are more pronounced than in the case of other skin types.
Tips for dry skin – Use nourishing skincare products that contain moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin,ceramides or shea butter. Avoid products that are too harsh on the skin. Exfoliate the skin using a gentle product to remove dead skin cells without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Don’t over exfoliate – once or twice a week is enough. Overnight masks used regularly can keep your skin smooth and supple, plus a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (for the AM) can help protect against UV damage.
SENSITIVE SKIN
How to identify – Sensitive skin can also present some of the characteristics of normal, combination, oily (especially in summer) or dry (in winter) skin, but in addition to these – redness, itching or burning sensation is also common.
Sensitive skin
Tips for Sensitive Skin – Finding the right products for sensitive skin can be a challenge. Unfortunately, there is no single cause of skin sensitivity, which is why you may notice the symptoms after following the triggers.
Sensitive skin requires the use of gentle yet effective skincare products, so a suitable option would be to use products with minimal formulations and ingredients such as centella asiatica or aloe vera, known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties for the skin, plus a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (for the AM) that can help protect against UV damage.
It is important to note that sensitive skin can easily react to the use of any type of product, even products deemed as hypoallergenic. It is recommended to test any new product by applying a small amount of product to the inside of the wrist and waiting 24 hours to see if a local reaction occurs.