What is Your Skin Type

Hello friends 😊, in today’s blog, we will be exploring the different skin types out there and what products to use/avoid for them. We can classify skin into 5 different types:

• Normal Skin
• Dry Skin
• Oily Skin
• Combination Skin
• Sensitive Skin

Normal Skin

Normal Skin Types generally have few imperfections. Their pores are barely visible, and they are not associated with any severe sensitivity. Their skin is not dry or flaky and they usually have a radiant complexion about them. This skin type exerts few fine lines and wrinkles.

Those with normal skin types should avoid products that are overly greasy and those that may dry up the skin. It is vital to keep a consistent skincare routine to keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

Dry Skin

Dry Skin is usually associated with a tightness in your skin and scaly patches and flaking may be seen. They have almost invisible pores and more visible fine lines. The skin is less elastic relative to other skin types, and red patches are noticeable. Dry Skin Types have a rough and dull complexion.

Find a moisturizer that helps to replenish the skin’s moisture and strengthen the skin’s barriers. Creams and oils will work better than lotions for those with this skin type as the texture is thicker and provides more moisturization. Dry Skin Types should avoid harsh cleansers.

Beneficial moisturizers for dry skin types include those that contain hyaluronic acid (known as ‘sodium hyaluronate’ in the ingredients section of skincare products) and glycerine. Use mild and gentle soaps and cleansers, avoiding deodorant soaps.

Oily Skin

Oily Skin Types are associated with enlarged pores and are more prone to formation of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Their skin often appears greasy and their complexion may be either dull or shiny. Fortunately, Oily Skin Types generate less fine lines and wrinkles, helping them to look young.

Those with Oily Skin must remember to lightly exfoliate the skin to slough away dead skin cells so that they don’t trap oils inside the pores as this can lead to the development of acne. Using a gentle exfoliator such as salicylic acid will help, as salicylic acid works to remove sebum and dead skin cells to prevent possibilities of a breakout happening. Avoid the use of heavy cosmetics to prevent the blockage of pores. Also use an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and soft.

Combination skin

Combination Skin Types may have pores that appear to be enlarged around the T-zone along with skin of another type around the face. Those with this skin type are prone to blackheads around the T-zone and will have a shiny complexion here.

Avoid products with fragrance and stick to natural ingredients (extracts). You can choose to use two different moisturizers: a heavy moisturizer for your cheeks (if you have dry skin there) and a lightweight moisturizer around the oily T-zone of the face. Exfoliating is especially important around the oily parts of the skin to help prevent the development of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is usually associated with another skin type. Those that fall into this category should avoid the use of harsh chemicals in their skincare products as it can cause redness, itching and dryness in the skin. Try to look for products that have labels identifying as non-irritating. Avoid products that contain parabens, sulfates, fragrances, mineral oils, phthalates, urea, TEA and DEA as they may irritate the skin.

If you’re still not sure what skin type you are, try the following methods to find out:

Bare Faced Method

After washing your face with a mild cleanser, pat the skin dry and leave it bare for about 30 minutes without adding any skincare products. After this duration, check whether your skin feels tight when you make facial expressions. If it does feel tight then you are like to have dry skin. However, if there a shiny presence around your T-zone area only then you have combination skin type. However, if your face is shiny all over then it might be an indication that you have oily skin. If you don’t really exert any of the above, then there’s a good chance you have normal skin.

Blotting Sheet Method

You can also use blotting paper on the different areas of your face to determine where the skin may be oily. If there is very little to no oil after blotting your face with the paper, then it is likely that you may have dry skin. If it is showing more oil production around the T-zone then it could be an indication that you have combination skin. If the paper is saturated in oil after blotting around your face, then oily skin is a very likely possibility. Those with normal skin may also a piece of paper that has little oil that is consistent all around the face.

If you didn’t know your skin type before, we hope you have a better idea of what it might be now. You can do some research and learn more about your skin type if you are interested. Remember it is about trial and error when trying to add skincare products to your routine, as what works for someone else might not always work as effectively for you!

We will be adding a filter soon to our skincare products so that you can filter by ‘skin type’ to find skincare products that will help care for your skin 😊

Yours truly,

Lila Beauty 💜