Have you ever wondered what your skin type actually is? You see all these products on the shelves, each one targeted at different skin types.

Dry, oily, normal to dry, combination?? It can be so difficult to know which products to choose if you don’t actually know what skin type you’re targeting in the first place.

So were going to clear that up for you right here, right now, so hopefully by the end of this post you’ll understand about each individual skin type, so you’ll get how to know what your skin type is, sound good!

What Are The Different Skin Types?

So there are five main skin types. Understanding the different types of skin and which one you have will help provide you with a better idea of how to treat your skin concerns.

Your skin type is usually determined by genetics, but there are daily habits and environmental factors that can worsen you skin.

Each skin type has a specific set of characteristics and symptoms, and each one requires special attention.

Normal Skin Type

Normal skin is characterised by a balanced and clear complexion, with small pore size.

What Are The Best Products To Use On Normal Skin?

Even normal skin will lose collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid as it ages so protect collagen reserves with retinol and Vitamin C.

Retinol stimulates collagen production which will help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which protects our skin from free radical damage from the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke. All of which damage our skin cells and destroy our collagen and elastin.

Collagen is important for plumping out our skin giving it that juicy bounce whilst elastin as the name suggest gives it elasticity, so without it our skin is less firm and starts to sag.

We can’t produce either without vitamin C and it is 20 times more effective to apply it topically by that I mean in our skincare rather than taking it orally, so eating or drinking it, when we are looking at the beneficial effects it has on the skin.

But of course if you are young and have normal skin you can absolutely start using retinol and Vitamin C now as part of your skincare, they will go a long way to protect your skin and delay the signs of ageing, however they are not essential, the one product which is 100% non-negotiable in your skincare routine is sunscreen!

The One Skincare Product Normal Skin Needs

Sunscreen will protect your collagen which is destroyed by harmful UVA from the sun, it will protect your skin from melanoma caused by harmful UVB from the sun and it will protect your skin against hyper pigmentation which appears as unsightly brown patches.

Always use a high factor sun protection of over 30 even throughout the winter months and when indoors as UVA can penetrate cloud and even glass.

 

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin is characterised by large pores and a greasy shiny complexion with sometimes a sallow appearance.

You will probably find your face gets more greasy and shiny as the day goes on and you have difficulty getting makeup to stay put. Believe me, I know, I’ve been there!

Oily skin types are more likely to experience acne due to excess oil clogging up your pores.

The Best Products For Oily Skin Types

You definitely need products containing salicylic acid, this is like a little Tasmanian devil when it comes to oil, it whizzes around your pores unclogging them powering through the oil as it goes!

Also, make sure you’re exfoliating, salicylic acid is actually a pretty good exfoliator, this is known as a BHA but also look at AHA’s too, these are great at removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.

Other great oil absorbing ingredients are clay and sulfur, these are great to incorporate into your routine in the form of a relaxing mask, pop one on once or twice a week for an extra oil absorbing treat.

Dehydrated Skin Types

Dehydrated skin is characterised by a tight feeling after washing your face or showering. Visible pores and fine lines just like that skin you get on top of a cold bowl of soup.

The reason the skin is dehydrated is due to it lacking water from the deeper layers.

The Best Products For Dehydrated Skin Types

Hyaluronic acid is an absolute must for dehydrated skin, go for a serum morning and night to replace lost moisture and lock it in with a moisturiser.

Also, as above make sure you’re using a daily SPF to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB.

Dry Skin Types

Dry skin is characterised by itchy flaky patches and usually small or even invisible pores. This is different to dehydrated skin as it is lacking oil not water.

The Best Products For Dry Skin Types

Look for products that contain ceramides or ingredients like Niacinamide a soothing ingredient otherwise known a vitamin b3 which will boost skins’ own ceramides and lipids/oils.

Tocopherol Acetate a form of vitamin E is another fantastic oil rich ingredient to soothe dry skin.

Again as above always protect with a daily SPF of factor over 30.

Sensitive Skin Types

Sensitive skin types are characterised by a redness prone complexion that has heat to it and is tight and tender.

The Best Products For Sensitive Skin Types

Sensitive skin types often have a compromised skin barrier so it is important to use products which support and protect this.

Niacinamide is ideal as it is calming and soothing whilst boosting skins’ ceramides and lipids which will restores the skins’ barrier helping keep moisture in and bacteria out.

Hyaluronic acid is also needed to replace lost hydration in the skin.

And of course SPF is an absolute must, try a mineral SPF rather than chemical SPF which are more likely to irritate your skin.

 

Mineral SPF’s have physical sunscreens so they don’t need to use harsh chemicals in them.

Titanium oxide and zinc oxide reflect the suns rays away from the skin unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb them.

This means physical/mineral sunscreens keep your skin cooler which is of massive benefit for sensitive redness prone skin which is often exacerbated by heat and the sun.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully now you know what your actual skin type is you can have more fun choosing the correct products to address your concerns.

Hopefully though the takeaway message here is no matter what your skin type we need SPF!!

LIVE, LAUGH WEAR SPF !