Skin is the largest organ of your body, but did you know that the skin on your face is more sensitive than other areas on your body? This means that the skin on your face may require a little extra attention compared to the rest of your body. So, what is the best way to care for our skin? Well that will depend on our skin type. Let me explain!

While skincare companies only target the six main skin types, there are actually dozens of skin types and combinations. The best way to know your exact skin type and what works best for you is to see your dermatologist or someone who specializes in skin. Let’s discuss the main six skin types.

Skin Types

1. Normal

Normal skin is generally firm, oil-free and doesn’t react to outside elements!  This skin type is most often seen in children. Normal skin is very rare in adults, and is identified as having no oil or dryness, normal sized pores, minimal fine lines, and even skin tone.

Recommendations: This skin type should use a gentle moisturizing cleanser and a moisturizer that is water based. When doing facials, use a clay mask to remove any impurities.

2. Dry/Dehydrated

Your skin has many layers and most of the time, problems that occur within the skin come from the lower layers. Dry skin occurs when water from the lower layers of the skin evaporates, leaving a dry texture that can often flake or itch due to a lack of lubrication. You can tell you have this skin type by a dry texture, scaly/flakey patches and/or premature fine lines.

Recommendations: For cleansing, use a water based cleansing milk. In the evening, use a cream that is water-based with 10% collagen. Collagen adds elasticity to the skin, which is low in dryer skin. Use a mask for sensitive skin but that has collagen (this can be clay, mint or mud). Facial massages are also great for this skin type, as it stimulates the oil glands to produce more lubrication.

 3. Sensitive

This skin type is often very similar to dry skin; however, the skin is impacted by many factors such as sensitivity to products and the environment. Most people who have this skin type are aware of it, as they have probably experienced a reaction to multiple products.

Recommendations: The best recommendation for this skin type is to know your allergies and sensitivities! This will help when treating your skin. For example, if you are allergic to wool, you’ll want to avoid products with lanolin. Other than that, this skin is treated similarly to dry/dehydrated skin.  Remember to use water based products and to use products targeted for sensitive skin.

4. Oily

Recognizable from its shiny surface, this skin type is thick and prone to blemishes. Oily skin may even cause makeup to change color throughout the day. Oily skin is most often caused by oil glands that are found under the skin.  These glands are over stimulated causing extra oil production. Opposite to dry skin, oily skin has too much oil lubrication so the skin can become clogged.

Recommendations: Use a cleanser that specifically targets oily skin (which is most often displayed on the container). Use a 20% alcohol based toner with rose water, which will help cut back some of the oil. A misconception of oily skin is that you don’t need to moisturize because the skin produces enough lubrication – but this is incorrect. Not using moisturizer will make the surface of the skin dry, but the oil will still be underneath and unable to breathe. Use a moisturizer that is targeted to oily skin. Scrub twice a week to help remove dirt and keep pores open to breathe.

5. Combination

Usually this skin type is dry/dehydrated on the cheeks and oily in the “T-zone” (the area across your forehead going down your nose to your chin, which creates a “T” shape on your face). However, any time skin shows signs of two or more skin types it is considered combination skin.

Recommendations: This skin type can be difficult to work with because there are two (or more) issues to treat. Because different areas of your skin have different skin types, you need to use products for those skin types. For example, if you are oily in your T-zone and dry on your cheeks, use products for oily skin on your T-zone and products for dry skin on your cheeks. This way, you are treating each particular area according to its skin type.

6. Aging

Aging skin is similar to dry skin, since it is lacking oil and moisture. Oil production begins to lessen after a certain age, causing skin to wrinkle and become more dry.

Recommendations: Similar to dry skin, cleansing milks are useful for aging skin; however, some may need a more oil based product. Try avoiding alcohol in all products as this dehydrates the skin even more.  Use cream containing collagen. When massaging the face, you will need to provide more stimulation, so massage briskly. Anything that stimulates the skin and any oil production is helpful!

So how do you know what skin type you have? While seeing a dermatologist is the best way to determine your exact skin type, the above information may help you analyze your skin. This will further your “skinvestigation” and help you choose the right products for your skin.

Period Skin

When your hormone levels change, so can your oil production levels. This is why many people experience more breakouts when on their period. The same can be said about dryness.  Sometimes the hormone levels can dry out areas of your skin. Make sure you are listening to what your skin is telling you around your period and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.

"Skinvestigation": Understanding Your Skin

Skin Tips

While everyone skin is different, there are things that everyone can do to improve their skin quality:

  • Stubborn Sun:  everyone loves the glow they receive from the sun, but it can have a dramatic impact on your skin.  Sun can cause your skin to dry out, age prematurely, and in the worst cases, can cause skin cancer.  It is important to wear sun protection and limit how much time you are in direct sunlight.  Talk to your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns about your skin and the sun.
  • Hydration Station:  Water is one of the most important things for your skin.  If you aren’t drinking enough water, you will notice your under eyes become darker, your skin becomes duller, and you may develop flakey, dry skin.  Make sure you are drinking your daily recommended amount of water (normally 8 glasses a day for women) to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and plump.
  • Inside Out:  It is true when they say you are what you eat.  Everything you digest internally makes a difference on how you look externally.  Make sure you are getting all of the right vitamins and minerals for your body, and avoid sugars and salts as much as possible.
  • Primer:  When applying makeup, always use a primer before applying foundation.  This creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup to prevent it from being absorbed by your skin and clogging your pores.
  • Taking off your makeup:  Did you know that leaving your makeup on overnight ages your skin?  It can also cause acne.  If you are someone who always forgets to take off your makeup and wash your face at night, keep a pack of cleansing cloths beside your bed.  This way, you can remove at least the first layer of makeup (although it is always best to wash your face, as makeup can sit under the skin’s surface after a long day.)

Dermatology

Now, I want to give a disclaimer.  I have been saying the term “dermatologist” a lot in this post.  A dermatologist is medical expert who should be consulted if you have any major issues with your skin.  While all of this information provided is from a makeup artist, some skin needs extra attention.  If you are having issues with your skin, such as chronic acne, rashes, or any other abnormalities, please contact your local dermatologist to receive proper treatment.  It is always best to consult a medical expert if you’re struggling significantly.  However, if you are just trying to improve your skin quality, this information will help you along the path to radiant skin.

The important thing to remember is that you are beautiful, no matter what your skin type is!  Just listen to your skin and take care of it, because you deserve it!  What are your favorite skincare routines, Divas? We would love to hear from you! Share your skincare tips and tricks with us.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing. As new research is made available, we will work to update and adjust our content as appropriate. If you have general questions, or concerns related to your own individual circumstances, please contact our Consumer Support Team, or speak to a healthcare practitioner for more specific questions about your individual circumstances.