skin types blog
There are many misconceptions about what a skin type is. A person is born with a certain skin type; it can be inherited, and it cannot physically be changed. However, our age and the use of medication can affect our skin type.
There are five different Skin Types:
- Normal Skin: smooth, healthy colour, plump and firm, no blemishes and no imperfections. (Let’s be honest, almost no-one over the age of twelve has a normal skin)
- Dry Skin: delicate, thin and flaky.
- Oily Skin: thick skin, shiny, bumpy and uneven texture.
- Combination Skin: two or more skin types on one person’s face, e.g. oily T-zone and dry cheeks. This is the most common skin type.
- Mature Skin: thin, lines and wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation.
Those are the only skin types a person can have. Many people tend to confuse skin types with skin conditions, which you can read more about by clicking here.
So how do I identify my skin types? Look at the pores! The pores show the amount of oil secretion in the area.
What to look for:
The size of the pores: are they enlarged or constricted, and where are they located.
Here is a table that shortly explains the appearance and characteristics of each skin type, making it easier to identify yours.
Now you might think: “Why is it important for me to know my skin type?”. It’s very important to know your skin type in order to choose the products most suited to your skin. That way when a consultant, beautician or aesthetician suggests specific products, you will be able to ask the right questions and make a more educated decision.
As I’ve mentioned before, most people confuse skin types and skin conditions. There have been so many of my client’s that tell me their skin type is sensitive… no, no it’s not. That is a skin condition, which can be changed and improved. The lack of knowledge regarding skin types is one of the main reasons why people don’t see an improvement in their skin with “off the shelf” products and home care treatments, because they choose the wrong products for their skin and it’s needs.
Most products you buy in a pharmacy or “off the shelf” are classified as cosmetics or cosmeceuticals which have a very superficial effect on the skin but, can still wreak havoc when used incorrectly. For instance, if you have a very oily skin there really is no use in using products that just dry out the skin. It honestly just makes it worse because your skin would want to produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness and most likely the dehydration caused by these products. Rather use a product that has a balancing effect on your skin and encourages your skin to normalize the oil secretion. The same goes for anti-ageing products. Applying products that just puts a load of oil on your skin won’t have lasting effects since that oil and “moisture” just sits on top of the skin. It might feel great after you’ve applied it, but as soon as you skip an application, your skin feels dry and not so great.
How do you choose the products though? Well, it’s relatively simple if you remember that you can’t change your skin type, so balance is key. You can find out more about the different product classifications and how to choose products here.
So, the moral of the story is to remember, you can’t really change your skin type. You can however manage it with the use of the correct skincare products and treatments. Embrace your skin type, each has its pro’s and con’s, and learn how to best take care of your skin and its needs.