02 Aug What Skin Type Are You Really?
Not everyone actually knows their skin type and therefore the product that should be using. So what skin type are you really? Using the right products for your skin type is core to using products that will help and work with your skin.
NORMAL SKIN-TYPE
You are indeed lucky if you have normal skin. This is quite rare and it needs careful handling to keep the balance of oil production and loss. It is really important that if you have normal skin, that you are not using products that are too rich or too weak.
A normal skin has:
- Even texture
- Even pore size
- Feels firm to touch
- Elasticity is good and skin is free from spots or blemishes
- Moisture content is good
- Good circulation and so has a pink healthy glow
- No lining or flaking
TOP PRODUCT FOR NORMAL SKIN: Lula Fox Beauty Serum Daily (Normal Skin)
DRY SKIN-TYPE
Dry skin is caused by insufficient secretions of sebum, which is the skin’s natural oil that keeps the skin soft and supple. Insufficient sebum will result in a flaky skin that will dry to the touch. Dry skin is aggravated by dry atmospheric conditions, harsh weather, poor diet and harsh skin care routines. Dry skin is typified by:
- Small tight pores
- Flaky skin
- Redness, uneven pigmentation and visible dry patches
- Fine texture
- Skin that looks thin
- Tendency to sensitivity shown by broken capillaries
- Signs of premature ageing are common, especially around eyes, mouth and neck
- Tightness after washing – although a really harsh cleanser could even make normal skin feel tight
TOP PRODUCT FOR DRY SKIN: Soultree Ayurvedic Face Wash
Customers thoughts: “The more I use the Soultree products the more I love them – and this face wash is no different. Smells lovely and doesn’t dry my skin out. I have noticed I’m breaking out a little more since using it – deep cleansing? But I would recommend and order again.” – Cheri
SENSITIVE SKIN-TYPE
Sensitive skin can be caused by dry skin that has been either neglected or treated harshly, or reactions to foods or cosmetics. Sensitive skin is typified by:
- Redness on touch
- Broken capillaries, especially on the cheeks
- Feels tight and uncomfortable on the application of cosmetics and in extreme cases burning and instant rashes are experienced
- High colouring and easily flushes for no obvious reason
- Feels warm to touch
- Superficial flaking
- Black skins turn darker if they are sensitive
- Skin produces more sebum to protect, causing further oiliness/combination skin problems
TOP PRODUCT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Apricot & Lavender Cleansing Milk
Customers thoughts: “OMG, my skin has never felt this soft! Cant stop touching it.” – Crystal
OILY SKIN-TYPE
Oily skin is caused by an over secretion of sebum. Excessive cleaning or handling of the skin, overheating or poor diet can result in the sebaceous glands being over stimulated. Oily skin is typified by:
- Shiny patches
- Large open or visible pores
- Coarse skin texture
- Sallow skin caused by sebum holding dead cells on surface
- Blocked pores leading to comedones (blackheads)
- Good skin tone caused by grease protecting skin from dryness
- High moisture content
- Visible shine, especially around mid-day
TOP PRODUCT FOR OILY SKIN: Tea Tree & Lavender Day Cream
Customers reviews:
- “Lovely mattifying effect and lovely scent. It does not seem to be treating my problem skin as much as I would have hoped, but it definitely is not aggravating it like some products do. Great for oily skin.” – JenMin
- “Love it so much, I came back to buy some more. 🙂 REALLY works for my oily skin and the scent is amazingly refreshing.” – Samantha
- “I am so impressed with this moisturiser! It feels so lovely and hydrating but doesn’t cause my oily skin to get even oilier throughout the day. Skin feels plump and supple but not greasy. It smells fab too. Highly recommend!” – Shannin
COMBINATION SKIN-TYPE
Combination skin is the most common skin type. Although it is often said that it is the most difficult to treat, I believe that when it comes to combination skin, it is really just a case of getting to know your skin better. Just as your stomach craves different things at different stages of the day, so too does your skin. For example, I use a cream cleanser in the morning with a cotton wool pad and I use a gel cleanser (Esse Gel Cleanser) at night. I find that my skin is oilier in the evening and dryer in the morning so this routine works well for me. I also change my moisturisers depending on the weather. When it is hot and my skin’s pores are bigger I use the Esse Light Moisturiser and when my skin is drier in the winter. Combination skin is characterised by:
- A T-shape of oily skin that crosses the forehead and runs down the side of the nose and onto the chin
- The pores within the T zone are larger than elsewhere on the face
- A sheen across the forehead, on the sides of the nose and on the chin
- A tendency to congestion of the pores within the T zone
- The skin outside the T zone may be normal or dry
- Dry spots on the cheeks or outside the T zone
TOP PRODUCT FOR COMBINATION SKIN: Carrot & Jasmine Night Cream
Customers reviews:
- “I love this product. I have really noticed a difference in my skin. It is definitely less oily in the mornings after applying it the night before.” – Melissa
- “The cream is super absorbent and leaves my skin feeling soft and silky. Very happy with this product. will recommend it to a friend and buy again. Love Victoria Garden products – organic and not tested on animals!” – Tara
DEHYDRATED OR MATURE SKIN-TYPE
As the skin ages it becomes dry because the glands are less active and it loses its elasticity. The epidermis grows more slowly and so becomes thinner and facial contours change as muscle tone is lost . Blood circulates more slowly, therefore nutrients are not as available so new skin cells are replenished less often.
Although almost everyone over the age of 25 years has mature skin, you should not reach for products for mature skin unless your skin shows the signs outlined below which are characteristics shared by those with very dehydrated skins. In fact, my best friend is 34 years old and still has skin as smooth and supple as a babies bum. She needs to keep using products for normal skin to maintain the fortunate balance her skin is in. If she had to use products for mature skin just because of her age, her skin might start showing signs of oiliness.
Mature skin is characterised by:
- Puffiness under the skin
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Hair growth on upper lip and chin that darkens with age
- Thin skin
- Loss of elasticity in the skin
Dehydrated skin is characterised by:
- Fine superficial lines
- Fine ‘orange peel’ effect
- Broken capillaries
- Flaking
TOP PRODUCT FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN: Esse Rich Moisturiser
Customers reviews:
- “I love that it is not oily but rich enough for my aged combination skin – smooth and silky and you only use a little.” – Diane
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“Love this product. Great for morning and nite. A little goes a long way. Esse still my favourite facial brand!” – Sue
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