The search for perfect skin is long, difficult and oftentimes confusing. But the best way to start is to ask yourself “what’s my skin type?”. Pinpoint the answer to that question and you’re putting yourself in the best position to achieve glowing, healthy skin.

It’s even more important to understand this as the owner of a private skincare label company! That’s because doing so can help you determine whether you want to have a broad approach and target all the different skin types or find a niche and target one or two.

Keep reading and get the lowdown on all the skin types!

No.1 – Normal Skin

If you rarely experience dry or oily skin then you can consider yourself to be one of the lucky ones with normal skin! Characterised by a generally even skin tone, few or no blemishes and a healthy complexion, this type sits in the goldilocks zone of skin types – not too oily and not too dry (but just right!). However, just because you have normal skin doesn’t mean you can neglect proper skincare practice!

Normal skin doesn’t equal perfect skin. Those with normal skin can still suffer from the occasional breakout or dry patch (though they are fixed quite easily). An appropriate skincare regimen can help keep your skin healthy and radiant. It also reduces the chance of breakouts occurring in the future. This means regularly washing your face and using products that are not too oily or too strong. Normal skin may be low maintenance compared to the other skin types but it still needs to be looked after.

No. 2 – Dry Skin

Those with the dry skin type have skin that naturally produces less oil than the other skin types. Dry skin is usually characterised by a feeling of ‘tightness’, flaky or scaly patches and a rough complexion. Dry skin can be caused by a number of factors including:

• Genetics
• Aging
• Dry weather
• Sun exposure

Having this skin type can lead to more concerning skin issues such as cracked, wounded skin so it’s important to take necessary measures to manage it.

Dry skin needs a regular and highly moisturising skincare routine. Key products include a quality moisturiser and a mild cleanser. Regular use of sunscreen can also prevent too much sun exposure. Ingredients to look out for include hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides.

Making changes to your lifestyle can also greatly help with dry skin. Things such as taking shorter showers, purchasing a humidifier and getting enough sleep can go a long way in managing this skin type.

No. 3 – Oily Skin

On the other end of the spectrum is the oily skin type. This skin type produces an excessive amount of oil which causes pimples, acne breakouts, redness and blackheads. The characteristics of oily skin can also include a greasy complexion and large pores. Genetics and hereditary factors are the leading causes of oily skin, but there are steps you can take to help manage it.

Perhaps the most obvious step to counteracting oily skin is to avoid oils and oily products. Ingredients such as Salicylic Acid (BHA) and retinol can help reduce the oil on your face. However, it’s important not to overdo it with these ingredients as they can actually be counterproductive and lead to breakouts and irritation.

Another product that is often ignored by those with dry skin is moisturiser! Skipping this integral step can actually cause the skin to produce more oil to make up for the lack of moisture. A lightweight moisturiser can prevent this.

No.4 – Combination Skin

If you’ve asked yourself “what’s my skin type?” and it’s not one of the previous 3 types then you might have combination skin. The combination skin type combines the best (or rather worst) of both dry skin and oily skin into one hard-to-manage package. It is the most common skin type but is often mistaken to be either purely dry or oily skin. Combination skin is usually characterised in an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry/normal cheeks. Managing combination skin is difficult as it requires a routine that is strong enough to combat oil but not too strong as to cause dry skin.

It’s recommended to use a gentle cleanser and exfoliator to thoroughly clean the skin then using different products on different areas of the face. This means using an oil-free moisturiser on the T-zone and a hydrating moisturiser on other areas. It takes some balancing and experimenting but you’ll find the right combination of products to deal with combination skin.

No. 5 – Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is quite common with studies showing that 60%-70% of women and 50%-60% of men have reported having a degree of sensitivity. The sensitive skin type can display characteristics of the other skin types but is compounded by frequent flare ups of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sensitive skin may cause a stinging or burning sensation and is a generally unpleasant skin type to have.

Common causes of sensitive skin are usually an underlying skin condition such as rosacea or eczema. It can also be a result of over-exfoliating or harsh products.

To deal with sensitive skin, skincare routines must be ultra gentle. This means not using too many products, completely avoiding chemical-based products and using mild ingredients. You should also avoid too much stress, friction and heat as they can contribute to inflammation.
Understanding the different skin types can help you select a skin routine and a lifestyle that suits your particular skin type. If you’re still asking yourself ‘what’s my skin type?’, you can visit your dermatologist. They’ll conduct a skin type test and give you a concrete answer. If you’re looking for more information on the skincare world or you’re looking for tips to help your skincare business grow, check out our blog! You’re sure to find something that will benefit you, your skin and your business.