Finding the right skincare products and routine starts by identifying your unique skin type and how your skin reacts to different stressors. We won’t dive into specific skin concerns such as redness or blackheads, but rather explain in a general sense what skin types there are to help you identify yours! We will have another post about what you can do to treat it.

It is good to know that your skin type depends on multiple factors and can change over time, due to age for example. A few common factors are:

• The amount of water in your skin which affects its comfort and elasticity.
• How oily your skin naturally is which affects its softness and texture.
• How sensitive your skin is which affects its reactivity and fragility.

Normal Skin

People with normal skin have the perfect balance between dry and oily skin, needing little to no treatment to maintain it. This skin type is most often seen among young folks.

Characteristics include:

• Few to no imperfections
• Not sensitive or overly responsive to fragrance etc.
• Barely visible pores
• A radiant complexion

Dry Skin

People with dry skin might deal with skin cracking, peeling, irritation, itchiness or inflammation. If very dry, it can even become rough and scaly. Things that may cause or worsen this skin are genetics, aging, hormonal or weather changes, UV (ultraviolet) radiation from e.g. tanning beds, indoor heating, long hot showers, and ingredients in soaps, cosmetics or cleansers such as fragrances.

Characteristics include:

• Almost invisible pores
• Dull, rough complexion
• Tightness after washing
• Red patches
• Few elasticity
• Visible fine lines
• Wrinkles

Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin are, essentially, very sensitive and prone to environmental stressors. It is important to figure out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. There are many possibilities, but more often than not it’s in response to particular cosmetic and skin care products. People with dry and oily skin may also have sensitive skin, which could cause e.g. eczema or acne.

Characteristics include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness

Oily Skin

People with oily skin produce an excess of sebum which causes skin to look shiny and feel greasy. Things that may cause or worsen this skin are genetics, stress, diet, puberty, hormones, heat, too much humidity, and ingredients in soaps, cosmetics or cleansers such as fragrances.

Characteristics include:

• Enlarged pores
• Dull or shiny, thick complexion
• Blackheads, pimples or other blemishes

Combination Skin

People with combination skin either have dry or normal skin in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone, nose, forehead or chin. Many people have this type of skin without knowing they do. It needs slightly different care in different areas.

Characteristics include:

• Pores that look larger than normal
• Blackheads
• Dry patches
• Different concerns in different areas, mainly T-zone and cheeks.