skin types

Knowing and understanding your skin type is the best way to ensure skin feels and looks its best. Skin can be divided into various types according to its texture. It is essential to know what skin type you actually have and using the correct products on your face can make a difference to those problem areas you may have.

Damage to skin can occur if you don''t know your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin and you keep on applying oil-based cream on your skin, your skin may breakout into acne and pimples. All skin types needs a different skin care regime and different kinds of cosmetics for each type.

There are basically five skin types:

1. Normal
2. Dry
3. Oily
4. Combination
5. Sensitive

There are certain characteristics for each, and if your skin has the specific characteristics of a particular one, then it is safe to say that''s your skin type.


NORMAL SKIN

* has a fine even texture with a supple and smooth surface;
* has a proper balance between oil and moisture content and is therefore moist and neither greasy nor dry;
* pores are small and the overall skin tone is even; and
* it looks clear and does not develop spots and blemishes.


DRY SKIN

* has a dry parched appearance and a tendency to flake easily;
* can feel rough and tight, even after bathing;
* is prone to wrinkles and lines as it is unable to retain moisture;
* very little sebum (oil) is produced and is not generally acne prone;
* often has problems in cold weather and constant protection is required; and
* tends to be thin and appears dull.


OILY SKIN

* is slightly to moderately greasy with enlarged pores;
* a lot of sebum is produced making skin feel constantly damp and oily;
* excess oil attracts dirt and dust from the environment; and
* prone to black heads, white heads, spots and pimples.


COMBINATION SKIN

* is a blend of both oily and dry skin with certain areas of the face feel oily and the rest dry;
* there is a central greasy panel made up of the forehead, nose and chin (T-zone) and a dry panel consisting of cheeks and the areas around the eyes and mouth; and
* each part of the face should be treated accordingly - the dry areas as for dry skin and the T-zone as for oily skin.

Normal/dry - cheeks are dry and skin sometimes feels tight. Minimal oily t-zone usually on nose only and skin gets dehydrated. Small blackheads are visible on nose & chin.

Normal/oily – cheeks may be oily or dry. T-zone gets oily by the end of the day. Skin is dehydrated with some dead skin build up. Small blackheads in T-zone. Occasional breakouts.


SENSITIVE SKIN

* has a fine texture and is very sensitive to changes in the climate;
* can have a negative reaction to temperature extremes, perfumes, soaps and shaving cream for men;
* may break out in rashes easily; and
* is easily prone to burning or spotting from the sun.


Interesting Fact

Due to higher levels of collagen, MALE skin is up to 20% thicker and tougher than female skin. Male skin is also oilier, with larger exposed pores, a richer blood supply, and more of a tendency to break out in a sweat compared with women''s skin.


Are you unsure of your skin type?

Should you require assistance with understanding your skin type or products best suited to your skin type, please complete the Client Form or Contact Us.