Skin types and how to know which one applies
Learning how to take care of your skin can be difficult, especially with the massive amount of information out there. So let’s take it back to the very essence. What are the different skin types and how do you know which one applies to you?
Well, you can start by noticing how your skin feels. That is an indication of your skin type. Compare your findings to the descriptions below:
Combination skin: Combination skin may feel oily in the T-zone (the area that shapes like a T: forehead, nose and chin) but dry everywhere else on the face. It can also be oily and dry in different locations, but if you notice two or more different textures on your face, it is a sign that you are dealing with combination skin.
Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin usually feels itchy, patchy, dry and can sometimes sting.
Normal skin: Normal skin feels even and balanced. It’s neither too dry nor too oily or sensitive.
Oily skin: Oily skin will feel greasy and shiny all over. If you feel like you are constantly reaching for the oil blotting sheets, this means you probably have oily skin.
Dry skin: Dry skin will feel tight and dry. It is normal for it to be flaky and crack, especially in the winter months.
To make it even easier, we have created a short online test you can take to find out your type instantly: skin type test >
Simple skincare routine for all skin types
Why make it harder than it could be? A skincare routine that focuses on all skin types will work very well for a lot of people. Search “skincare” in Google and you’re bound to notice the phrase “cleanse, tone, moisturize” popping up time and time again. This trifecta is widely seen as the basis to work with. Although we could make it even easier, as toners are seen by a lot of dermatologists as unnecessary. Then it will simply look like this:
Cleanse.
Cleansing the skin removes sweat, oil, dirt and other pollutants that your skin naturally collects throughout the day and night. It’s best to steer clear of harsh bar soaps when cleansing your face, as they tend to dry out your skin and cause it to overproduce sebum, the natural oils your skin produces for protection. You can use water, or a gentle cleanse product.
Moisturize.
Moisturizing provides a protective layer to the skin that locks in moisture and keeps the skin hydrated. This hydration is what gives your skin a smooth, luminous appearance. Look for a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 for the daytime, an important factor in preventing skin cancer symptoms and keeping your skin healthy as you age.
Sunscreen & skin checks.
The third and final step is keeping your skin safe. This is not only about looks, but also about your health. Next, to your moisturizer, make sure to use sufficient sunscreen when you are out in the open. Re-apply every few hours to make sure you stay protected. Regular skin checks are a natural conclusion. You can use the SkinVision app to perform self-checks regularly, like every 3 months, and follow up with your doctor if you spot something that needs a closer look.
Skincare routine for combination skin
Combination skin presents many skincare challenges to deal with. Oily in some places, dry in others, it can be difficult to know how to treat the whole. But with a few combination skincare tips in mind, it is possible to create a daily routine that meets all of the different needs of combination skin in a few simple steps.
So what can you do? This skin type might need some more attention if the simple one we described above does not do the trick for you. In that case, including the toner might work. Also cleansing with specific products that are designed for combination skin is a good idea to try, instead of using just water. What works very well for a lot of people with this skin type, is to combine products for different parts of the body. We’ve written about this in more detail in another post on the blog, you can read it here.
Keep your skin safe and glowing.
