Knowing your skin type is integral to completing your skincare routine and getting closer to happy, glowing skin. If you have dry skin, you probably shouldn’t be using products that target acne-prone skin. But how can you identify your skin type?
We spoke to a skincare expert, Fiona Brackenberry who gave us some tips and tricks to help you determine your skin type.
How can you find out what skin type you are?
“The easiest way to find out your skin type is to clean your skin and leave it for 30 minutes without applying any treatment. No toners, essential oils, serums or moisturizers. After half an hour you will be able to notice the oil level that the skin has produced.’
Brackenbury says if you’re oily all over then it’s a sign you have oily skin. Bright patches only in some places indicate mixed skin type. Dry or rough to the touch means dry skin and comfortable and well balanced is what he would call “normal skin”.
Can you be more than one skin type?
“Yes, combination skin can have two skin types, an oily t-zone and normal to dry cheeks.”
How many skin types are there?
“Contrary to popular belief, there are only four skin types – normal, dry, oily and combination. Often sensitive skin is thrown into the mix. However, it is important to remember that any skin type can become sensitive.’
Things like lifestyle choices and skin care routines can cause the skin to become sensitive anywhere.
Can you change skin type?
“Your skin type is controlled by your genes. After all, it’s the skin you’re born with. Where the confusion comes in is when we add skin conditions into the mix, these are conditions that come and go and hopefully don’t stick around for long when you use the right skin care.
Skin conditions refer to things like eczema, acne, dermatitis and rosacea.
“Dry skin is a skin type. There the skin naturally produces less lipids (oils). Skin can often feel tight, gasping for moisture and leaving skin with an uncomfortable feeling when no treatment is applied.
“Dehydration is a skin condition and it is when the skin has a lack of water, usually the skin barrier allows water to evaporate. The skin can look dull, tired, and when you lift the cheek gently upwards with your finger, you can see fine horizontal lines.’
What is the difference between oily skin type and acne prone skin?
Once again oily skin is a skin type, while acne is a skin condition.
“You can go most of your life and never break out and then suddenly hit your mid-thirties and develop adult acne. Acne is a skin condition and is not associated with an oily skin type. You can have a normal skin type and develop acne in your 20s.
“The two biggest offenders are bacteria and inflammation, stress can also increase cortisol levels. This causes oil levels to rise, which will then add more complexity and create a great environment for bacteria to establish a spot.
Essential ingredients and products for every skin type
Brackenbury walks us through ingredients, products and certain steps in a routine that suits every skin type.
Dry skin:
“Cleanse with cleansing oils and balms. These will bring instant comfort and nourishment to your skin. People with dry skin often find that they are also dehydrated, so be sure to include hyaluronic acids, serums and face oils at night in your routine. It will be a dry skin BFF.
Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Butterclean Makeup Meltdown Cleansing Balm, £15 | Beauty Bay
“This balm is full of skin-loving oils, combining hyaluronic acid to hydrate and carthyl to hydrate. Rich in omegas, it delivers a powerful cascade of moisture and soothes the skin.’
Angela Langford Bloom & Glow Radiance Repair Face Oil, £20.50
This is packed with vegetable oils to nourish and replenish dry skin that can become sensitive if the skin is starved for moisture.
Normal skin:
“Don’t take your normal skin for granted, it’s easy to neglect it when it’s so well behaved. A good skincare routine, cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen is key. For normal skin investing in a good moisturizer is key. For simple routines, pair your moisturizer with your sunscreen with one of the best moisturizers with SPF.”
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, £28.50 | Fantastic look
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is the perfect moisturizer to keep skin in top condition, containing three hydration heroes, hydration magnet glycerin, identical oils to keep skin hydrated and ceramide-like ingredients to keep the very important skin barrier strong. ‘
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect™ Moisturizer with Photolyase SPF50+ PA++++, £59 | Interval NK
“Everything is packed in here, including blue light protection, broad spectrum, pollution protection, and making sure there’s enough hydration to be your daily moisturizer too.”
Combination skin:
“This is the most difficult skin type to manage as you technically have two skin types. Depending on the level of oil in the t-zone, an exfoliating face wash will prevent t-zone breakouts and keep normal/dry cheek skin smooth.’
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, £36 | Fantastic look
“This is great at removing dead skin cells that can block oil and cause breakouts, enzymes are one of the best ways to treat combination skin, they make light work of shedding dead skin cells in a gentle way.”
Oily skin:
“Be careful not to fall into the trap of over-baring in the quest for glow-free skin. The skin is smart and will only pump out more oil in an attempt to keep the skin hydrated. Remember, your genes control your skin type, so it’s impossible to override your genes. Look for a cleanser and/or toner that contains salicylic acid or BHA. It’s a glowing oil-loving ingredient that has the ability to penetrate pores and cleanse effectively. Look for an oil-free moisturizer that will leave skin hydrated and hydrated without that heavy feeling.’
Murad Clarifying Water Gel, £39 | Cult Beauty
“This is a non-comedogenic moisturizer, which means it’s been tested to not clog pores, is oil-free, and will help keep bacteria levels balanced.”
Eucerin Oil Control Dry Touch Sun Gel Cream SPF 50+, £16 | Fantastic look
“Sunscreen is one of the hardest products to fix when it comes to oily skin, Eucerin Sun Protection SPF50+ Oil Control Dry Touch Sun Gel-Cream not only feels matte on the skin but also helps prevent breakouts.”
If you need further help with the product, here are some links to our skin type specific guides:
Knowing your skin type will help you create a skin care routine that works harder for you.