Understanding Your Skin Type: A Comprehensive Guide ?

In the world of skincare, one size definitely does not fit all. Just as every person is unique, so is their skin. Imagine winning the lottery—the feeling when you finally discover your skin type and establish a skincare routine that meets your specific needs. It truly is a fantastic feeling. In this guide, I will discuss the characteristics that define each skin type—oily, dry, normal, and combination—and provide insights and tips to help you on your skincare journey. Whether you struggle with excessive shine, persistent dryness, or a combination of both, understanding your skin's unique needs is crucial to developing a regimen that enhances your natural beauty. So, let's dive into the nuances of different skin types, unraveling mysteries and unlocking the potential for your healthiest skin yet.

Oily Skin

Oily skin occurs when the glands in the skin produce too much sebum, a waxy substance that retains moisture. Oil in your skin is crucial for maintaining skin health, but too much sebum can lead to clogged pores and acne. Symptoms of oily skin can include:

• Shiny appearance
• Very large or obvious pores
• Clogged pores and blackheads
• Occasional or persistent pimples

It is also possible that the consistency of makeup changes after application on oily skin, so I recommend using products designed for your specific skin type. Many factors contribute to oily skin. For some, it is simply genetics, while for others, it can be due to hormonal fluctuations, certain medications or medical conditions, and, of course, diet.

Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when the skin does not retain enough moisture. This is often caused by frequent bathing, using harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. Additionally, if you live in a colder climate, it can be caused by the cold, dry winter air. Here are a few things you can do to pamper dry skin:

• Apply moisturizer immediately after washing
• Use an ointment or cream instead of lotion
• Use only mild skincare products
• Choose clothing and laundry detergent that do not irritate
• Add moisture to the air (e.g., with a humidifier)
• Drink plenty of water

When it comes to products in your skincare regimen, avoid alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and retinoids. The main reason for this is to help your skin regain its natural oils; however, these ingredients will prevent just that. Instead, I suggest looking for products that contain ingredients like jojoba oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter.

Normal Skin

I already mentioned that excessive sebum production results in oily skin, and insufficient sebum results in dry skin. Some people have both types, indicating they have combination skin, which I will discuss later. But, as you can already guess, well-regulated sebum production is present in normal skin types. People with this skin type do not face the appearance of dryness or excess oil, so they do not really need to buy specialized products to compensate for oil or dehydration. Of course, this does not exempt them from skincare, as they must have the right routine to protect and ensure continuous skin moisture, which helps prevent aging. Here are some characteristics of normal skin:

• Less noticeable and firmer pores
• Texture is neither too oily nor too dry
• Skin does not feel tight or shiny soon after cleansing

Combination Skin

As I mentioned earlier, some people have both types of skin—dry and oily—which means they have combination skin. These individuals have what is called the T-zone, meaning that if you draw the letter T across your face, the skin within the T will be oily, but the skin outside of it will be dry. While normal skin is probably the rarest type (oh, lucky you), combination skin, on the other hand, is the most common. It can be due to genetics, wrong or poor skincare products, stress, lack of exercise, sun damage, and other factors. The main difference between normal and combination skin is that normal skin will look and feel more even in terms of skin tone and texture. And, of course, it will be more balanced—neither too oily nor dry. Here are some characteristics of combination skin:

• Sensitive cheeks
• Oiliness develops very quickly
• Moisturizer works well on cheeks but not on the T-zone
• Difference in pore size on your face
• Flaky scalp
• Acne and dryness can occur simultaneously
• Skin changes with the seasons

I hope this guide has helped you better understand your skin type and which types of products you should use to always look your best. However, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before making conclusions about your skin type and its health, especially if there is a persistent skin problem—you definitely should not solve it through texts like this one but with a doctor. I know a lot about skin, but I am not competent to solve skin diseases, neither by advice nor by our product offerings.

With love, Mala od lavande