THE FIVE SKIN TYPES
This specific topic is long overdue. In past blog posts, we have touched on specific ways to cater to different skin types, but we have not broken down what each skin type is and how to help your skin happy no matter what season it's in. Yes, the word season is right. Just because you are experiencing dry skin right now, it is completely possible with time, location change, or even seasonal change for your skin type to change. What are the five skin types?
NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin is the most boring of the five! It is skin that is neither too oily or too dry and usually has no blemishes. Normal skin is also not sensitive to certain products or allergens.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin is usually characterized by dull, flaky or rough looking skin. Pores can also be invisible in dry skin. Dry skin has lost its moisture barrier causing the skin to constantly lose water. This skin type can exhibit cracking, scaling, and even itchiness. Leading to reactive skin in the future. You will notice oiliness late in the afternoon to evening, or not at all. If you do it’s likely to happen between the eyebrows, tip of nose, and chin.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin is characterized by skin with overproduction of sebum, and pores are often more visible. Oily skin can also have a shiny look to it. If you truly have oily skin, you will notice oil within the first hour after cleansing- from ear to ear, forehead to chin.
COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin is skin that exhibits both dry and oily characteristics. In this skin type, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) will usually be more oily and the cheeks will be more dry. If you truly have combo skin, you will notice oiliness within a handful of hours after cleansing- around your t-zone area.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin is usually skin that is easily made unhappy often by skincare products. This skin type can easily experience rashes, burning, drying, redness, and itchiness. Common triggers are fragrance, alcohol in products, exfoliants, certain detergents, some preservatives and botanical extracts.
Now that you know the different skin types, what is your skin type? A great way to understand your skin type is to wash your face and wait for 1 hour before placing any more products on your face. Does your face feel dry and tight? Does it feel oily all over? Is it either too dry or too oily? Or does it feel dry in certain areas and oily in others? Understanding your skin type is the first step to making your skin happy! Once you know this, we can dive deeper next week into skin conditions.