What is My Skin Type?
While everyone’s skin is unique, there are four general categories used to identify different types. By asking yourself ‘what are my skin concerns?’, and ‘what does my skin need?’, you can usually get a fairly clear image of the skin type that yours falls into.
Understanding how to know what skin type you are may be simple or might require a little investigating, depending on symptoms presented. Even if you already identify as having dry or oily skin, spending time focusing on the specific ways your skin behaves – around environmental stressors or after skincare application – can help you to perfect a personalised skincare routine.
And it’s worth putting the time into. Plump, glowing skin results from curated skincare ingredients, a daily regimen and healthy habits. For how to know what skin type you have and how to create your tailored skincare routine, we’ve compiled a simple guide. Keep reading to see what your skin needs for radiance and bounce.
Understanding your skin type
When we refer to skin types, we’re talking about the way that complexions tend to feel and look as a response to everyday stress. While skin stress can happen due to different causes, symptoms like blemishes, dryness or redness usually indicate a compromised moisture barrier. So – for those wondering ‘what is my skin type?’, the four categories to consider include:
Oily skin: Constant oil-flow is usually accompanied by enlarged pores, blemishes and imperfections. Those with oily skin can experience visible shininess throughout the day, and your skin care needs will lean towards rebalancing that oil-flow.
Dry skin: Typically rough to touch and visibly dull, those with dry skin have an overarching lack of moisture. This results in build-ups of dead skin on the surface alongside feelings of tightness. Dry skin care needs centre around moisture application.
Sensitive skin: Included in this skin type are a range of specific skin conditions, that contribute to symptoms like redness in skin, dryness and discomfort. More vulnerable in nature, those with skin sensitivity can react to specific ingredients which may not affect others. A personalised skincare routine is extra important here.
Combination skin: Those with combination skin can experience both an excess and lack of oil-flow. Usually the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin) presents oiliness and your cheeks will appear and feel dry.
How to know what your skin type is
Usually, understanding your skin type is achieved by observing the look and feel of skin over a day. For example, if the answer to what are my skin concerns? tends to err towards flaky patches or a muted appearance, you most likely sit within the dry skin type range. For how to know what your skin type is, use these simple tests below:
- Blotting sheets:
Blotting sheets absorb oil, and so reveal the extent of oil-flow on the surface layer of skin. To understand your true level of oil, this test needs to be performed on cleansed skin. After removing any impurities, pat your face dry and wait for around 30 minutes before applying a sheet to the face.
- Observing your neutral state:
After cleansing, allow your skin to sit naturally for around 30 minutes. If your complexion appears shiny all over, it’s likely your skin type is oily. If your skin feels tight and appears flaky or dull, you probably have dry skin. If the T-Zone only appears shiny, you most likely sit in the combination skin type.
Creating a personalised skincare routine
Your skin care needs relate directly to the type you belong to. For a tailored skincare routine, it’s important to first use a simplified and nourishing approach.
For a more detailed look into your skin needs, our online Skin Coach tool can help identify which areas require more attention before implementing a regime. See our supportive and radiance-boosting range below to get started.
Cleansing
Cleansers remove impurities like sweat, excess oil and debris built up throughout the day and while we sleep. For dry skin, a brightening cleanser like Vitamin C Cleansing Water removes makeup and boosts dull skin with the inclusion of vitamin C. Oily and combination skin types should opt for Pure Active 3 in 1 Wash, Scrub & Mask to capture impurities and control shine. For sensitive skin, Micellar Cleansing Water purifies skin gently and helps to reapply moisture.
Supporting
In-between purifying and moisturising, serum steps can help to address your specific skin concerns and goals. Canna-B Pore Perfecting Serum Cream includes niacinamide to tackle shine and visibly reduce the appearance of pores for those with combination or oily skin. Vitamin C Brightening Serum is blended with 3.5% [vitamin Cg, niacinamide + salicylic acid] to support a healthy looking glow.
Hydrating
Healthy moisture levels are needed to bring balance to every skin type. For sensitive and dry skin types, a richly hydrating sheet mask like Hydra Bomb Hyaluronic Acid Pomegranate Hydrating Sheet Mask helps to plump skin and encourage comfort. Those with oily or combination skin might be wary of adding more moisture – but this step is necessary to manage excessive oil-flow. Our Canna-B Pore Perfecting Serum Cream SPF 15 is enriched with niacinamide and cannabis sativa seed oil to address shininess and refresh skin.
Loved this guide on how to know what your skin type is? Discover our guide on how to choose the right cleanser next.
