How to Tell What Skin Type You Have

Are the cleansers, moisturisers and treatments you’ve been relying on for healthy, beautiful skin actually causing more problems than they are solving? They may be if you are using products that are not designed for your skin type. The obvious question, then, is: what type of skin do you have?

Know the Skin You’re In

A quick look at the most common skin types – and how you can tell which yours is:

Normal: Lucky! This skin is considered “well-balanced.” Sebum (an oily, lubricating secretion) and moisture production are balanced, meaning your skin is neither too dry nor too oily. Those with normal skin have:

• Smooth, even texture.
• Uniform colour and a fresh appearance.
• No blemishes.
• Fine pores.
• Good blood circulation.

Dryness may become an issue as you age.

Oily: Here, the body produces too much sebum. Hormonal issues, genetics, medication, cosmetics and even stress can contribute to this overproduction. If you have oily skin, you’ll notice:

• Visible pores.
• A glossy appearance.
• Acne (whiteheads and blackheads), which may appear on the back, chest and shoulders as well.

Dry: When people produce less sebum, they have dry skin. Unlike normal skin, dry skin does not provide an effective protective barrier against the elements. You can have mild, very or extremely dry skin. Symptoms include:

• Scaling or flaking.
• Rough texture.
• Tight feeling.

Combination: People with combination skin have an oily “T-zone” (forehead, nose, chin) caused by sebum overproduction, but their cheeks are normal to dry. You’ll notice:

• Symptoms associated with oily skin in the T-zone.
• Enlarged pores in the T-zone.

Congested: Congested skin is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells. If you have this skin type, you’ll see:

• A dull appearance.
• Thick skin.
• Large pores.

Call us for a consultation; we can do a free skin analysis. This confirms your skin type and helps us recommend the best products and treatments to ensure it looks and feels its best.