The Importance of Knowing Your Skin Type and How to Care for It

Treating the wrong skin type can lead to irritated skin, breakouts premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. It's important to know your skin type so you can choose the best products for your skin and get the most from your skincare routine. 

Below are symptoms of different skin types and how to care for them.

Acne Prone Skin

Symptoms: Acne-prone skin can tend to lean towards the oily side, but is often a combination of all skin types. Sometimes referred to as combination skin, acne-prone can also be dry, sensitive and or mature. The obvious factor of acne-prone skin is raised lesions appearing on or under the skin.

Care: Though acne spots can be painful and irritating, it is important to be gentle with your skin. Try not to pick or squeeze active acne and let them heal on their own. A selection of natural and organic products formulated with spot treating remedies will help. Be sure to pay close attention to your diet and any external factors that may trigger spots to appear.

Oily Skin

Symptoms: Oily skin is generally characterized with a high production of sebum (oil), which translates as a natural dewy-ness. There is often a possibility of acne, black heads and whiteheads but this isn’t the case for all. Often oily skin will begin to look greasy shortly after washing, and usually after makeup application.

Care: Remember to treat your skin gently. You may feel a need to scrub your skin harshly, or use strong formulas to strip the skin, but it is better to use gentle products  to bring balance to the skin. Scrubbing and stripping the skin will only exacerbate the problem.

Combination Skin

Symptoms: Combination skin can be confusing as it means you have 2 or more skin types. Typically, the combination skin is characterized by dry, flaking on cheeks, jawline and hairline while excessive oil and shine on your T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin). 

Care: Remember to treat skin gently. You may feel a need to scrub your skin harshly, or use strong formulas, but it is better to use gentle balancing products. The best products for dry skin feels as though they ‘sink’ into skin, meaning they do not feel greasy on the surface. You may find that during the cold and drier seasons, you’ll need a heavy balm to protect delicate dry skin from the elements.

Mature Skin (fine lines & wrinkles)

Symptoms: Mature skin is classified by fine lines, wrinkles and visible signs of aging.

Care: Mature Skin may also be dry, oily, combination or sensitive. If you’re looking to reduce the signs of aging or to refine the appearance of skin, seek out products that are designed for anti-aging but will also address your other skin care concerns. You may benefit from sophisticated natural product blends which are loaded with good-for-you ingredients that will tighten, nourish, hydrate and repair the skin.

Sensitive Skin

Symptoms: Sensitive skin is usually very reactive to the elements and to many products or ingredients. Often very thin-looking, sensitive skin has a tendency to to be red, inflamed and irritated. Sensitive skin needs extra gentle care and simple, nourishing ingredients.

Care: Try products formulated without fragrance, or harsh ingredients and test products on a small area of your face (below jawline) before applying over your entire face. Be extra aware of external elements; wind, weather, sun, heat, cold etc., as well as dietary factors, which can cause reactions and flare ups.

Dry Skin

Symptoms: Dry skin has flaky dry spots, usually around the chin, nose and forehead (where there's the most movement). Dry skin also tends to have a tight overall feeling.

Care: Pay close attention to the climate and weather changes and how your skin reacts, as well as the foods you eat and how much water you consume. Be sure to seek out oils, serums, and moisturizers that are formulated with natural hydrators to provide moisture and relief. The best products for dry areas of the skin feel as though they ‘sink’ into skin, meaning they do not feel greasy on the surface. You may find that during the cold and drier seasons, you’ll need a heavy balm to protect delicate dry skin from the elements.

Normal Skin

Symptoms: You have a well-balanced skin not too dry or too oily. There are very few imperfections, barely visible pores, and no severe sensitivity. Smooth in texture, and the skin’s elasticity is good. There are no visible blemishes, flaky areas or greasy patches on the skin. 

Care: You can make product decisions based on your personal preference. Cleanse and exfoliate your skin regularly, moisturize, and use sun protection to maintain this balance.