Your skin type is like your skin’s temperament and it’s just something you are born with. It may be quiet and easygoing or tumultuous and might require a bit more tender loving care. Just as your temperament can be influenced by family, culture or personal experiences, your skin type can also be influenced by fluctuating hormones or the ageing process; and extremes in temperature like excessive heat or chilling cold or even humidity levels can influence your skin, so in essence, your skin type plays a major role in how your skin behaves and interacts with external stressors.
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Skin Condition vs Skin Type
Skin type and skin condition may appear synonymous but they are different things and signify different aspects of your skin’s health. While skin type is innate, unchangeable and constant; skin conditions are more like evolving personality traits which are influenced by your skin type, and also by lifestyle choices, diet and environmental factors. People cannot change their skin type, just like temperament, but skin conditions can be treated or managed. Conditions like acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis fall into this category. You may also have particular skin concerns; such as ageing or dark circles and while these don’t fit neatly into either category, they are issues you may want to address, in your journey towards optimal skin health.
Skin type and product labels
When browsing skincare aisles or online platforms, you’ll see products labelled for specific skin types. You should know that the skin types mentioned on the packaging of skincare products are not subject to regulation or standardisation; marketing departments use these terms liberally. This means products marketed to a particular skin type can produce a wide range of results, changing from person to person and product to product. Just because a product claims it’s for oily skin, or worked wonders on your sister’s oily skin, it doesn’t guarantee the same results for your oily skin. This makes it important to examine the ingredients list rather than relying on the marketing terms used.
Figuring out your skin type is easy and can be done in one of 2 ways;
The Full Day Test: Use a gentle cleanser to wash in the morning. Gently pat dry and leave your skin product free for the rest of the day (advisable to be done on a day you are staying indoors). At the end of the day, examine the appearance and texture of your skin for signs linked to each of the skin types, OR
The Quick Test: If dedicating an entire day seems impractical. You can wash with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry then leave your skin bare for 30 mins to 1 hr, after which, examine your skin to identify your skin type.
There are 5 fundamental skin types;
Normal Skin: appears balanced, neither oily or dry, has smooth texture and is devoid of sensitivity or irritation.
Dry Skin: appears to lack moisture, looks dull, feels tight, has a rough texture and is possibly flaky.
Oily Skin: appears shiny, greasy or slick to touch, often has visible pores.
Combination Skin: presents as a mix of characteristics, forehead, nose and chin (commonly referred to as T-zone) may appear shiny or oily while cheeks appear normal to dry.
Sensitive Skin: may appear red, inflamed or blotchy and you may experience itchiness, skin peeling or be rashes prone.
Your skin type may also be a blend; dry and sensitive, oily and sensitive or combination and sensitive. Facial skin could also vary greatly from the skin on other parts of your body; for instance; you could have oily facial skin while having dry skin on the rest of your body. Being aware of these differences is crucial for targeted skincare.
Importance of understanding your skin type
Understanding your skin type isn’t just about aesthetic concerns; it’s about maintaining long-term skin health. Using skincare products poorly suited to your skin can lead to skin complications. It can worsen existing skin conditions, lead to new ones, or at the very least, prevent your skin from reaching its healthiest state. Therefore, being aware of your type of skin is important for establishing an effective skincare routine, that suits your skin type, addresses your skin’s particular needs and promotes optimal skin health.
Don’t let your skin’s innate “temperament” prevent you from achieving the skin of your dreams. Just as your personality and disposition can evolve and improve over time; so too can your skin’s health and appearance. Skincare is a journey and a long-term commitment not a destination; it might take some time to learn what skin actives your skin loves, but also be mindful that your skin’s favourite actives could change. Therefore, periodic evaluations and adjustments to your skincare routine may be beneficial. It may take time to discover the perfect cocktail of skincare products and practices that your skin will respond favourably to and this journey requires patience, the right knowledge and a willingness to adapt.
Conclusion
Remember, your skin is not just an external covering but a complex organ that communicates your overall well-being. Treat it with the respect and attention it deserves, and it would return the favour. Place more focus on the ingredients in your skincare products, rather than marketing labels; so you make more informed choices. Couple this with an understanding of your skin type, and you’re on your way to achieving skin that not only looks good; but feels good.
