Finding out your blood type is easy. It’s something you’re told at birth, it’s then kept on file and will never change. Your skin type, however? A little more temperamental. Though knowing it mightn’t save any lives, it can, however, help us to get the most out of our skin care routine. Our skin type can and will fluctuate from oily to dry to combination with no rhyme or reason, which is why it’s important to understand what to look out for and how we can give our skin what it needs, when it needs it.
What influences our skin type?
With so many factors affecting our skin on a daily basis, it can be quite tricky to identify an exact skin type. Elements such as the weather, hormones, diet and medication can all impact our skin.
beautyheaven spoke with Emma Hobson, the Education Manager of The International Dermal Institute, who told us, “[One] common mistake people make is not understanding what skin type they have and what condition it is currently in.”
Other factors that influence the skin condition include stress, surgery and illness. These conditions affect all skin types and will regularly change, possibly from day-to-day.
Identifying your skin type…
Most cosmetic companies put skin types into five categories. Now that we understand that our skin can have different needs at different times, these skin types will give you a general overview of what to look for.
Normal
This skin type has a balanced oil and water content. It is smooth and even with tiny pores. Normal skin very rarely gets blemishes or feels oily or dry. If this sounds like you, congratulations. You’ve got your pick as to which skin care products best suit you. We suggest a high-quality retinol serum to focus on anti-ageing, resurfacing, and prevention of future breakouts or congestion.
Oily
This refers to skin with overactive sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. Meaning the face will typically appear shiny, especially down the central panel of your nose, forehead and chin, otherwise known as the ‘T-zone’. Pores are usually enlarged, making it prone to blackheads and pimples.
Products to try for oily skin:
La Roche-Posay Serozinc
“When I use this product my breakouts are controlled and my skin is clear. The mist is light and distributes evenly it is gentle on the skin.” – Bronzebabe
$25.95 at Adore Beauty
Want to know more? Read La-Roche Posay Serozinc reviews here…
Cetaphil Sun Ultra-Light Lotion SPF50+
“I have usually acne prone, sensitive skin and it doesn’t cause breakouts or redness.” – Geezlouise
$15.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Want to know more? Read Cetaphil Sun Ultra-Light Lotion SPF50+ reviews here…
Dry
Dry skin lacks both sebum and moisture. It can often appear transparent, patchy and fragile. This type of skin flakes and chaps easily compared to other skin types.
Products to try for dry skin:
Sutti Hyaluronic Serum ‘The Hydration Hero’
“I am obsessed with serums, especially ones that target hydration so I had to try this one. It comes in a cute 30ml pump bottle which makes it easy to dispense. The serum has a thin-ish gel like consistency and is a cloudy clear colour and has a subtle scent to it which I quite like. It says to use 2 pumps but I find I can get away with using just 1 pump as it glides all over my skin and spreads out very well.” – Izzy09
$48 at Sutti Skin
Want to know more? Read Sutti Hyaluronic Serum ‘The Hydration Hero’ reviews here…
Organic Formulations Hydrating Body Exfoliant
“The product is thick and very natural looking, it smells nice. I used this in the shower. Dampen your skin then step away from the water, and massage it all over your body. Its great on feet and hands too, my skin felt soft, hydrated and it was great to pre shaving too, shaving was a breeze and I will love to continue to use this lovely scrub.” – Shop A Everyday
$21.95 at Pharmacy Direct
Want to know more? Read Organic Formulations Hydrating Body Exfoliant reviews here…
Combination
If your skin is oily down the T-zone but dry across your cheeks, you sit under the combination skin umbrella. The forehead, nose and chin need extra attention, as they may be prone to clusters of blackheads and enlarged pores.
Products to try for combination skin:
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
“I use this for my second cleanse after an oil cleanse. It is very gentle and leaves your skin in great condition and not stripped. It is my go to now. Also super great value and lasts ages in the larger bottle.” – Stacystacy
$19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser reviews here….
Clinique All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Milk + Makeup Remover
“This is such a time saver! Rinse off with tissue/cotton/ wipe or reusable makeup pad and water and makeup removal is done. This milk left my skin feeling soft and clean but not dry.” – Frenchy1
$46 at Myer
Read more Clinique All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Milk + Makeup Remover reviews here…
Sensitive
This type of skin reacts externally and internally to changes in life. It can be both oily and dry and may be easily disturbed by skin care and cosmetics. Sensitive skin tends to be blotchy and can have broken capillaries. You may also notice a flushed or reddened look and feel frequently feel tight or itchy. In more serious cases, sensitive skin will require consulting a dermatologist.
Products to try for sensitive skin:
Eau Thermale Avène GENTLE EXFOLIATING GEL
“The gel contains the tiny beads that feel super soft & gentle on the skin. While gentle you can feel the beads working on the skin, giving a smooth exfoliation. It easily smooths over the skin in a light way – not dragging or pulling. I use this once to twice a week as it is predominantly a physical exfoliation for the skin. It is completely non irritating & the added thermal spring water also smooths the skin.” – Ray_jay
$33.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Want to know more? Read Eau Thermale Avène GENTLE EXFOLIATING GEL reviews here…
Dr. LeWinn’s Recoverëderm Australian Marine Algae Rescue Mask
“My face is left very hydrated, not sticky, less red and puffy. My face is so, so smooth, unlike any other masks, I LOVE IT! It does not break my skin out at all and helps my acne prone skin. When finished I moisturiser my face and add sunscreen for a glow look, then the next morning my face is still glowing.” – Beautyguru101
$8.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Want to know more? Read Dr. LeWinn’s Recoverëderm Australian Marine Algae Rescue Mask reviews here…
Main image credit: @xoxotsumi
What skin type do you have? What are your go-to skin care products?
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I am a bit confused when it comes to this issue as there appears to be a side who say sensitive skin exists and the other that say that it doesn’t.
I tend to be combination skin. Luckily though I haven’t been sensitive to products I’ve tried so far.
Always interesting to read about skin types and beneficialproducts.
My product of choice would be the Organic Formulations Hydrating Body Exfoliant
So I copy the name of a product that you have published in your article and it needs to be moderated? Go figure
I have combination skin & a good physical exfoliator twice a week is essential for me.
I think mine is mainly normal, however the T zone gets quite oily in the summer time. And I still get blemishes every now and then , even in my mid 40s.
Really good to know! The only problem is I don’t really fit into any of them? My skin changes and has many blemishes. Any ideas? X
sounds like you may have combination skin
Oily all the way! Has its advantages though, at nearly 50 I don’t have any crow’s feet or wrinkles.
My skin was always incredibly oily: it’s becoming less oily as I age, but I’m still blemish-prone. That Cetaphil looks good.
Yes I like the look of the Cetaphil sunscreen too!
I have huge pores. HAd very oily skin. I think it’s more combo now as I got older.
Interesting. Regular forumites get “moderated” for ages, never posted comments too, meanwhile huge spam posts like that above…no worries. Interesting. What is their secret to be able to spam so easily?
Yes Yohanna, obviously spam. It is so annoying.
I don’t use Forum much now because of the spam however this is a forst time in the Articles -D nuisance
Sorry First time
My skin is mostly oily but my body is quite dry and can be sensitive
I have combination skin. Toners and exfoliators are a must for me.
I generally have oily skin but it can also be sensitive at times.
I have dry skin and it is inclined to be sensitive so I always look for products with this label -I love this article and it is very helpful -Thank You
Thanks BH. Products for all skin types.
Last time I had a facial, I had sensitive, dry and oil skin in different areas. My skin is deciding its gotta be annoying.
Fortunately the products I’ve been using seem to be doing my skin a lot of good.
Interesting – quite a few products here that I am tempted to try.
Identifying correct skin type is one of first steps to curating a tailored skin care routine.
Thanks so much BH for your Article on Knowing Your Skin Type. I think 🤔 mine is Combination Skin Type. Blood Type I am A+
This is interesting. I think I’m oily to normal. I dont think I fit under the combination umbrella really because I don’t think I have dry skin on my face. But I also think I’m a little sensitive because I do have broken capillaries and suffer redness/blotchyness but not tight or itchy. I know the answer…. my skin type is … wait for it…. confused. lol
Also worth noting that your skin type can change a lot due to hormonal changes. Mine has always been oily but it’s now extremely dehydrated and dry in parts.
I have combination skin and I have to remember to exfoliate twice per week.
Mine can be dry, then oily, its odd
Also I think your skin type can change over time.
Growing up I always had normal skin and then as I got older it was dry but since using some lovely products over the years, my skin is more normal in winter and then summer, it can sometimes be a little dry but otherwise I think I have become Normal again. Just wish my blood type was a better one though 😛
Loved reading this one
I think I am an alien because I don’t really seem to fit any of these descriptions.
I want to try the Lewinn’s mask!
I was told recently that I’m normal combination! I use to be oily combination.
I have tried so many serums to lighten my melasma and sun damage and I am blown away. All I did was use DermalMD Lightening Serum every night. I’m so happy I found this amazing product. It’s worth every penny, but it— you won’t be disappointed!!
I read somewhere that skincare companies were going to cease categorizing a skin type as NORMAL as it could cause psychological issues for those who don’t think they have normal skin. I think this makes a lot of sense and hope it happens soon.
Going by this I would say mine is normal
My skin is ranges from normal to dehydrated
I think i have normal skin.
A good guide and suggestions for all. Natural products are best especially for sensitive skin types
That model in the photo has beautiful skin.
Ive been told by a face specialist i have a combination skin type