Flawless skin. It’s something most people dream of, but how do you achieve flawless skin, is it even possible? Well, knowing your skin type is an essential step in achieving beautiful skin. Having this knowledge will help you in selecting the best skin care treatments and products that work best for you.

Being aware of your skin type also allows you to tailor your personal skin care routine to promote excellent skin health, delay the signs of aging, highlight your best features and give you a youthful glow.

You can’t really tell you skin type by just looking and that’s why it’s suggested that you visit a professional such as a beauty therapist or dermatologist to test and confirm your skin type.

“The first step in treating your face is to know your skin type,” general beauty therapist Michelle Johnson pointed out in an interview with Our Today.

There are four major skin types: your treatment routine should be based on your correct skin type.

Normal skin type

Normal skin is well-balanced skin in that moisture content, sebum production, and other factors that usually affect the health of your skin are all within normal ranges. Normal skin is less likely to suffer from skin conditions and appears clear, radiant, and has a healthy glow.

Features of normal skin type

• free from skin blemishes
• pores are fine, hardly visible
• skin tone is even, clear, and smooth
• radiant complexion
• skin is neither too oily or too dry
• good blood circulation
• enduring against the elements and irritants

Although individuals with normal skin tend to be free of common skin conditions, it is recommended that you still maintain a skin care routine that includes moisturising, regular cleansing, and preventative skin care treatments such as facials.

Dry skin types

Dry skin is a common complaint, especially among women. This skin type can be a result of genetics or environmental factors. Individuals with dry skin tend to lack some of the natural moisturising factors that help the skin retain water and may produce less sebum than other skin types. Sebum is the oil that the skin produces naturally. It builds a skin barrier that shields against environmental factors, such as temperature, dirt, and humidity.

Features of dry skin type

• skin feels tight and brittle, lacks elasticity
• enhances fine lines and wrinkles
• barely visible pores
• scaling, flaking, and itchiness may occur
• prone to redness, irritation and infection
• complexion looks dull and blotchy
• chapping and prone to cracking
• skin texture feels rough

Individuals with dry skin should avoid skin care products that have drying ingredients, or strip the skin of sebum. Avoid things that can worsen dry skin, such as long, hot showers, central heating, certain medications and ultraviolet exposure.

When it comes on to moisturisers, not just any moisturiser will do. You have to ensure that you use moisturisers that are specially formulated for dry skin. This is essential in treating.

Oily skin type

Oily skin type is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, thus individuals with oily skin usually produce way too much sebum. Persons that have an oily skin are more predisposed to certain skin blemishes and skin issues, especially acne.

Like most skin types, oily skin is greatly influenced by genetics. But other factors like hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or puberty,) stress, certain medications, diet, and choice of skincare products can contribute to oily skin.

Features of oily skin

• pores are large and are visible
• skin looks thicker and paler
• prone to various forms of acne, especially in the t- zone (forehead, nose and chin)
• skin appears shiny or greasy
• oily skin looks more plump and less aged

Individuals with oily skin should wash their face with a gentle cleanser and use skin care products that are noncomedogenic (won’t clog the pores). 

Combination skin types

Combination skin is the most common skin type and is characterised by a mix of oily skin and dry skin in different areas of the face.

Normally, people with combination skin will have oily skin in their t-zone. This usually signifies that there is an over production of sebum around the forehead, nose, and chin. Dry skin typically affects the cheeks, mouth, and eyes due to a lack of sebum production in those areas.

Features of combination skin types:

• oily skin centered around the chin, nose, and forehead
• prone to acne on the chin, nose, and forehead
• mouth, eyes, and cheeks may have dry or normal skin
• enlarged pores around chin, nose and forehead

Individuals with combination skin types require different skin care regimes that treat their different skin regions and their specific conditions.

“Having a skincare routine is vital because it aids in preventing damage to the skin. It is also important because an active routine helps to treat skin effectively,” Johnson added.

She is encouraging individuals to develop the habit caring for their face by cleansing, toning and moisturising at least two times daily.