To provide our skin with proper care, we should first identify our skin type and its subtype. Keep in mind that these two concepts are not the same. While each of us has only one skin type, we can have one, several, or no skin subtypes at all.
Basic Skin Types
The basic skin types are: oily, dry, combination, and normal skin. Acne-prone, vascular, dehydrated, mature, and sensitive skin are nothing more than skin subtypes. Once we manage to identify the skin type and determine all the subtypes, its care will become simpler and more enjoyable for us, as it will bring the results we desire.
How to Identify Your Skin Type and Subtype?
We know this is something that often keeps people awake at night, which is why we hope the information we share with you in the following article will help you identify your skin type. It will be easier for you to find the answer to what your skin needs most, allowing you to feel comfortable in your own skin.
Where to Start?
Before we move on to the characteristics of types and subtypes and briefly describe each skin type, we have a small task for you! What is it? Observing your skin! Stand in front of a mirror and check how your skin looks in the morning and evening. Do you notice any difference? Observe how it behaves throughout the day. Does it lack elasticity? Or is it smooth and soft? Have you noticed dry patches? What do your pores look like? Check how your skin behaves after washing. Do you feel an unpleasant sensation of tightness and discomfort? Does it start to shine quickly? How your skin looks will help you determine your skin type.
Take Notes and Compare!
You can write down all your observations on a piece of paper or in your phone: it's worth doing, having them at hand, and later comparing your own observations with the information we present below. Perhaps finally all the pieces will fall into place, and you will learn how to recognize normal skin, what the characteristics of oily or dry skin are, and what influences the fact that we have combination skin.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is a skin type that is both one of the most desired among all skin types and the least common in adults. Normal skin is most often found in children before puberty.
It is actually the skin type we all strive for: sebum is produced in the right amount, imperfections appear very rarely on such skin, its surface is smooth, the tone is even, and the openings of the sebaceous glands are almost invisible. Normal skin maintains an appropriate level of hydration because its hydrolipid barrier is in very good condition.
Its care is simple. It reacts well to cosmetics: it's enough not to disturb it. Minimalist care serves it well. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that improper care (lifestyle, diseases, environmental pollution, etc.) can lead to its transformation into dry, oily, or combination skin.
Dry Skin
Anyone can have dry skin, regardless of age. Its form can be mild and not bothersome on a daily basis, but there is also the possibility that dry skin becomes something that gives you a hard time. In extreme cases, dry skin can be accompanied by peeling, itching, and cracking. Furthermore, dry skin is exposed to more frequent allergic reactions.
Dry skin is matte, lackluster, as well as rough and lacking elasticity. It usually has a disrupted process of keratinization and exfoliation. Dry skin does not produce enough sebum, which, combined with a damaged hydrolipid barrier, means it does not function properly: it does not retain enough water in the epidermis.
The occurrence of dry skin can be genetic, result from our lifestyle, or be a consequence of a disease; however, it can also be the result of poor care of normal skin. Therefore, in the case of dry skin, it is very important to choose the right care that will rebuild its hydrolipid layer and increase occlusion (replacing the lack of sebum). It should be supported not only with cosmetics but also by consuming the right amount of water and a varied diet rich in, among others, fatty acids.
Dry Skin Ages Faster
Dry skin is thin skin; breakouts occur rarely or not at all, but it is precisely on this type that signs of aging become visible very quickly. Wrinkles appear faster, dry patches become a daily occurrence, and after washing, we are often accompanied by a feeling of tightness and discomfort. This skin type requires intensive hydration and very gentle cleansing.
When looking for suitable cosmetics, it's worth choosing those that contain ingredients that provide the skin with hydration and help maintain it, such as fucogel or marshmallow extract. These raw materials not only have moisturizing properties but are also responsible for the correct water level in the skin. It is also worth taking care of its radiance, which will be helped by the botanical complex Herbaglow NRG, in which you will find, among others, black mulberry leaf extract, which increases the number and quality of mitochondria in skin cells. Thanks to this, the skin gets an additional energy boost, protection against free radicals, evening of the skin tone, and reinforcement of the skin's natural, healthy glow. And you will forget about a matte appearance.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is the absolute opposite of dry skin. It shines a lot, produces sebum quickly and in excessive amounts, and on top of that, it has visible and enlarged pores. In other words, its sebaceous glands are overactive. Oily skin is usually thick and has an earthy tone. Additionally, it gets congested easily. It is often accompanied by breakouts and blackheads. For these minor inconveniences, oily skin ages more slowly!
Oily skin care should focus primarily on regulating the work of the sebaceous glands and, contrary to appearances, on providing it with hydration through ingredients that bind moisture in the epidermis. Well-hydrated skin will be less oily. Oily skin, on the other hand, no longer needs more occlusion: the produced sebum performs this function. Therefore, it is better to approach oil serums or highly occlusive creams with caution.
Do Not Dry Out Oily Skin
It often happens that having oily skin, we treat it aggressively: intensively cleansing, matting, and exfoliating, which can further intensify sebum production and, instead of helping, we only worsen the condition of our skin, creating a vicious cycle. Oily skin follows its own rules. Therefore, let's remember that after applying invasive care, the activity of the sebaceous glands may increase, and as a result: we will shine more. So exactly what we are trying to avoid will happen.
To help regulate the work of the sebaceous glands, you should regularly, morning and evening, cleanse the skin of excess sebum. Thanks to this, you will avoid lipid-eating bacteria that could settle on your skin. However, do not wash oily skin too aggressively, stripping it until it 'squeaks,' although you might be tempted. Proper cleansing does not mean aggressive action! Choose a gentle cleanser that supports the skin's microbiome, which on one hand will help you get rid of sebum, and on the other will not cause a feeling of tightness and burning. If necessary, wash your skin in two stages (using an oil and a gel or the same product twice).
By handling oily skin in the right way, we are able to control it.
Combination Skin
If your skin type is combination skin, you have surely noticed that it's a combination of dry and oily skin. It is characterized by a deficit of sebum in some parts of the face and its excess in others. Most often, we encounter overproduction of sebum in the T-zone (chin, nose, and forehead) and its deficit on the cheeks. Although other configurations of their location occur. Combination skin is very common and is a skin type that often causes care problems. Combination skin is often characterized by the fact that the cheeks remain dry and require more hydration and occlusion than the chin, nose, or forehead, which remain oily.
Combination skin care requires the right balance. It often happens that people who have combination skin apply different cosmetics to dry parts of the face and different ones to oily parts. However, this is not a necessity. A properly balanced moisturizing cream can work for the entire face: as long as it doesn't overly weigh down the oily parts. You can also use a moisturizing cream on the entire face and a normalizing serum on selected parts that require it. How can we help ourselves further? To get rid of excess sebum in the T-zone, we can use blotting papers.
What Are Skin Subtypes About?
Now that you more or less know how to identify your skin type, it's time to briefly explain what skin subtypes are about. These are nothing more than characteristics of our skin, and they can include, among others, discoloration, acne, and vascular issues. These changes can occur regardless of what skin type we have. Therefore, it may happen that both owners of dry and oily skin will struggle with over-reactivity or dehydration of the skin. In skincare, it's worth choosing a serum tailored to your subtype and current skin needs.
Subtypes: Acne-Prone and Vascular Skin
Acne-prone skin is increasingly affecting people of mature age. Acne-prone skin is characterized by the presence of pustules and papules. Subcutaneous painful lesions also appear. The cause of acne can be improper care, overactivity of the sebaceous glands, or hormonal disorders. Acne-prone skin can be very problematic, so it's worth asking a trusted specialist dermatologist or cosmetologist for help. Remember that in the case of very severe lesions, you should consult a doctor regarding treatment.
Vascular skin occurs when we observe temporary redness on our face. It may occur after physical exertion, with a sudden change in temperature, or during a stressful situation. A blush then appears on our face and stays on the skin for some time. When we observe such a phenomenon on our face, it's a sign for us to reach for care that seals the blood vessels. Vascular skin requires actions preventing so-called broken capillaries. Also, remember that vascular skin has the greatest predisposition to rosacea. With this skin, care should be gentle, soothing, and you should remember to avoid excessive rubbing of the skin and sudden temperature changes.
Subtypes: Dehydrated, Mature, and Sensitive Skin
Dehydrated skin is often confused with dry skin, which occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too little sebum, whereas dehydrated skin refers to too little water in the epidermis. Dry patches, fine lines, lack of radiance, or lack of elasticity – this is exactly what characterizes this skin type.
Mature skin, as the name suggests, is related to our age. Visible wrinkles, discoloration, and loss of elasticity are characteristic of it. By using creams with UV filters, we delay the aging process of our skin. It's worth noting here that 'anti-wrinkle' cosmetics prevent the appearance of wrinkles, rather than reversing those that have already formed.
Sensitive skin is otherwise known as hyper-reactive skin. It is a type of skin that reacts very strongly to changes in temperature, environment, water, or cosmetics. Improper care of this skin subtype will lead to irritation and may be the first step towards vascular skin. Gentle products will work perfectly for sensitive skin care.
The Magic of Proper Care
Appropriate face-washing cosmetics are the key to success. Dedicating time to our skin and care tailored to the needs of the skin type can work wonders. That's why an individual look at the needs of the skin is so important. Remember that something that works for your friend won't necessarily work for you too. If, however, you dream of twin sets, we have a great suggestion for you!
Our cosmetics are intended for every skin type. The innovative combination of natural ingredients with the latest technology has allowed us to put a product in your hands that will meet many requirements and adapt to your needs.
It is therefore worth determining your skin type and thus being aware of what your face needs most. Thanks to this, we will easily be able to modify our skincare habits. We hope that now you will easily be able to identify your skin type and will enjoy using this knowledge in your daily care.
