Understanding your skin type is the first step in being able to properly care for it.  Keep reading to get tips, recommended skincare and routines from our experts and let's take the guess-work out of your skincare routine.

Understanding your skin type is the first step in being able to properly care for it. Keep reading to get tips, recommended skincare and routines from our experts and let's take the guess-work out of your skincare routine.

Each skin type has its own set of unique characteristics and needs that can affect the look and feel of your complexion. We are going to focus on the cosmetic side of skin identity which boils down to the main five categories below -  

Normal, Combination, Oily, Dry & Sensitive.

Unsure what your skin type is? Let's cover the basics and get you in the know!

Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. It has regular texture, no imperfections, and a clean, soft appearance.

Normal skin does not need any special type of care.

Skin feels smooth and normal with no signs of flaking.

Normal skin is healthy skin that is in optimum condition to carry out its essential functions.

Yay if you have this skin type, you can use most types of products on your skin with zero drama!

Dry skin generally produces fewer natural oils than other types of skin.

Dry skin feels tight and dehydrated and you may experience flaking of the skin, this may cause it to appear dull and become rough or even scaly. Dry skin may be prone to showing more visible fine lines, and it may become itchy or irritated.

It can be caused by many factors including the sun, pollution, dehydration, or an imbalance in your skin microbiome.

The right skincare products will nourish dry skin and prevent moisture loss. 

You should include gentle, soothing and hydrating ingredients in your skincare routine to help maintain the skins protective moisture barrier. 

Avoid excessive long hot showers as this can further dry out the skin. 

You may need to moisturise multiple times per day, opt for skincare products that are fragrance free, non-comedogenic & alcohol-free. 

Oily skin is exactly what it sounds like - excess oil production causes a shiny, greasy appearance. Pores may also look large, and you may be prone to breakouts.

If you don't treat your oily skin correctly, pores can become clogged and enlarged, and dead skin cells build up which can lead to blackheads, spots, and acne.

The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin's natural moisture.

Cleansing is key for oily skin to keep the oil out of pores and prevent pimples and blackheads from occurring. Make sure you cleanse oily skin twice a day, without fail!

Toning can help remove excess oils and finish the job of your cleanser, getting deep into your pores. But be sure to use a gentle toner free of alcohol and other harsh ingredients such as menthol or witch hazel. These ingredients can dry out the skin, causing already oily skin to produce more oils to compensate.

Exfoliate 2-3 times per week to remove build-up of dead skin cells and keep your complexion clear. 

Lightly moisturise with water-based moisturisers - look out for ones that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Combination skin means that your face has two or more different skin types at the same time, e.g., a combination of dry and oily, with the T-zone commonly being oily, and the cheeks being either dry or normal.

Combination skin looks like enlarged pores in the T-zone area, perhaps with some impurities, blackheads, or breakouts.

Cheeks can feel dry, rough or tight.

It is important to use the right skincare products to restore the balance.

Use mild fragrance free products, gentle foaming cleansers are a good option. Avoid soaps as these can dry skin further and cause irritation.

Regular exfoliation will help remove dead skin cells and keep skin clear.

Don’t forget to moisturise!

Sensitive skin is known as a skin type, but it is possible to have oily sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, or normal sensitive skin.

Regardless of which type of skin you have, if you have sensitive skin, it may appear red and feel like it's burning, itching, or dry.

Sensitive skin can be more vulnerable to external irritants and may be triggered by certain ingredients in skincare products, like dyes or fragrances, and environmental factors.

Sensitive skin needs a little more TLC and should be treated gently!

If you can identify what triggers your sensitivity, it’s important to avoid cleansers, moisturisers and other products that contain those ingredients.

Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers, and be sure not to over-wash, as this can lead to dryness and irritation.

Avoid hot water and hot showers as this can irritate skin further.

Look for skincare products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin; fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.

Always use sunscreen.

Avoid harsh exfoliation.