How do I know my skin type?

 How do I know my skin type?

The first step to caring for your skin is understanding your specific needs, so what is your skin type and how does it change under certain conditions? While everyone has unique needs, there are three common skin types that will help you identify where your skin will likely fit in the most. These are Oily, Combination, and Dry. If you don’t know which skin type you have, here are two simple at home ways to find out: 

The Blotting Sheet Method

Gently pat different areas of your face with blotting paper and hold the sheet up to the light. 

If the sheet:

1. picked up little to no oil - your skin is likely dry 
2. picked up oil from your forehead and nose - your skin is likely combination 
3. picked up excessive oil - your skin is oily

The Bare-faced Method

1. Using a mild cleanser, cleanse your face thoroughly and gently pat dry
2. Leave your skin naked - don’t apply anything to your skin (you’ll need to stay inside since you won’t have SPF on)
3. After 30 minutes, have a look if any shine has developed on your cheeks, chin, nose, or forehead 
4. After another 30 minutes if:
1. your skin feels dehydrated and tight when you smile or frown - your skin is likely dry
2. there is noticeable shine only on your nose and forehead - your skin is likely combination 
3. the shine extends to your cheeks - your skin is likely oily 

Skin Types

Dry Skin

Dry skin can feel tight throughout the day and some people may experience noticeable flaking in certain areas or at certain times of the year. Genetics, hormonal changes, climate and environmental factors such as lifestyle & diet can cause dry skin. Dehydration is also a leading cause that can be easily managed by drinking a lot of water and limiting diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol. 

Exfoliation is an important step in your routine, as removing layers of dead skin will help promote skin cell turnover and assist follow up products absorbing into the skin. 

Shop our Hello Hydration! Collection for Dry Skin 

Combination Skin

Those with combination skin can experience dryness on the cheeks and a well moisturised t-zone. Because of this, it’s important to use a moisturiser that will hold the moisture where needed without being too heavy in other areas. Exfoliation will also play a key role in keeping the t-zone and cheeks balanced. 

Oily Skin

The good news about oily skin - it looks younger and more supple as it has more natural moisture making it less prone to wrinkle. The bad news, it can leave pores congested and clogged. Exfoliation is essential to promote cell turnover and reduce buildup in pores. If you suffer from acne breakouts, using an exfoliater like our Botanical Facial Scrub with antibacterial ingredients can help speed up healing and prevent future blemishes. 

Shop our Clear Away Collection for Combination to Oily Skin

Special Note for Sensitive Skin

If you’ve read Why it's important to patch test for sensitive skin  then you know, managing sensitive skin can be challenging and painful. It’s really important to work out which ingredients cause inflammation, irritation or a potential allergic reaction. It doesn’t matter which skin type you have, everyone can suffer from sensitive skin.