When it comes to talking about the skin, this is one of the most important topics to address first, for a couple of reasons.
The first one is because the foundation for building your skincare regime is based on your individual type and secondly, because even though most people feel they know their skin type, it is actually often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. This leads to improper skincare practices and lots of money spent on products that cause the skin to be unbalanced and erratic.
Let’s clarify what a skin type really means and how to define your own correctly, once and for all.
What is Skin Type?
Your skin type is essentially defined by two things, the amount of oil naturally present on the skin and your skin’s natural behaviour. A really simple way to understand and tackle your natural skin type is to think about the word “BALANCE.” Balancing oil is the key to stabilising your skin type and getting your skin to behave as healthily as possible.
At this point, it’s important that we don’t confuse skin type with certain skin conditions that can be present alongside one’s natural skin type.
Just to clarify, a skin condition refers to the skin’s reactive behaviour to external and internal stimulants (environment, diet and lifestyle etc). Think skin concerns like dehydration, wrinkles and pigmentation to name a few. They are often temporary and can be treated.
In terms of your skin type, you are born with the skin type you will carry through your life. It generally stays stable through your life, determined mostly by genetics and hormones.
They only usually fluctuate during hormonally influenced years (puberty and menopause). This happens because our bodies’ oil production is controlled by hormones.
Any other changes to our hormonal balance (stress levels, changes in diet, pregnancy, medications and contraceptive pills) will reflect in your skin because it too, influences the skin’s oil production.
There are 3 universal skin types:
- 1. Normal/combination skin
- 2. Dry skin
- 3. Oily skin
Each skin type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Dry skin is less likely to suffer from acne and blackheads, but likely to develop lines and wrinkles at a younger age. Oily skin has more visible pores are more prone to breakouts, but likely to age more slowly.
In order to determine your skin type, make sure that you look for the 3 following factors:
- 1. Pore size and location
- 2. Skin texture
- 3. Any surface shine present
Below is a simple chart that clarifies each skin type and what each type needs to stay healthy and balanced.
NORMAL/COMBINATION SKIN
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Normal distribution of oil. Possibly oily, dehydrated areas and occasional minor breakouts Appearance: luminous, slight shine in t-zone, slight dehydration in cheek area Pores: small – medium |
Normal/Combination skin needs: Maintain a balanced distribution of oil and moisture by using: ✓ Use pH neutral cleanser ✓ Light weight moisturizer ✓ Hydrating serum for dehydrated areas ✓ Possibly, oil control treatment and deep cleansing masque for minor breakouts Recommended: Erda range |
OILY SKIN
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Shiny oily surface. Possibly congested pores, breakouts/acne Appearance: shiny and muddy Pores: medium – large |
Oily skin needs: Reduce the amount of surface oil by using: ✓ Foaming antibacterial cleanser ✓ Oil-free moisturiser with oil absorbers ✓ Oil control serum ✓ Deep pore cleansing masque Recommended: Dermassure Clear and Calm range |
DRY SKIN
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Matte surface. Possibly broken capillaries, wrinkles and flakiness Appearance: dull, matte Pores: small – invisible |
Dry skin needs: ✓ Gentle hydrating non-astringent cleanser ✓ Rich barrier moisturizer ✓ Soothing and nourishing serum and masque Recommended: God’s Nectar range |
When caring for your skin, the first thing you need to get right is to treat your skin type with the right cleanser and moisturiser. This will also keep the skin’s PH level healthy and restore the skin overall, to a healthy balance. Serums, masks and treatments can then be incorporated into your skincare regime, that are tailored to treat other possible existing skin concerns.
Also remember that all skin types at some point, will need weekly exfoliation. Origani Manuka Honey peel is an excellent option for most skin types and conditions when used correctly.
For further support and help in determining your skin type and what your skin needs to be its best, visit one of our stores to speak to a skin expert. When you find the right skincare for you, you will most certainly love the skin you are in!
Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.
