Does your skin need moisturising, nourishing, mattifying or even anti-ageing care? To choose the most appropriate product for your skin’s needs, the first step is to identify your skin type. But what is skin type and how can you identify yours?
Skin type: identifying your skin type to respond to its needs.
Dry, normal or combination to oily skin: there are three main skin types, each with its own specific characteristics. To find out which skin type you have, take time to observe your skin and the signs it displays every day.
Combination to oily skin
If you notice shiny patches, blackheads and dilated pores over your entire face every day, you probably have oily skin.
Oily skin produces more lipids than required (notably sebum) and this is responsible for the appearance of these imperfections. In combination skin, imperfections tend to be more localised and usually affect the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
If this describes your skin, choose light and fluid products rather than very rich textures.
Another tip: always apply your products gently to avoid stimulating your skin and triggering a rebound effect.
Dry skin
On the other hand, if your skin tends to be affected by tugging sensations or rough patches and often feels uncomfortable, you probably have dry skin.
Dry skin is thinner and more fragile than other skin types. It lacks lipids and hydration and needs special care and attention. Age and external aggressions (wind, changes in temperature, etc.) can also aggravate dryness.
To nurture sensitive skin, choose rich and creamy textures for softness and comfort.
Normal skin
In contrast to the many characteristics displayed by oily and dry skin which require targeted care, normal skin shows no major imbalances. The complexion is luminous and the skin’s texture is regular with no obvious imperfections.
However, despite the absence of signs, normal skin still needs daily moisturising to maintain its water reserves.
Although envied by many, just a small proportion of the population actually have normal skin. Our predominant skin type can also change over time as a result of ageing and other influences, including temperature changes, external aggressions (wind, cold, etc.), pregnancy, menopause or hormone imbalances.
Dehydration can also make your skin more sensitive, so it’s essential to always listen to your skin and adapt your routine accordingly!
To identify your skin type and respond correctly to its needs, you can also consult a dermatologist or ask your pharmacist for a precise diagnosis and advice.
Skin type and skin condition: what are the differences?
The differences between skin type and skin condition are not always immediately obvious.
The skin type is your skin’s biological state that stays with you for your entire life, whereas the skin condition can vary over time as a result of internal and external factors (climate, pollution, stress, hormones, etc.).
These conditions are described as sensitive, dehydrated and mature skin. They occur in addition to the skin type, and potentially in combination, so it’s entirely possible to have oily, sensitive and dehydrated skin.