How well do you know your skin?

From Oily, to Sensitive to Normal - what does it mean and how do you know what your skin type is?

Take a look at this useful breakdown from Dermalogica on understanding your skin and your skin type:

Identify your skin type so you can find the right skin care products for your unique needs.

Want to perfect your skin care routine but don’t know where to start? The first step is identifying your skin type! Use our tips below to figure out where your skin falls so you can shop accordingly.

Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin are genetically predisposed to a thinner lipid barrier, which is the skin's way of protecting itself from irritants. Sensitive skin may also be sensitized, which means that your lipid barrier is being compromised by your environment or lifestyle (i.e. climate, spicy foods, etc.)

Signs of sensitive skin:

• It appears delicate, thin or translucent
• Redness or blotchiness, with a tendency toward rosacea
• Flushing, itching, or burning sensations – a sign of over-reactive capillaries

Opt for products such as:

• Ultra-Calming Cleanser
• Barrier Repair Cream
• Ultra-Calming Mist

Dry or Dehydrated Skin
There is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin, but they both often feel the same. Dry skin typically lacks oil while dehydrated skin lacks water.

Signs of dry or dehydrated skin:

• Flaking and/or itchiness
• Tightness and/or dullness
• Absorbs moisturizer quickly

Opt for products such as:

• Intensive Moisture Cleanser
• Skin Hydrating Masque
• Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturiser

Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs from excess production of sebum (oil). It's often unclear what causes oily skin because sebum production is influenced by everything from genetics and hormonal activity to your environment and lifestyle.

Signs of oily skin:

• Shiny complexion
• Pores appear enlarged
• Skin texture is greasy or congested

Opt for products such as:

• PreCleanse
• Special Cleansing Gel
• Sebum Clearing Masque
• Active Moist Moisturiser

Aging Skin

Everyone ages, but some people have more noticeable signs of aging on their skin than others. This is often because of environmental and lifestyle factors, which can accelerate your skin’s visible age.

Signs of aging skin:

• Dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles
• Dullness
• Loose, crepey texture

Opt for products such as: 

• Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
• Daily Superfoliant
• Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
• Super Rich Repair Moisturiser
• Age Reversal Eye Complex

Breakout-prone Skin
Whether it’s from genetics, chronic stress, hormones, lifestyle habits, pollution, diet, or all of these factors, breakout-prone skin is usually identified by chronic, recurring breakouts.

Signs of breakout-prone skin:

• Red, inflamed bumps and uneven texture
• Excess oil or congestion
• Scars from previous breakouts

opt for products such as:

• Age Bright Spot Fader
• Age Bright Clearing Serum
• PreCleanse

Combination Skin
Combination skin looks shiny and feels dry, all at the same time. Having skin that produces excess oil and experiences dehydration may seem daunting, but it’s all about balance!

Signs of combination skin:

• Oily or dull-looking T-zone (forehead, nose and chin)
• Cheeks and under-eye areas feel dry
• Skin seems oilier in hot weather and drier in cold weather

pro tip: your skin changes with the seasons

Hopefully the above tips helped you identify your skin type, but don't stop there! Your skin’s behavior changes throughout your life, depending on your health, environment and lifestyle. For personalized advice on what's happening with your skin right now – and how to keep it in its best shape – get a Face Mapping skin analysis and connect with a Dermalogica Skin Therapist.