Skin type and skin condition
Your skin type mostly depends on how much sebum your skin produces. It is partly genetic and changes slowly, with age and hormones. Your skin condition, on the other hand, varies more: skin can be dehydrated, sensitive or prone to blemishes whatever its type. Oily skin can still lack water, for example.
The simple test
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry and don’t apply anything. An hour later, take a look:
- Normal skin: comfortable, neither shiny nor tight.
- Dry skin: a tight feeling, a dull look, sometimes small flakes.
- Oily skin: shine all over the face, visible pores.
- Combination skin: shine on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), normal or dry cheeks.
Caring for each type
Normal skin
Keep your routine simple: gentle cleanser, light moisturiser, sun protection. Consistency is what counts.
Dry skin
It lacks lipids. Go for a cleansing milk or cream cleanser, and creams rich in ceramides, shea butter or squalane, plus an oil in the evening if needed. Avoid hot water and foaming cleansers that are too stripping.
Oily skin
It produces a lot of sebum, which doesn’t stop it from needing water. Choose a gentle cleanser, possibly with salicylic acid, a non-comedogenic gel-cream and a light or mattifying sun protection. Niacinamide helps limit shine. Avoid stripping it: irritated skin can produce even more sebum.
Combination skin
Treat each area according to its needs: a mattifying product on the T-zone, more comfort on the cheeks. A gel-cream often suits the whole face.
What about sensitive skin?
It isn’t a separate type, but a tendency that can affect every skin type: redness, tingling, reactions to products. Choose short, fragrance-free formulas, introduce only one new product at a time and always do a patch test first. If redness persists or gets worse, see a dermatologist.
Your type can change
Seasons, pregnancy, menopause, stress or medication can change how your skin behaves. Redo the test from time to time and adjust your routine accordingly.
