Today we're tackling the question at the source of our skincare journeys... What is my skin type? 

 

Without the answer to this particular conundrum, we run the risk of using the wrong products for our skin and either making things worse, or having no discernible effect at all. I know for myself that before I started shopping with my oily skin type in mind, opting more for the nice smelling products or the ones my friends used, I continued to have issues with blemishes and clogged pores to the point I thought it was just the way my skin was. Oh, how far we have come! 

For a quick fix, head to our easy, 8-step quiz that helps to narrow down your skin type by your concerns, and provides some suggestions, including a tailored bundle with a lovely little saving! 

 

But if you're looking for some more in depth info, stick with me! Let's go through some of the most common traits of each skin type, and what to look out for...

 

Normal

Otherwise known (to their other-typed friends) as the lucky ones. Normal skin is just that, with a good balance of natural oils that neither feels dry nor oily. You might get a little shine on your nose or forehead throughout the day, a hormonal spot or two, and some dryness weather permitting, but for the most part everything is quite consistent. 

What do I do?

Yes, your skincare is still very important, even if your skin seems to be handling things well on its own. Daily pollution and weather are just two factors that could upset the balance. Cleanse daily, and look for ingredients that protect your skin, like Ginger Root, and don't forget about areas like your neck and under eye area, which need love too! 

More suggestions here 💁‍♀️

 

Combination

The skin type with one foot in Dry territory, and the other in Oily. When we think about combo skin, the oily areas are usually the T-zone - the area across your forehead and down your nose - where blemishes can pop up. Dryness can still affect you, but it's more likely to pop up on the other areas of your face, like your cheeks.

What do I do?

Focus on products that can tackle all of your concerns, like balancing Niacinamide, or break down your routine into sections. There's nothing stopping you from using hydrating Hyaluronic Acid on your chin and cheeks, and pore minimising Zinc PCA on your T-zone! Non comedogenic facial oils, like Squalane, can multitask to the max, hydrating and protecting the drier parts of your face, whilst helping to regulate oiliness in the other. 

More suggestions here 🎭

 

Oily

Chances are, you know if you have oily skin. Essentially your sebaceous glands (in your pores) overproduce sebum, which leads to clogged pores, and a particularly shiny face. You might find you get oily before lunchtime, or your makeup just doesn't want to survive the day in place. It doesn't always mean you will have blemishes, but it's pretty likely. 

What do I do? 

Avoid products that dry your skin out, because this will only make your skin produce more oil! A gentle wash which is still hydrating is important, followed by a balancing toner. Detoxifying masks and gentle chemical exfoliators are your friends, to be used a few times a week. Look for ingredients like Zinc PCA and Niacinamide, which reduce the appearance of blemishes and balance the area. Go for a lighter, non-comedogenic moisturiser, and it's okay to stick with a hydrating serum during the summer months if you're still feeling overly oily throughout the day! 

More suggestions here ✨

 

 

Dry

Dry skin is caused by a lack of natural oils and moisture within the layers of your skin, so if you are this type you've probably experienced rough skin texture, flakiness, a feeling of tightness and some dullness as well. 

What do I do?

Moisturise! Focus on ingredients, like Hyaluronic Acid, which penetrate deeply into your skin for moisturise that doesn't just sit on the surface, and seal it in with a thick moisturiser or facial oil. You may think ingredients like Collagen are reserved for mature skin, but its absence is one of the reasons you feel so dry. Peptides and Squalane can be your best friend now and into the future. 

 It's still important to cleanse, and tone, but opt for something gentle and hydrating. Don't forget about areas like your lips, which need a little extra love too, and opt for a lip oil which absorbs into the skin!  

More suggestions here 🏜

 

Mature

Mature skin has experienced other skin types in its time, and can be showing the effects of long term sun exposure, and the decrease in production of things like Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, and Squalane in your skin cells. You're likely experiencing dry and dull skin, although not always, fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots and hyperpigmentation. 

The transition to mature skin doesn't mean you have to change your entire routine, but incorporate new products which will help to reduce the signs of ageing and skin damage that is inevitable over time! 

What do I do?

Mature skin needs a little boost when it comes to hydration, so focus on products which include Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, and those which protect your skin from moisture loss like our 5-HTP Face and Neck Cream or Collagen Face Cream. Peptides signal to your skin to make new collagen, so our Peptide Facial Serum is a definite go to if your skin has lost its elasticity and firmness over time. 

Your eyes may be a hot spot for signs of ageing, which is why our Caffeine Eye Serum lifts the under eye area whilst reducing signs of ageing through high antioxidant activity!

More suggestions here 🐢

 

Sensitive

If you are super picky with what products you can use on your skin to avoid a reaction, and find your skin unhappy with all sorts of weather, it's probable you have sensitive skin. Because you skin barrier is not as strong as it could be, things like dust, dirt and air pollution, or cold air and direct sunlight, and some skincare ingredients can cause your skin to swell, redden, and feel uncomfortable. 

What do I do?

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to look for gentle products, alongside ingredients like Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil which we already have in our skin. This helps everything absorb easier, without upsetting your skin barrier. Protective moisturisers and facial oils will help to build up your natural defences as you sleep, and protect your skin from daily irritants as you enjoy your day to day lives. 

More suggestions here 🏺

 

Stressed

Whilst we do have an entire blog on stressed skin, I'll summarise for you now. Essentially, stressed skin has had its natural barrier worn down, and is getting a little sick of harsh weather conditions, air pollution, UV rays and dry indoor heating/cooling, or is reacting to your internal stress. If you've not been sleeping well, or have a stressful event on the horizon, your skin might be feeling a little more sensitive or reactive than usual. 

What do I do?

Look for anti-inflammatory or soothing ingredients, like Niacinamide, and those high in antioxidants. Products which hydrate and nourish, like our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, can be your best friend for some overnight rejuvenation. 

Aside from making sure you don't skip the sunscreen, the best thing to improve stressed skin is improve your daily routine, including diet! 7-9 hours of sleep per night, reducing daily screen time, meditating, and doing regular exercise can all have a positive effect.  

More suggestions here 🤹‍♀️

 

Still not sure? Don't forget about our quiz, which you can take here!

 

And as always, if you're still a little worried about what to build your Q+A routine with, my emails are open and I'm always happy to provide some recommendations!