Discovering your skin classification and skin type will help you get better results from your skincare products and help you figure out the best skincare routine for your skin.
Building a skincare routine
Knowing your skin type can help you get the best results from your skincare products – and help you choose the best skincare routine for your skin.
All skin types require moisture and protection.
Skincare routines should adjust seasonally - with heavier moisturisers in winter months.
Cleanse each morning and evening to remove contaminants and sebum.
Moisturise day and night.
Supplement with an exfoliation and serum.
Don’t forget daily UV protection.
skin analysER
The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is a skin classification system first developed in 1975 by Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, of Harvard Medical School. His skin classification system and its adaptations are familiar to dermatologists. In order to determine your Fitzpatrick Skin Type, our quiz measures two components (genetic disposition and reaction to sun exposure). Types range from the very fair (Type I) to the very dark (Type VI).
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type
Skin type typical featurestanning ability
I
Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blonde/red hair
Always burns, does not tan
II
Fair skin, blue eyes
Burns easily, sometimes tans
III
Darker white/medium skin
Sometimes burns, aways tans
IV
Light brown skin
Burns minimally, tans easily
V
Brown skin
Rarely burns, always tans
VI
Dark brown or black skin
Never burns, always tans dark
How to find your skin type
1
Wash your face and don’t apply any products, not even make up
2
Wait couple of hours to allow your skin to go back to its natiral state
3
How does your skin look and feel?
Normal Skin
Normal Skin
Normal skin type is characterized by a radiant complexion. There are very few imperfections, barely visible pores, and no severe sensitivity. It displays a rosy, smooth texture and tone and the skin’s elasticity is good. There are no visible blemishes, flaky areas, or greasy patches on the skin.
Normal skin types don’t have to focus on skin concerns like acne or Hyperpigmentation. But you’re not off the hook-yet. Even normal skin requires proper care to maintain it’s healthy glow. You get to focus your energy on maintaining the happy healthy-looking complexion that you already have
Oily skin occurs due to an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands and is characterised by enlarged, clearly visible pores with a shiny appearance especially around the nose and forehead. On the downside, oily skin is acne-prone, and excess oil can easily lead to breakouts.
However, one of the benefits of oily skin is that your skin’s natural oils protect and moisturise, naturally staving off fine lines and maintain elasticity longer. Make sure you have a good exfoliating non-comedogenic toner or serum to keep your pores clear. The ideal skin-care products for this skin type are oil-free.
'Dry’ is used to describe a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. As a result of the lack of sebum, dry skin lacks the lipids that it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external influences. Dry skin looks and feels rough and dull, sometimes also appearing red or flaky.
If you have a dry skin type, your skin may feel tight, and you may see fine lines right after washing your face. Hydrating and protective skincare products are ideal products for this skin type, this includes gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, rich moisturizers, and face oils to fight flakiness.
Mature and ageing skin is characterised by fine lines and wrinkles, a loss of volume and a loss of elasticity and firmness. Due to the slowdown in cell turnover and collagen production as we age, mature skin also becomes drier and can appear ‘crepey’, losing the radiance often associated with youthful skin.
However, as your skin changes over time, the way you care for it should also reflect its changing needs, be it by targeting fine lines for younger skin, or boosting elasticity for mature skin. There are many steps you can take to support and protect your skin throughout its ageing process. HLA’s are a key ingredient to keep skin looking firm and plump, especially as our bodies start to lose their own natural supply as they age.
Sensitive is a term that describes skin that is more prone to negative reactions, redness, blemishes, or inflammation. While there are several diagnosable types of sensitive skin (like rosacea), most people with sensitive skin simply react stronger to certain products and environmental triggers than those with normal skin.
If you have a sensitive skin type, be especially careful about trying new products, especially when it comes to certain chemical products like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol, which can cause irritation. Consider consulting a dermatologist to find out how to select the right products for sensitive skin.
Combination skin has both oily and dry characteristics. The oilier parts of combination skin are caused by an overproduction of sebum. The drier parts of combination skin are caused by a lack of sebum and a corresponding lipid deficiency. For example, some people have an oily T-zone—the forehead and nose—and dryness on their cheeks; others may have dehydrated skin that’s also breakout-prone.
Learning the skincare requirements for every part of your face can help you address issues most optimally. For example, if you identify that your cheeks are prone to dryness, you can address this issue by moisturising them during your daily routine.
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