What's your skin type?

July 02, 2019

What’s your skin type? It can feel like a complex, and often confusing question. However like anything once you know what to look for the answer is not hard to figure out.

There are three skin types - Dry, Oily, and Combination.

Here’s a quick guide to identifying your skin type, so that you’re all set to give it some love.

Think you have dry skin?

Shop Dry Skin Products

What dry skin looks like	look flaky, scaly and seem dull Probably won't have noticeable pores Fine lines are often noticeable
What dry skin feels like	Can be rough in places Skin can be tight post-cleanse prone to increased irritation/sensitivity Can feel like a moisturiser only lasts a few hrs

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin is caused by an internal imbalance that causes the oily protective layer to malfunction. This internal imbalance is often genetic and is most often caused by such things as an underactive thyroid or imbalanced hormone levels. The internal imbalance interferes with the production of the natural oils that protect the skin and help it retain moisture.

Healthy skin contains natural oils, and it’s their job to keep skin soft and supple – as well as lubricating the skin’s barrier – to keep moisture in and irritants out. Dry skin? It consistently produces less oil than normal skin. Environmental factors like the wind, cold, pollution, and even hot air, sneakily strip out (even more!) essential moisture, leaving skin feeling dry, rough and slightly worse off. And don’t forget those stripping cleansers which can upset the skin’s natural balance and dry out skin.

Think you have Oily Skin?

Shop Oily Skin Products

What oily skin looks like	Shiny, particularly across your t-zone and chin Enlarged pores Spots, breakouts Makeup feels like it slides off your face
What oily skin feels like	Feels greasy to touch rarely feels tight or dry

What causes oily skin?
Our skin contains natural (good!) oils that keep skin supple and soft, plus they keep our lipid barrier in good condition. When our sebaceous glands go into overdrive, thanks to fluctuations in humidity, our hormones - and yes, even stress – they produce excess oils that can leave skin shiny and pores clogged.

Think you have combination skin?

Shop Combination skin products

What combination skin looks like	Oily across your t-zone might be prone to dry patches on cheeks Pores on nose may look larger that those on your cheeks
What combination skin feels like	T-zone feels a little greasy to touch your cheeks may feel dry, flaky or tight

What causes combination skin?
Essentially, combination skin means you have two or more textures. The pores on your nose, chin, and forehead tend to be overactive (hence the shine), while the pores on your cheeks are less active, and can feel dry. Some moisturisers can block pores and can cause those signs to surge, as can the sun, stress, and a lack of exercise.

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