Before embarking on the quest for the perfect beauty routine, you must first know your skin type. Dry skin, oily skin, combination skin or sensitive skin? Discover yours and learn how to pamper it.

Knowing your skin type is important because it helps you choose the skin care products that are best suited to your specific needs and avoid minor hassles such as minor blemishes and more serious skin irritations. It is important to know that each skin type has specific characteristics that require appropriate care! For example, if you have dry skin, you can opt for moisturizers rich in nourishing ingredients. If you have oily skin, you can choose products formulated to control excess sebum... and so on.

Be careful, however, to differentiate between the type of skin which is genetic and unchangeable, and the condition of the skin which results from a moment, from a particular action and which can be reversible.

What are the different skin types?

There are (generally) five main different skin types.

Normal skin

Normal skin is balanced, with regular sebum production. It has a smooth texture, a healthy appearance and does not have major problems such as blemishes or excessive dryness. Pores are usually of normal size and the skin has good elasticity.

Dry skin

Dry skin tends to lack moisture and can be prone to flaking, itching and a feeling of tightness as soon as it comes into contact with any external aggressions. It can appear dull and rough. Pores are generally less visible and the skin can be prone to wrinkles and fine lines earlier which can give it a quickly advanced mature skin appearance.

Oily skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum, which makes it look shiny and greasy. It is prone to enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples and acne. Oily skin can also have a thick texture and a tendency to shine throughout the day.

Combination skin

Combination skin has characteristics of both oily skin and dry or normal skin. Typically, the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose and chin) tends to be oilier, with enlarged pores and acne problems, while the cheeks may have drier skin.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is delicate and reactive, reacting easily to products and environmental factors such as sun, cold, wind or certain aggressive ingredients. It can present redness, itching, irritation and a feeling of discomfort.

How to determine your skin type?

There are several methods to determine your skin type. Here are some of the commonly used approaches:

1. Visual observation: Observe your skin carefully in front of a mirror. Normal skin will have a smooth texture and healthy appearance, without excessive shine or pronounced dryness. Oily skin may appear shiny and have enlarged pores, blackheads or acne. Dry skin may appear dull, rough and show signs of flaking. Combination skin may show oily areas in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and drier areas on the cheeks.

2. Skin feel: Touch your skin with clean hands to assess its texture and moisture level. Normal skin will have a smooth texture, feel supple and elastic. Dry skin will feel rough, tight and lack moisture. Oily skin will feel greasy to the touch. Combination skin may have areas that are oily and areas that are drier or normal.

3. Blotting paper test: Clean your face, then gently dab it with a piece of blotting paper or tissue on different parts of your face. If the paper absorbs little or no oil, your skin is probably dry. If the paper is oily all over, your skin is likely oily. If the paper absorbs oil mainly in the T-zone, but is relatively dry on your cheeks, you probably have combination skin.

4. Consult a skin professional: If you have any concerns or specific concerns, it may be helpful to consult a qualified dermatologist or esthetician for a skin diagnosis. They can perform a more detailed assessment of your skin and help you determine your skin type.

Knowing how to take care of your skin type

As you will have understood, each skin type requires specific care to overcome the problems that plague them. Fortunately, it is not a matter of state and it is rather simple, once you have found your perfect routine, to keep your skin healthy, regardless of its type.

Care for normal skin

• Cleanse your face twice a day with a mild cleanser.
• Moisturize your skin with a light cream.
• Use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
• Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove dead cells.

Care for dry skin

• Use a gentle cleanser and avoid products that further dry out the skin. In the shower, use shower oils, for example.
• Moisturize your dry facial and body skin daily with a rich, nourishing cream.
• Choose products without perfume or alcohol, they could irritate the skin and this is prohibited.
• Limit hot showers and prolonged baths, as these can dry out the skin.
• Use oils, moisturizing serums, lip balms, to provide extra hydration.

Care for oily skin:

• The facial routine for oily skin really cannot do without this step. Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser specifically for oily skin.
• Use non-comedogenic and water-based products. If in doubt, seek professional help in a store or drugstore.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Use clay masks or specific treatments to control excess sebum.
• Exfoliate regularly to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. Some gentle scrubs can be applied daily.

Combination skin care

• Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for combination skin. A foam, gel or soap depending on your preference.
• Use light moisturizers for dry areas and avoid oily areas or apply a suitable treatment there.
• Apply mattifying products to the T-zone to control shine.
• Use non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores, especially when applying makeup. Opt for fluid textures.
• Avoid harsh cleansers or products that can unbalance the skin.

Care for sensitive skin

• Choose gentle, hypoallergenic products specifically designed for sensitive skin.
• Avoid irritating ingredients such as perfumes and dyes.
• Moisturize your skin with soothing and hydrating products like vegetable oils or vegetable butters.
• Use physical sunscreens instead of chemical ones.
• Do pre-tests on a small area of ​​skin before introducing new products.

It is important to personalize your skincare routine according to your skin type but especially to monitor your skin's reactions to different products. If you have persistent skin problems or concerns that are a little more specific than normal, it is recommended to consult a skincare professional to obtain advice tailored to your situation.