Do you know your skin type?

February 19, 2019

Before you shop for facial skin care products, there is one crucial pre-shopping step that you must take: determining your skin type. Just because a product works well for a friend or your favorite celebrity is reported to use it, doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Skin types, like skin care products, are not one size fits all. I’m going to share my favorite way to effectively determine your skin type.

Find out your skin type in 3 simple steps

• Pull your hair back away from your face. Using a gentle face wash, remove all traces of makeup. Rinse thoroughly and carefully pat dry with a soft cotton towel. Do not follow with any other products at this time.

• Wait for one hour. Using a clean tissue, gently cover your face and blot lightly.

• Remove the tissue and then observe your findings.

What is your skin type?

Oily Skin — Those with oily skin will have spots on the tissue in multiple areas. These spots will be noticeable and are transparent. Visible signs of oily skin are enlarged pores, greasiness and acne breakouts. Gentle is the name of the game. If you look at many of the standard facial care products for oily skin, you will see harsh ingredients that strip the skin of its natural oils. When this happens, your pores will "rebel" and produce more oil to compensate. It is a vicious cycle. Our Daily Facial Cleanser with Rosemary & Lemongrass is a smart choice if you are oily, as excess sebum and environmental debris will be cleansed, without stripping the skin.

Combination Skin — If your tissue has obvious spots of oil concentrated just in the t-zone area (the forehead, nose and chin) but not on the cheeks, then you would most likely fall into this category.Those with this skin type will often have a great deal of t-zone shine, but normal looking cheeks. Combination skin types need products that help balance oily areas while nourishing their dry and normal spots. Balance is the name of the game for this type of skin. Like I mentioned for oily skin, rosemary and lemongrass essential oils added to your facial care may be of great benefit.

Dry Skin — Does your tissue look the same as it did when you put it on your face? If your skin does not leave any sebum on the tissue, then chances are your skin is dry. If you have dry skin, it will often feel uncomfortably tight and even look dull. To combat dryness, look for products with natural butters and oils, and consider using products with Palmarosa Essential Oil, which is wonderful for dry skin, as it is moisturizing and may help with dry patches. Argan oil is another must to pamper your dry skin. Find it in Seed Extra Moisturizing Face Cream.

Normal Skin — If you have normal skin, there will be just the lightest touch of oil left behind. Your skin is neither oily nor dry. It will feel comfortable to the touch and look healthy. People with normal skin will do well with a basic skin care routine -- whether they be fragrance free or with beneficial essential oils.

Sensitive (AKA Troubled) Skin — Troubled or sensitive skin is delicate skin. It is very easily irritated. There are often visible blood vessels and spots of redness or irritation. It is very important for people with sensitive skin to avoid products containing fragrance and harsh chemicals. Conditions that will fall into this range are rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and acne. What do these forms of troubled skin all have in common? Inflammation. Sensitive skin is typically inflamed skin. Make sure you are using fragrance free facial skin care, as artificial fragrance is a leading cause of skin allergies and irritation. All of our facial products with the exception of our toner contain and ingredient called Abyssinian Seed Oil, which is anti-inflammatory, so we have formulated with this skin type in mind.

Cucumber is also beneficial to sensitive skin, as it soothes and cools. Find it in Daily Facial Moisturizer and in our Facial Toner with Cucumber Distillate.

What if my skin falls into more than one category?

This is entirely possible. So many people assume that you cannot have sensitive skin if you have oily skin, but you can have both. If you have acne, for example, you more than likely have oily and sensitive or troubled skin. It is important when your skin is troubled to be very careful when it comes to selecting a skin care product regimen. You do not want to ignore the fact that your skin is sensitive and pick something that may be too harsh.

Now that I know my skin type, what do I do next?

Knowing your skin type may be the most important step of your skin care routine. Now that you can identify your skin type, you will be able to be a smart shopper when looking at skin care products. Once you select your products, be sure to stick with them and give them a chance to effectively do their job. Consistency is key with your skin care products.

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