What is my skin type?

Author: Johanna Heuer

"What is my skin type?" This is a question most women ask themselves, especially when searching for the right skincare products . But how can I properly care for my skin if I don't know what it needs?

Your skin type is the most important factor to consider when searching for skincare products and creating your skincare routine . Therefore, in this article, we'll explain what skin types there are, what to consider when caring for each type, and ultimately, how you can determine your own skin type.

“Suitable for all skin types”

You've probably seen the label "Suitable for all skin types" hundreds of times while shopping at the drugstore. So, let's first take a look at what skin types there are and how they differ from one another.

There are seven general skin types: oily, dry/dehydrated, normal, combination, acne-prone, sensitive, and mature. Of course, there are nuances within these categories, as every skin type is unique. However, the general characteristics can be divided into these seven types.

Every skin, and therefore every skin type, comes with its own characteristics and challenges, which should be the basis for the right care methods and products. Knowing and truly understanding your skin type is the first step in caring for your skin. Using your skin type, you can develop a skincare routine tailored to your skin and select the right products. to find, analyze your problem areas and ultimately make changes to your lifestyle .

So let’s take a look at the different skin types.

The 7 skin types

Oily skin

Oily skin produces an excess of sebum. This makes the skin appear shiny and greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). In this case, facial pores are more likely to be larger, blemishes develop more quickly, and the skin is generally more prone to acne .

dry skin

This skin type often appears dull and rough, or may even become flaky. Dry skin feels tight or less elastic and is generally more prone to visible wrinkles. In many cases, the skin can be very itchy or irritated.

Normal skin

The name says it all – normal skin is balanced, feeling neither dry nor oily. Many of the symptoms experienced by other skin types (flaky skin, tightness, acne breakouts, etc.) are not present on normal skin. Pores are usually small, and the skin's texture is smooth.

combination skin

Combination skin describes a combination of oily and dry skin. This means that different skin types can be found in different areas of the face. Typically, the T-zone is oilier, while the cheek area is either dry or normal.

Sensitive skin

This skin type differs from the others in that it describes a characteristic that can occur in oily, dry, or normal skin. Sensitive skin is often red and feels burning, itchy, or dry. This is often caused by external influences, such as certain ingredients or environmental factors.

Mature skin

Our skin changes over the years. It's no surprise that its appearance and structure change with age. The effects of external factors such as UV radiation, as well as completely normal internal processes such as reduced cell activity, cause the skin to develop new characteristics. Mature skin often lacks moisture and elasticity, leading to the development of lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Impure skin

Blemished skin is particularly prone to blackheads, pimples, and acne. In many cases, blemished skin is also sensitive and produces more sebum than necessary, leading to the aforementioned problems. In many cases, blemished skin is the result of genetic predisposition, especially related to hormonal fluctuations.

How to determine your skin type

While reading, you've probably already recognized some of the characteristics of different skin types, as you recognize them in yourself. But how exactly do you determine your skin type at home?

While you can consult your dermatologist, with the right questions and methods, you can also find the answer yourself.

Note: In case of severe skin problems , it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist.

One method you can use to determine your skin type is the following:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. It's important not to apply any creams or products afterward, but to let your skin rest. After 30 minutes, you can then check your skin in the mirror for basic features. If you can't tell from your skin's appearance alone, there are a few questions to help you.

1. What do your pores look like? How big are your pores and where are they located?
2. Is your skin red?
3. Does your skin shine? If so, is it only shiny in certain areas?
4. How does your skin feel?
5. What does your skin usually need in the afternoon (powder, cream, etc.)?
6. How does your skin feel after washing your face (tight, dry, itchy, etc.)?
7. How often do you struggle with pimples and blackheads?

Then compare your answers to these questions with the characteristics of the respective skin types and you will surely quickly be able to identify with one of the types described.

The right skin care for all skin types

And how do you best care for your correctly identified skin type?

The most important thing here is to remember that you're not just caring for your skin externally; much of it comes from within. Try antioxidants . So, if you listen to your body, and therefore also your skin, and take care of it and support it, you can achieve a lot. Make sure you eat a balanced diet and also take care of your overall health. Our tigogreen products can help you with this.

But of course, proper skin care should not be underestimated.

If you have oily skin , avoid ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, and alcohol, especially to control shine. Non-pore-clogging products like oil-free moisturizers, chemical exfoliants, green tea extract , and clay masks are especially helpful. It's best to choose skincare products labeled "non-comedogenic."

For dry skin, the opposite is true: Apply a rich moisturizer several times a day. Avoid strong soaps and products with lots of fragrance or citrus oils, as these will only dry out your skin further. The same applies to alcohol. Avoid water-based products and natural products with green tea. are ideal for dry skin.

When it comes to caring for normal skin , it's much simpler than for other skin types. Normal skin tolerates most ingredients, so you can experiment with a variety of products to find what works best for you.

Since combination skin is a combination of dry and oily skin, you should avoid the same ingredients as for oily and dry skin, such as alcohol-based products. It's best to treat problem areas with spot treatments and use products that balance the skin, such as probiotics .

If your skin is sensitive , the most important thing is to figure out what triggers it. Once you've identified the specific ingredients, you can use this knowledge to avoid those products. Products containing probiotic bacteria like Bacillus subtilis can help relieve redness, irritation, and itching, as these help restore the balance of your skin's flora. For severe skin reactions, it's even recommended to have an allergy test with your doctor.

For mature skin , care usually involves preventative measures to prevent signs of aging from appearing earlier. Accordingly, care consists of anti-aging products such as day and night creams, as well as retinol and green tea.

Acne-prone skin is primarily treated with antibacterial cleansers and care products that restore the skin's balance. There are also a large number of products specifically formulated for acne to minimize breakouts. Ingredients that are particularly helpful here include salicylic acid, clay, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol. Products containing green tea can also help unclog pores and prevent breakouts.

However, for all skin types, UV protection should always be part of your skincare routine. The use of sunscreens and products containing ingredients that act as natural UV protection, such as green tea extract, is therefore essential.

Feel free to visit our shop to secure supporting care products! Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733863508000259