Expert Insights

It’s useful to know your skin type so you can make the appropriate choices for your skincare routine.

Different skin types are genetically determined, but choosing a suitable skincare routine for your face and body is essential to care for your skin’s health.

There are five common skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive. Blotting a clean tissue on your face in the morning is an easy way to find out your skin type.

• A normal skin type has good circulation and there won’t be any trace of sebum (or oil) on the tissue. Normal skin is soft, with a smooth, even skin tone
• An oily skin type can leave blots of facial oil on the tissue, particularly from the cheeks, nose and forehead. This type of skin has overactive sebaceous glands, producing more oil than necessary. Oily skin can be caused by hereditary factors, diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, unsuitable cosmetics and stress, leading to acne flare ups and enlarged pores. It’s important to regularly clean the skin thoroughly with gentle, soap-free cleansers
• A dry skin type has a low level of sebum and does not maintain oil easily. Dry skin is often flaky and feels tight after being wiped. Gentle cleansing and a moisturising emollient for dry skin is essential to relieve that tight, uncomfortable feeling. It may be necessary to adjust your dry skin emollient for the changing seasons
• With a combination skin type, oil is produced around the T-zone of the nose and forehead but not on the cheeks, mouth and eye areas. The best skincare for combination skin can involve treating each region differently
• Having a sensitive skin type can mean different things to different people. Sensitive skin can become inflamed and irritated easily. It’s important to choose the appropriate skincare for sensitive skin as many cosmetic products contain ingredients that can cause an adverse reaction