Did you know your face and body have different skincare needs? The main reason is that the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your body.
For example, when you use body lotion on your face, it can sometimes irritate you. That’s why using products specifically designed for your face is usually better.
So, how do you choose the right products?
The answer is to understand your skin type. Whether your skin is sensitive, oily, dry, combination, or normal, there’s a skincare routine that’s just right for you. By knowing your skin type, you can select the right products to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Want to know more? Keep reading to learn how to identify your skin type and create a skincare routine that works for you.
What is the structure of your facial skin, and why is it important?
Facial skin is more delicate than body skin and requires specific care products. Unlike body care products, facial products are designed to be gentle and target concerns like dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity. Using the right products for your face can help keep it healthy and prevent irritation or breakouts.
The composition of facial skin differs from that of body skin. Facial skin is rich in ceramides, which help regulate pH levels and maintain hydration. In contrast, your body’s skin contains other types of lipids, such as cholesterol and fatty acids. This is why facial and body products should be different. Body products often contain stronger chemicals that can strip away your facial skin’s natural oils and moisture.
In addition, your skin type is mainly determined by its oil production, which is affected by hormones, genetics, humidity, and age. Over time, as you age, you might notice changes like increased dryness, more wrinkles, and looser skin.
Knowing the different areas of your face and their specific needs is crucial for effective skincare. Different parts of your face have different characteristics and require targeted care. They include:
- T-zone: Your forehead, nose, and chin may show wrinkles first because they are oily.
- Eye area: The skin around your eyes is delicate and needs extra care to prevent puffiness, sagging, and fine lines.
- Cheeks: These areas are susceptible to breakouts, particularly when hormonal changes occur or there is excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Neck: This area is often neglected, but it’s crucial to care for it to prevent sagging and wrinkles.
Therefore, knowing these facial zones can help you customise your skincare routine. By giving each area the attention it deserves, you can carefully manage the signs of ageing and maintain healthy skin.
Ready to determine your exact skin type? Our simple, affordable DIY tests can help. For step-by-step instructions, check out our post, “Viral and Easy DIY Tests to Know Your Skin Type.”
The Five main skin types
According to CeraVe (2023), there are 5 main skin types: normal, dry, oily, sensitive, and combination skin. Knowing your skin type is crucial to selecting the right products and avoiding those that could be quite harmful.
What is oily skin?
If your skin is oily, your face will be shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This type of skin is prone to breakouts, blackheads, and enlarged pores.
On the plus side, the natural oils in your skin can help keep it moisturised and may even reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.
However, even if your skin appears to be naturally hydrated, it is still necessary to use a suitable moisturiser for healthy skin. So, here are some tips for caring for your oily skin.
Tips for Caring for Oily Skin:
- Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that won’t clog your pores to keep your skin moisturised without adding extra oil.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy from the inside out.
- Make use of non-comedogenic makeup to prevent clogged pores, and always remove makeup thoroughly before bed.
- Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible to prevent transferring bacteria and dirt.
- Don’t pop or pick at pimples to prevent further breakouts and the spreading of bacteria.
Just for you: Top Ten Oily Skin Products for Your Face
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is the opposite of oily skin. It produces the least amount of sebum (oil) compared to other skin types, which can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms and visible signs of ageing.
The features of dry skin include:
- Texture: Your skin might feel flaky, rough, tight, and less elastic.
- Sensation: You may experience itchiness and irritation.
- Appearance: Dry skin often looks dull and dehydrated and may reveal visible fine lines.
One main challenge of dry skin is its vulnerability to weather conditions, especially during the winter and autumn when the air is less humid.
To effectively manage your dry skin, the first step is to get a mild and hydrating moisturiser to make up for its lost oils. Having said that, here are some practical tips for dealing with dry skin.
Tips for Caring for Dry Skin:
- Use a gentle cleanser instead of harsh deodorant soaps, as they may dry out your skin.
- Limit your shower time and frequency to prevent washing away the natural oils in your skin. Also, try not to shower more than twice a day.
- Apply moisturiser regularly, especially after bathing and during dry seasons.
- Be gentle with your skin; avoid scrubbing your face roughly while cleansing, and pat your skin gently instead of rubbing when drying.
- Use a soft face towel to minimise irritation when drying your face.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water to keep your body and skin hydrated.
Just for you: 8 Facial Care Products for Your Dry Skin
What is normal skin?
This is the “ideal” skin that many people want.
Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily, with optimal sebum production and pH levels. This balanced state is often referred to as “eudermic” (Eucerin, 2018). Eudermic skin is healthy with an even tone, smooth texture, and minimal imperfections.
Characteristics of normal skin include:
- Small pores,
- No sensitivity,
- Smooth texture,
- Absence of blemishes,
- Rarely prone to breakouts, flakiness, or tightness.
Tips for Caring for Normal Skin:
To keep your normal skin in excellent condition, here are some simple hacks to use:
- Use a hydrating moisturiser regularly to maintain moisture balance and control oil production.
- Always remove makeup before bed and choose gentle, skin-friendly products.
- Wash your face daily to remove bacteria and dirt. A gentle cleanser with hyaluronic acid can also hydrate while cleansing.
Just for you: 7 Advised Normal Skincare Products.
What is sensitive skin?
This type of skin requires more delicate and special care than other skin types. You can also have oily, dry, or even normal skin and still have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is known for its heightened reactivity and irritability, making it prone to discomfort and reactions.
Characteristics of sensitive skin:
The three main features of sensitive skin include:
- It is prone to itching, burning sensations, and dryness.
- It often reacts to skincare products, especially those with fragrances or harsh chemicals.
- It may even react to environmental factors like temperature changes or weather conditions.
The increased sensitivity of the skin may be due to a weakened skin barrier, which allows irritants to penetrate more easily. This can result from a combination of factors, including genetics, the environment, and certain skincare products.
Tips for Caring for Sensitive Skin:
Managing sensitive skin involves choosing the right products and adjusting your routine to minimise discomfort. Here’s how:
- Test new products: Before using a new skincare product on your face, do a patch test by applying a small amount behind your ear to check for any reactions.
- Choose gentle products: Use mild cleansers and moisturisers, starting with a small amount, to see how your skin reacts.
- Mind the water temperature: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to avoid irritating your skin. In cold weather, make sure your bath or shower area is comfortably warm.
- Use gentle cleansing techniques: Gently cleanse your face using a soft towel or sponge, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.
It’s also essential to recognise the difference between sensitive skin and allergies. Allergic reactions can be severe, resulting in breathing difficulties and rashes caused by specific allergens.
On the other hand, sensitive skin reacts to harsh products and chemicals. If you have allergies, don’t use products containing known allergens.
Just for you: 5 Best Skin Care Products for Sensitive Skin
What is combination skin?
If you have combination skin, it means that your skin has both oily and dry characteristics. Usually, the T-zone is oily, while the rest of your face may be dry or normal.
Characteristics of Combination Skin:
- The T-zone often appears shiny with large pores and is prone to breakouts.
- The cheeks and other areas may be dry or normal, requiring different care compared to the T-zone.
- A combination skin can react differently due to weather changes, stress, or hormonal shifts.
Moreover, this variation in skin type may be due to genetics or how different products affect various areas of your face.
Tips for Caring for Combination Skin:
Here are some simple steps to effectively manage combination skin:
- Use a mild cleanser that cleans your face without over-drying any part of it.
- Protect your skin with an oil-free sunscreen that won’t make your T-zone greasy.
- Gently exfoliate your skin, especially in the T-zone, but avoid doing it too often.
- Use fragrance-free products that won’t clog your pores.
- Apply a rich moisturiser to dry areas and a lighter one to the oily parts of your face.
- Adapt your skincare routine to changes in the weather, stress, or hormones.
CONCLUSION
With a clearer understanding of your skin type and the best care practices for each, it’s time to put your knowledge into action.
‘Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.’ – Bruce Lee Use what you’ve learnt to customise a skincare routine that addresses your skin’s specific needs.
For further skincare tips and advice, keep exploring our blog. We’re here to support your journey to better skin health.
REFERENCES
CeraVe (2023). What Skin Type Do I Have? | Determine Your Skin Type | CeraVe. (online) www.cerave.com. Available at: https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/what-skin-type-do-i-have#:~:text=If%20your%20skin%20appears%20shiny (Accessed June 7, 2024).
Eucerin (2018). Skin Types and Skin Conditions | Eucerin. (online) Eucerin.co.uk. Available at: https://www.eucerin.co.uk/about-skin/basic-skin-knowledge/skin-types (Accessed June 8, 2024).
Koutam, H. (2022). Different Skin Types and How to Take Care of Them. (online) SkinKraft. Available at: https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/different-skin-types-how-to-know-your-skin-type (Accessed June 8, 2024).
miracle10 (2024). Face Skincare vs. Body Skincare: What’s the Difference? (online) Miracle 10. Available at: https://www.miracle10.com/blogs/skincare/face-skincare-vs-body-skincare-what-is-the-difference (Accessed June 8, 2024).
NOW (2024). Facial Zones. (online) Nowfoods.com. Available at: https://www.nowfoods.com/healthy-living/articles/facial-zones (Accessed June 8, 2024).
