Every person’s skin is unique and that’s a fact, but there are a few common categories of skin types that can help you in taking care of your skin. While all skin should be cleansed and moisturized daily, understanding your skin type can help you determine which cleanser and moisturizer products suit your skin needs the most and which products are a no-go 🙅♀️. This can help prevent breakouts, dryness, and excessive oiliness, and lead to more healthy, radiant skin.
The 5 Different Skin Types
There are 5 main categories of skin that are determined by factors like your skin’s hydration level, sensitivity, and oil production.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum (the natural oil your skin makes). This can cause skin to have an overall shiny and greasy appearance especially on the nose, chin, and forehead or T-zone area. The good news is, people with this skin type are less likely to have premature fine lines and wrinkles because of the extra moisture in the skin. The not-so-fun news: oily skin can be prone to more breakouts. The extra oils in skin can clog pores and lead to pimples, blackheads, and other forms of acne.
People with oily skin usually have the following characteristics:
- Is visibly shiny or greasy throughout the day
- Is prone to acne especially in the T- Zone
- Pores might appear enlarged
If you have oily skin, it’s best to avoid oil based products as these can worsen clogged pores and breakouts. Use a gel based cleanser that will help absorb the extra oils and a lightweight moisturizer that will keep skin hydrated without adding extra shine (yes, oily skin STILL needs hydration!). In fact, if you use the right moisturizer, it can help manage oil production and make your skin less oily! Try Koope Lightweight Hydration Duo for the perfect two-step routine that will leave skin feeling fresh with lasting sheer hydration all day long 🙌. Gentle exfoliation can also be useful to keep oily skin at bay but do not overdo it. Exfoliation should not be overly aggressive and kept to once or twice a week max, as over-exfoliation can be damaging to the skin.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is, you guessed it, a combination of different skin types. This skin type is usually characterized by having excessive oiliness in the T-zone area while having normal or dry skin on the cheeks and jawline.
People with combination skin may also experience:
- Sometimes can have acne mostly in the T-zone area along and dry patches on cheeks and jawline
- Skin changes during different seasons (dry skin during drier, colder months, oily skin during hot months)
- More sensitive skin in certain areas of the face
- Tightness in certain areas of the face
While this skin type can seem tricky to care for, the key is keep your routine gentle and consistent. Use a gentle gel cleanser that deeply cleanses skin without causing more irritation. For your moisturizer, stick to a middleweight moisturizer that will quickly absorb into skin while hydrating all parts of the face.
Koope Balanced Hydration Duo would work wonders for this skin type. Remember to avoid oil-based products that can cause more clogged pores in oily areas of the face. Gentle exfoliation can also be great for this skin type by unclogging pores while also helping to smooth dry skin. Remember, exfoliation should be kept to once or twice a week tops!
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is skin that is more prone to irritation and inflammation. People with this skin type experience persistent skin reactions and may find that certain products, food or weather can cause skin to become red, start burning, feel itchy, flake, or become dry. Sensitive skin may be caused by allergies, chronic conditions like eczema and rosacea, or more commonly than you think, being irritated by certain chemicals or ingredients.
People with sensitive skin may experience:
- Dry skin patches
- Rashes or hives
- Stinging or burning of skin
- Easy to sunburn
- Breakouts
When it comes to sensitive skin, simplicity is your best friend. Use products that are free from sensitizers like fragrances, irritants like SLS/SLES etc. Those with sensitive skin should also try to use products with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera to calm any irritation. Try Koope products for effective, clean, fragrance-free skincare that will gently clean and hydrate while soothing skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is typically caused by the underproduction of sebum in skin or lack of hydration in the skin. If the skin has recently been irritated, this can also cause temporary dryness, but is not categorized as ‘dry skin condition’. Dry skin leaves skin feeling tight, dry and flaky. Skin may also feel more rough, itchy, and irritated. The opposite of oily skin, dry skin havers tend to be more prone to wrinkles and fine lines due to the lack of moisture in the skin. Dry skin may worsen during colder winter months.
Along with the symptoms we mentioned before, people with dry skin may also experience:
- Peeling
- Rough patches
- Itchiness
- Cracks in skin
- Heightened irritation and sensitivity
The answer? Obviously, hydration, hydration, hydration! Those with dry skin should use products specifically with intense hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and ceramides to add and retain moisture to the skin. The use of hot water should be avoided as it can cause more dryness in the skin. Steer clear of fragrances in products as they can irritate and cause increased dry skin. For ultra-rich hydration that will last all day, try Koope Hydration ++ Duo.
Balanced/Normal Skin
Balanced, or ‘normal’ skin (we hate the word normal!) is considered to be the most balanced skin type with the optimum amount of hydration and little-no sensitivity. This skin type is not too oily, not too dry, or sensitive. Those with this skin type have little to no blemishes and rarely breakout. This type of skin is smooth and pores are not very visible.
People with normal skin may not have many skin issues but it is important to still keep that skin healthy! Because normal skin is less likely to have bad reactions to products, the possibilities may seem endless, but be sure to choose products that will provide nutrients to skin and avoid irritating ingredients like fragrances. Try Koope products for effective and nutrient-rich ingredients in a simple two step routine, to keep that skin happy and healthy.
How To Figure Out Your Skin Type
Here are two simple ways to figure out your skin type:
The Barefaced Method
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (like Koope Gel Cleanser 😉) and pat your skin dry. Wait 30 minutes. After 30 minutes:
- If your skin appears shiny all over, your skin type is likely oily
- If it feels tight and is flaky or rough, your skin type is likely oily
- If the shine is only in your T-zone, you probably have combination skin
- If your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you most likely have normal skin
The Blotting Method
On clean skin, gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face.
- If the sheet is soaking up oil from all areas of the face, you have oily skin
- If little to no oil is absorbed, then you probably have dry skin
- If the sheets show only a small amount of oil from your T-zone, you have combination skin
- If you only see minimal oil from every area of your face, you probably have normal skin
Pretty easy, right? Figuring out your skin type is a simple process that can help you have healthier skin in the long run. Our skin is always evolving and by understanding what type of skin you have, you can find great, quality products with bomb ingredients that work for you that will keep your skin fresh and happy.
