Learn what skin type you have and how to best care for it!

If you're using skin care products yet see no desired results, you may be using the wrong skin care products for your specific skin type! Understanding what skin type you have will help give you a better idea of how to care for your skin. Each skin type has a specific set of characteristics and symptoms, thus needs to be cared for differently. There are 4 main skin types: normal, oily, dry and combination (skin types must not be confused with skin conditions, such as dehydrated, sensitive, ageing, pigmented, etc.).

To give your skin the best possible care, it's important that you understand the different skin types and how to care for each one respectively. In addition, the key to skin health is learning how to care for your skin with products that are as natural as possible, to avoid making things worse for you AND your skin!

Normal

'Normal' is used to describe skin types that are neither too oily, nor too dry. Normal skin types have a healthy amount of oil present on the skin (usually located along the T-zone: forehead, nose, cheeks) and the overall condition of the skin is well-balanced! Skin imperfections such as blackheads, whiteheads and acne are usually not a common problem among those with normal skin types, unless there are underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances or poor diet.

How to tell if you have a normal skin type:

• Fine pores
• Few blemishes are present on the skin
• Skin looks and feels well-balanced and healthy
• Not too dry, not too oily

Solution: While people with normal skin types do not need to treat any specific conditions, it's still important to take care of your skin! This Natural & Organic Cleansing Milk is a perfect facial cleanser for all skin types! It cleanses your skin gently yet effectively, and leaves it feeling silky and clean. It can also be used to remove makeup!

Oily

An oily skin type is characterised by a persistent shiny or 'greasy' appearance. Everybody has sebaceous (oil producing) glands located within their skin, but certain peoples' sebaceous glands are over-active, resulting in excess sebum (oil) being produced. Oily skin is usually hereditary but can also be caused due to heightened or unbalanced hormone levels. Blackheads, whiteheads and acne can be a common problem among people who have oily skin types, and it's important to care for your skin with appropriate products to avoid your pores from becoming clogged!

How to tell if you have an oily skin type:

• Your face often appears to be shiny
• Pores are visibly larger, especially along the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Makeup doesn't seem to 'stick' to your face
• You struggle with skin imperfections such as blackheads, whiteheads or acne

Solution: This Natural Mattifying Day Cream for Oily Skin prevents shine throughout the day and mattifies oily skin - apply directly after cleansing your face in the morning. Use in combination with Natural & Organic Exfoliating Clay Mask which helps to detoxify and deep cleanse your skin (use 3 times per week)!

Dry

Dy skin is characterised by those whose sebaceous glands are underactive and produce less sebum than normal skin types. Dry skin ranges from skin that is a bit drier than normal, through to very dry skin to problematic dry skin! The problem lies in the fact that sebum acts as one of our skin's protective barriers and also helps to nourish the skin. Too little sebum present on the skin may result in tight, irritated and dull-looking skin. While it may not be possible to 'cure' dry skin types, it's very possible to manage it!

How to tell if you have a dry skin type: 

• A scaly or flaky appearance
• Your face feels tight and dehydrated
• Your skin has a tendency to become irritated and sensitive
• Your skin often becomes rough or chapped

Solution: Add a natural protective oily layer at the end of your skin care routine using this Baobab Oil for dry, irritated skin. The natural anti-inflammatory ingredients nourish and protect skin and can even be used to treat eczema and psoriasis!

Combination

Combination skin is the most common skin type! Combination skin types are characterised by a combination of both dry and oily types, with the oily section usually found on the T-zone and the dry section found on the cheeks. People with combination skin may struggle to cater for both dry and oily parts, however there are skin products that are formulated specifically for both parts.

How to tell if you have a combination skin type:

• Some parts of your skin are dry and other parts are oily
• Larger pores usually along the T-zone
• Drier skin on cheeks and around eyes
• Your skin imperfections usually occur along your T-zone

Solution: Use products that are specially made for combination skin. This Organic Day Cream for Combination Skin has been specially formulated to balance and hydrate combination skin. While it nourishes and supports skin health, it does not leave the skin oily. 

Diet, exercise and nutrition are key

Remember that your skin needs nourishment from INSIDE as well as outside! What you eat, and the nutritional supplements you use, can make all the difference! Similarly, regular exercise, fresh air and at least 8 glasses of water a day will really make a difference to any skin type. After all, there is no makeup better than a healthy skin! If you don’t always have time to eat organic, fresh food, take a good skin supplement like Solgar Skin, Nails and Hair Formula. It’s packed full of what your skin needs (and your nails and hair will thank you too!)

Skin care tip

Avoid facial products that contain harmful synthetic chemicals and fragrances and stick to natural and organic! Not only is it way better for the earth, it's better for your skin, too. Remember, our skin absorbs whatever is applied, so if you're using harmful chemicals on your skin, they will be absorbed into the bloodstream. Not only that – many ingredients in store bought skin care ranges can make the problem worse! View our entire collection of earth-friendly, cruelty-free natural and organic skin and beauty products!

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below. Our team always loves hearing from you!