To understand our skin type, we need to know how our skin reacts to daily living. How it feels after we wash it, apply cream, and what your skin struggles are vs its strengths.

Answering skin-related questions brings skin awareness (attentiveness and understanding your skin’s needs). It helps us pay attention to any changes in our skin’s texture, colour, or appearance. 

We have compiled a helpful guideline with essential tips for navigating your skin type. However, we recommend that the following advice be applied with an awareness of your skin. 

For example:

If you have oily skin, we suggest washing your face for up to two minutes based on a general rule of what works for this skin type. However, it’s important to note that washing your face daily for a prolonged period could have different results for various individuals. For you, it may mean washing it longer twice a week or every other day – again, depending on how it feels.

We are a company that believes you are the best person to heal your acne, and awareness is the key to your healing. 

There are five different skin types, four generic skin conditions, and the fifth is more difficult to self-assess. Our guideline is directly related to managing acne for the various skin types.

1. Dry Skin

Acne on dry skin acne occurs when dead skin cells, bacteria and oil build-up and produce clogged pores. Skin that is prone to dryness does not have enough natural oils to lubricate the pores. This leads to excess skin battling to shed naturally.  

Using harsh or cheap skincare products that contain alcohol or excessive exfoliation without a barrier cream can exacerbate dry skin acne by stripping the skin of the little oil it has and causing more significant irritation. 

This can be assisted by:

• Washing your face less, for example, once daily in the evening. 
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Re-applying cream during the day, especially in winter (remember that your hands must be clean).
• Making sure you have a barrier cream and use it regularly. 
• Wearing sunblock everyday, all day.

2. Oily Skin

Oily skin is a more common skin type when dealing with acne, and can be difficult to tackle if you are not partnering with the correct skincare products. Oily skin acne occurs from too much oil build up. Your skin should naturally break this oil down but due to hormones, it often doesn’t. 

This is best dealt with both internal and external solutions. Internally, with a balanced diet and externally with acid exfoliation, allowing for up to two minutes of washing your face. Again, stay attentive to your skin’s reaction.

This can be assisted by:

• Eating less takeout.
• Being vigilant around hormonal interrupters.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Finding the best routine with face washing to open and unclog pores.
• Not shying away from using oils. Some oils feed your skin and balance out other excess oils.
• Not overwashing your face, it may dry the skin out further and lead to more damage and acne.

3. Combination

This skin type is a mixture of oily and dry skin. Often your cheeks and chin area would be oily, and your T zone (the forehead and nose) are dry. We suggest applying the above advice for dry and oily skin depending on how excessive the oily and dry areas are. 

4. Unproblematic/ Normal skin

Not too oily or dry, this skin type generally has no acne or other problematic skin conditions. 

5. Problematic Skin Conditions

This condition is prone to issues such as acne, rosacea, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and ageing. Skin inflammation, rashes, and irritation can also characterise it. Generally described as sensitive skin, this phrase applies to a feeling, not a condition. Having sensitive skin could be due to using incorrect skincare products and not looking after your skin which, in turn, causes dehydration. 

Several factors can contribute to problematic skin, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, environmental factors, and improper skincare use. People with problematic skin may experience difficulty when dealing with acne, as they may first need to deal with another skin condition before dealing with their acne or using specific skin care products targeted to the affected areas. 

Treating problematic skin requires a personalised approach that considers the specific underlying causes. It is essential to adopt a skincare routine that addresses the skin’s particular needs while avoiding harsh products that can further irritate the damaged area. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can also help improve the skin’s overall health.

Common problematic skin conditions:

• Eczema is a type of dermatitis that can be confused with acne, as it comes in many forms. Eczema is due to a weakened skin barrier. It is sometimes inflamed, itchy, flakey or presents as white bumps.

           It is essential to use a barrier cream to heal eczema-related problems. 

• Hyperpigmentation: very common when dealing with acne. The more pigment you have in your skin (the darker skin you have) the more dark spots you have. These can be created by pimples or be a natural occurrence. 

These darker areas must be addressed with diet, specific skincare and facials. Hyperpigmentation can take up to two years to balance out, depending on the strength of the hyperpigmentation. 

• Hormonal Imbalance: although this may seem out of place under problematic skin conditions but women who battle with PCOS/ lean PCOS/ Endometriosis, could battle with consistent acne throughout their lives. Although easily manageable, it still falls under problematic skin conditions. 

We suggest eating healthy, keeping hydrated with lots of water, and using our Maintain skincare product for lasting healing results. 

• Dehydration : dry skin acne and dehydrated skin are two distinct skin conditions with similar symptoms, but different causes that require different treatments.

Dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of skin type. Dehydrated skin lacks moisture and feels tight, itchy, and flaky, affecting your overall body. It can also lead to an overproduction of oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne.

It can be caused by a few factors, including environmental factors such as cold weather, wind, and low humidity, as well as internal factors such as dehydration, diet, and stress.

To treat dehydrated skin, focus on hydrating and moisturising the skin from the inside out. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables. Avoid harsh skincare products that can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dehydration.

In conclusion, understanding your skin type is crucial when dealing with acne. It helps you choose the right skincare products to address your specific needs and concerns effectively. 

By partnering with the correct skincare, you can achieve a clearer, healthier, and more radiant complexion without causing further damage or irritation. 

Remember that acne is a common skin issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and it may also be helpful to note that skin awareness takes time. Don’t attempt to tackle all skin issues at once, but rather to make gradual improvements over 6 months to a year. 

By learning about your skin type and working with a dermatologist or skin care professional, you can create a customised skincare routine that works best for you. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can achieve the clear, beautiful skin you deserve.

If you want to learn more about your skin, schedule a Care consultation with us today. 

Links

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19850202/
• https://www.wprbeautyspaandcosmetic.co.uk/news/skincare-basics-skin-types-skin-conditions-myth-sensitive-skin/#:~:text=The%20truth%20is%3A%20sensitive%20skin,can%20accompany%20any%20skin%20type.
• https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydrated-skin#symptoms
• https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydrated-skin#test