What Skin Type Am I?

Skin Types

Skin types are determined by the amount of oil produced by the skin and its level of sensitivity. These are the actual characteristics of your skin which are generally visible and are usually divided into broad categories. These categories include:

1. Oily: 

Characterized by overproduction of oil, which can lead to a shiny appearance and increased risk of clogged pores.

2. Combination:

Typically, the T-zone (chin, nose, and forehead) is oilier due to the presence of more activity in the oil glands in that area, while the rest of the face may have normal or dry skin.

3. Normal:

Considered the ideal skin type from a health perspective, it is well-balanced with adequate oil production and minimal sensitivity. This is the rarest (and most fortunate) skin type!

4. Dry: 

Lacking in oil, water, or both, dry skin often feels tight, rough, and may experience flakiness or itchiness.

5. Sensitive:

Reactive to external triggers and easily irritated, sensitive skin may exhibit redness, stinging, or a tendency to develop rashes. Sensitive skin may also be dry due to flaking and water loss.

While skin types are relatively constant at a particular period in your life (such as oily or combination skin during adolescence) and some skin types are constant for a lifetime (such as sensitivity) due to genetic factors. Skin types often inform your first line of skincare products. However, there is an important differentiating factor between skin types and skin conditions. So what are skin conditions, then?

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions or skin concerns can often be considered a ‘translation’ of your skin type. Skin conditions are far more diverse and variable. Some skin conditions have the capacity to affect any skin type depending on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Such conditions may be influenced by diet, health, medications, hormones, stress, smoking, UV exposure, and skincare practices. Sometimes post-treatments may require targeted skincare to prevent conditions from developing. There are literally thousands of medically diagnosed skin concerns/conditions, but some common, general skin conditions include: 

1. Aging: 

This is the number one skin concern of women and men over the age of 30. Ageing is not considered a diagnosed disease – it is a natural process, leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and changes in skin tone and texture. Whilst aging is a privilege and need not be feared as a primary skin concern, it is nevertheless recognized as a skin condition that can be exacerbated or diminished when adjusting external variables and using active topical skincare.

2. Hyperpigmentation:

Uneven skin tone or dark spots caused by excess melanin production.

3. Melasma:

This is a subcategory of hyperpigmentation and is internally triggered by hormonal changes and exacerbated by overheating, stress, and sun exposure.

4. Dehydration:

Insufficient moisture retained (or created) within the skin, resulting in dryness, tightness, and dullness.

5. Eczema and Psoriasis:

These are medically diagnosed inflammatory conditions characterized by redness, itching, and dry patches.

6. Acne:

A skin condition characterized by the presence of clogged pores, pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. There are numerous types of acne ranging in severity.

7. Rosacea:

A medically diagnosed skin condition and generally considered under the sensitive skin type group. This chronic skin condition involves persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small bumps or pustules. 

Understanding the combination of your skin type and condition is key to tailoring an effective skincare routine. If you are experiencing concerning skin issues, Synergie Skin always recommends a consultation with a dermatologist or skin professional to help guide you through choosing the correct skincare regimen for your skin type and concerns.