What skin type are you?

It dawned on me yesterday that when doing my Lush review i mentioned what skin type i was and told you to ask the assistants in the shop what products they would recommend for your skin type, but not everyone knows their skin type!

You may not know it but there are many different skin types and some people may not be aware of what skin type they are. This could lead to someone buying the wrong product for their skin type.

It wasn't hard for me to know my skin type, since i started using make-up i've always had the problem of dry skin mainly on my forehead and whenever i got out the shower, my face would feel tight. A classic sign of dry skin! So i'm here to help by giving you the different skin types and suggesting what products would be best for the skin that you have!

Normal
Comfortable-feeling
Smooth, even texture with small pores
Some shine and larger pores on the forehead, nose or chin
Water and oil content in this skin type is balanced

Care
Normal skin needs routine cleansing with a foaming cleanser and exfoliation twice a week. Moisturisation is important with any skin type so try a moisturiser with lightweight lotions and of course use sun cream to keep your skin healthy and glowing and protect it from the sun. A diet with vitamin A, (egg yolks and dairy products), C (broccoli, peppers and tomatoes) and E (leafy greens and nuts) help keep the skin soft and smooth. Again, no matter what skin type you are sufficient fluid intake is important.

Dry
May be sensitive
Feels tight after washing
Pores are small
May look dry/flaky
Feels rough, dehydrated

Care
Dry skin requires special care (sad times for me!). As the skin is dry, sufficient fluid intake is extremely important as it keeps this skin type hydrated. Try drinking up to 8 glasses of water a day (if you're like me and HATE water, this may be hard but try added squash or try eating fruit and vegetables as they are high in water content). Layering different textures of moisturiser can help hydrate the skin. Try starting with a lightweight face oil, and then a layer of rich cream over that. Caffeine causes dehydration, so try limiting your intake to about two cups a day. (very hard for me as i LOOOVEEE tea)

Personally, Skin Drink from Lush has worked wonders on my skin and leaves it feeling hydrated and soft

Oily Skin
Large pores that are visible
Breakout in spots
Shiny skin, especially through the T-zone area which is your forehead, nose and chin

Care
Cleanse your face at least twice a day (day and night perhaps) to prevent dirt building up and to keep pores open. Use oil-free moisturisers to keep the skin from becoming overdry. If you do have oily skin and are prone to breakouts try drinking plenty of water and take a look into your diet, perhaps there is something you can change to help prevent breakouts happening.

This is an example of a moisturiser that an oily skin type could use, however it is your own personal opinion on what works best with your skin

Combination Skin
Dry cheeks
Spot dehydration
Larger pores on the forehead,chin and nose
Oily through the T-zone

Care
It is possible to have an oily to combination skin type. This skin type requires regular cleansing, toning and moisturising particully the oily areas and try using a milder cleanser and denser moisturiser for the drier areas. Moisturising products that contain AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) will benefit this skin type. Simply look at the ingredients of the cleanser to see if it contains AHA.


Another Lush moisturiser with lavender in, which encourages dry skin to produce natural oils and discourages oily skin from overdoing it

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can range from dry to oily
Itchy or blotchy
Prone to redness
Easily irritated by moisturisers and cleansers

Care
Use mild, non-perfumed cleansing products. Alcohol-free toners that are formulated for sensitive skin are in the shops, as well as moisturisers and cleansers that are specifically formulated for this skin type. If your skin is extremely sensitive don't be afraid to go into the pharmacy and ask if there are any products that could help your irritated skin.

 
My sister has rather sensitive skin and she has found that Simple products work best for her, so give them a try if you have sensitive skin

I know that was a lot to read but i think that it will have been worth it! Now you hopefully have some sort of idea of what skin type you are and will be able to buy the right products that suit your skin type. Don't be afraid to try different moisturisers/cleansers etc until you find the one that's right for you! Remember that a skin care routine is just as important as brushing your teeth!

Your skin is a relfection of how you treat yourself, if you treat yourself kindly, your skin will thank you for it. I really hope this helps!

Stay tuned for a e.l.f make-up review very soon! :)

xx Leah xx

A great source of information came from Bobbi Brown Make-up Manual which has been a god send! I REALLY recommend this book to anyone who is interested in make-up and skin care.