Why Skin Type Matters: Building the Best Skincare Routine for Your Skin

Why Understanding Your Skin Type Matters

Have you ever wondered why a skincare product with great recommendations may affect your skin differently? While opinions might differ, skin type plays a huge role in the effect a particular product has on its user.

Other factors include ingredients, usage consistency, etc., but they all agree on the significance of skin type.

So what are the different skin types we have? 

According to Almirall, a Spanish Pharmaceutical company, skin types vary according to sebaceous secretion, hydration, and sensitivity level.

Currently, two major schools of thought insist there are seven skin types—oily, dry/dehydrated, normal, combination, acne-prone, sensitive, and normal skin, while some might disagree. 

Some insist that acne-prone, sensitive, or aging skin cannot be categorized as skin types because these are not permanent issues (sensitivity, acne, and aging); they come and go.

Hence, there are four skin types; Normal, Oily, Dry, and Combination.

While genetics largely determine skin condition, various internal and external factors—including lifestyle, diet, and sleep patterns—also contribute to different skin types.

What if the solution to healthy skin is understanding your skin type and its unique needs?

In today’s article, we’ll discuss the different skin types, to help you make informed choices to refine your skincare routine and achieve long-lasting, radiant, and plump-looking skin.

So if you’re uncertain what your skin type is, keep reading.

Types of Skin and How to Care for Them

Many people struggle with their current skincare routine, leading to irritation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, so how do you identify your skin type for healthy and radiant skin? Generally, there are four primary recognized types of skin: 

• Oily skin
• Dry skin
• Normal skin
• Combination skin

Each type has unique characteristics and therefore, requires a tailored skincare routine with specific care and products to maintain optimum health and glow. 

While we don’t have any favorites, each skin type has specific ingredients that ensure it is healthy and well cared for. First on our list;

1.  OILY SKIN

Oily skin is characterized by high sebaceous secretion. Sebum is an oily substance responsible for locking moisture into the skin.
It often appears shiny, particularly around the T-zone areas (forehead, nose, and chin), and is more prone to blemishes and breakouts.

Managing oily skin can feel like a constant battle, especially when products seem to "slide off"
your face shortly after application. 
This frustration is all too common for those with oily skin.

However, the right skincare routine can help control oil production and maintain radiant skin free from excessive oil production throughout the day. 

Common triggers for overactive sebaceous glands include:
genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and humidity.

How to Manage Oily Skin in Hot Climates

Humid weather makes it difficult to manage oily skin. High humidity increases sweat and sebum production, leading to even shinier skin. But with the right approach, you can manage the oil effectively.

Here’s how to manage oily skin in humid weather:

1. Cleanse 2-3 times daily

Choose our non-stripping Daily Cleanser which combines
Peppermint, Jojoba Oil, and Glycerin to
soothe, moisturize, and keep your skin hydrated.

 2. Use an alcohol-free toner

Our alcohol-free Blemish Toner removes
residual oil without drying out your skin and
balances your skin’s natural pH in one wipe. 

3. Apply a resurfacing serum

The Renew 7% AHA and 2% HA Resurfacing Serum gently exfoliates dead skin cells while keeping your skin hydrated and smooth.
Just pat a few drops on dry skin after toning. 

4. Opt for cream-based moisturizer

Finish your routine with a pea-sized amount of Nourishing Crème lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and plump all day. 

2.  DRY SKIN

A common misconception is “Dry skin is unhealthy”. In reality, many factors can cause dry skin and with the right skincare product and routine, healthy and well-nourished dry skin is possible. 

Many people struggle to find the right products for dry skin, often sending them on an endless hunt for the perfect moisturizer—lightweight and effective. But before uncovering various solutions, it's important to understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin.

What is the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

What is Dry Skin?

Dry skin is caused by a natural lack of oil (sebum) production, which is often genetic. If you have dry skin, your sebaceous glands don’t produce enough oil to keep your skin hydrated, leading to flakiness, rough patches, and a tight, uncomfortable feeling.

Common triggers include taking long, hot showers, and using the wrong skincare products which can further dry out your skin. With dry skin, you want to avoid products that contain alcohol, or harsh components that might further dry out the skin. 

Also, incorporating a 100% fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser into your routine will help keep your skin healthy. Fragrance and harsh chemicals can strip your skin’s natural oil, intensifying dryness.

To keep your skin well-hydrated, choose cream-based moisturizers over lotions.

What is Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that occurs when your skin lacks moisture affecting all skin types, including oily and combination skin.

It is caused by environmental factors like cold weather, sun exposure, or products that strip the skin’s barrier of moisture.

Dehydrated skin looks dull, has fine lines, and feels tight, but it isn’t usually flaky or rough.

Your skin reflects your diet, especially when dehydrated.

Drinking more water and eating hydrating fruits like watermelon and oranges can restore moisture, while fiber-rich foods support nutrient absorption, enhancing your skin’s natural glow.

How to Care for Dry and Dehydrated Skin

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, here are a few tips to help you manage and care for your skin. Our goal is for you and your skin to look healthy and lush.

1. Cleansing is important

Use our Daily Cleanser to keep your skin hydrated and maintain the skin’s moisture.

Our non-stripping formula is great for people with dry skin, as it gently cleanses without removing essential oils—a key factor to look for when choosing cleansers for dry skin.

2. Moisturizers are essential

Apply our cream moisturizer formulated with Vitamin B3, hydrolyzed collagen peptides, and panthenol to brighten, strengthen, and keep your skin plump all day. 

3. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water and maintain a hydrated lifestyle.

4. Choose an hydrating serum

Incorporate the Hydroboost 2% HA Hydrating Serum into your skincare routine for instant hydration. Apply to damp skin after toning. 

 

3.  NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin is considered the ideal skin type. It’s well-balanced, not too oily or dry, with small, barely visible pores.
This results in a smooth, even texture that often has a natural glow.

However, normal skin still requires regular care to maintain its healthy appearance and resilience against external factors such as
environmental stress, weather changes, and pollutants.

Skincare Routine to Maintain Normal Skin

Even though normal skin is generally low-maintenance, a consistent routine is essential to keep it looking radiant and youthful.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for preserving your balanced glow:

1. Use a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser

Daily cleansing to remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup that can clog pores.
Opt for a 100% alcohol-free cleanser that maintains your skin’s natural moisture balance without stripping away essential oils.

Pro tip: Cleansing morning and night ensures that pollutants and impurities from the day are thoroughly removed.

2. Hydrate with moisturizers

For long-lasting hydration, use a lightweight moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients lock in moisture, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and plump throughout the day.

Pro tip: Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp after cleansing to maximize absorption.

3. Daily sunscreen application

Apply sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreens with antioxidants like vitamin C shield your skin, and fight free radicals, preventing premature aging.

4. Exfoliate gently once or twice a week

Exfoliating is essential for a bright complexion and removes dead skin cells that can dull your skin's natural radiance.
Use a gentle exfoliator with natural enzymes or fine particles to avoid irritation while keeping your skin smooth and radiant.

Pro tip: Over-exfoliating can cause dryness or irritation, so stick to a moderate schedule—1-2 times a week is ideal for normal skin.

👀 Peep what dermatologists are saying on Quora
 

4.  COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin can be tricky, as it combines both oily and dry skin. The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oilier, while the cheeks are drier.

This imbalance makes it tasking to find the right skincare products, as what works for one part of your might not be suitable for another.

What Causes Combination Skin?

Several factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and external factors like weather and pollution, afflict combination skin.

These factors can trigger excessive oil production in the T-zone and dryness in other areas, therefore a unique skincare routine that addresses both concerns is essential. 

How to Care for Combination Skin

1. Use different products for different areas

To manage combination skin, use the right products for each area. Apply gel-based moisturizers to the oily T-zone for a lightweight, non-comedogenic solution.

For dry areas like the cheeks, use cream-based moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. 

2. Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser

Why is a pH-balanced cleanser important to your skincare regime?

A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser cleans oily and dry areas without stripping natural oils, keeping your skin balanced and preventing dryness or excess oil.

3. Incorporate oil-free sunscreen

Combination skin is prone to sun damage, with oily areas becoming greasy and dry spots getting more dehydrated. Opt for an oil-free sunscreen to protect without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

4. For weather and stress

Environmental factors like humidity, cold, and stress can worsen combination skin. Use lighter moisturizers in humid weather and richer creams for dry areas in colder months. Stress can increase oil production, so a consistent skincare routine is key to balancing both dry and oily zones. 

Sensitive Skin: Causes, Care Tips, and Effective Skincare Routine

Often, sensitive skin is categorized as a skin type, but it is a condition that can affect any skin type—whether oily, dry, combination, or normal.
This distinction is important, as sensitivity is temporary and varies with internal or external triggers, unlike a permanent skin type. Understanding these differences are necessary for building an effective skincare routine. 

What is Skin Sensitivity?

Skin sensitivity occurs when the skin’s protective barrier becomes impaired, making it more reactive to environmental factors, skincare products, or internal conditions.

Hence, it is difficult for the skin to retain moisture and protect itself against irritants. This can lead to conditions like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—which causes the skin to darken.

PIH is common in people with darker skin tones, as their skin produces more melanin in response to inflammation, leading to dark spots or patches. 

This heightened reactivity can manifest as: 

• Redness and inflammation
• Reduction in skin’s moisture retention
• Persistent itching or burning sensations
• Intense dry skin
• Acne breakout and cracked skin
  

Tips for Managing Sensitive Skin

To protect and care for sensitive skin, incorporating simple and safe skincare products in your routine is rudimentary. Here are some practical tips to help manage sensitivity to give you optimal results:

1. Patch test new products:

When trying new skincare products, start with a 24-48 hour patch test on a small area like the inner forearm or behind your ear.

Track any adverse reactions to help identify potential sensitivity triggers and avoid allergic reactions.

2. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products

Choose products specifically labeled for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol, artificial fragrances, and sulfates that can irritate your skin. 


3. Incorporate sunscreen into your routine

UV rays can further weaken sensitive skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, formulated for sensitive skin, to shield your skin from harmful sun exposure and prevent inflammation that can lead to hyperpigmentation.


4. Hydrate and nourish your skin barrier

Use moisturizing products that contain ingredients 
like ceramides, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. These help strengthen the skin barrier, retain moisture, and
reduce irritation. 

5. Eat a nutrient-rich diet

Your diet plays a role in skin health. Eating food packed with vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids, can strengthen your skin’s resilience and improve its overall health.

Why Skin Care Matters

Think of your skin as more than just what you see in the mirror—it’s your body’s first line of defense. Finding the right routine for your skin type keeps it glowing, strong, and ready for anything. Stay hydrated, stay consistent, and let your skin thank you with a fresh, youthful vibe.

Want more tips? Follow the blog, and feel free to send in any questions or skincare topics you’d love us to dive into. Let’s keep the skincare conversation going.