Skin type, what is it again? Rest assured, this is not to confuse you but on the contrary to make your life easier! The skin is a living organ that is subject to external influences (pollution, UV rays, weather). Thus, it can be drier in winter or oilier in summer. However, our skins have a basic structure that is unique to them. Knowing the nature of your skin allows you to better target your needs and aim for a so-called “normal” skin type, that is, one that does not have any particular characteristics. To help you discern the nature of your skin and what it really needs, 20 minutes called on dermatologist Nina Roos.
Recognize dry skin and understand its needs
If you have drier skin in winter, that’s normal. On the other hand, if this is the case all year round it is because it is the nature of your skin. Your profile: As long as you have not moisturized your skin, you will feel discomfort due to feelings of tightness. “This dryness occurs after washing or even during the day, even if you have already moisturized your skin,” specifies the dermatologist. This skin which has difficulty retaining hydration will therefore “lack radiance”. You may also notice the appearance of certain fine lines more quickly, caused by dehydration.
In the ideal routine for dry skin there is: A cleansing oil. “It will leave a greasy protective film after rinsing,” explains Nina Roos, who also advises you to turn to cosmetics based on urea, glycerin and ceramides to boost hydration. Focus more on oil, which will be your best friend during the night.
Recognize combination to oily skin and understand its needs
Do you always have mattifying papers with you, your 9 a.m. makeup shines at 9:30 a.m., your nose is shiny in the middle of the day (even in winter)? Bingo, you have combination to oily skin. “This type of skin is characterized by hyperseborrhea,” explains Nina Roos. Oily skin is a bit like the ugly duckling among its peers. Indeed, oily skin also means a predisposition to having acne, blackheads, enlarged pores, imperfections… In short, a bit of everything we try to avoid.
And to make matters worse, there is even a variation: combination skin. It is characterized by excess sebum only on the T zone (forehead, nose, chin), and normal or dry skin on the cheeks. Think of it as a sort of cross between two skin types.
In the ideal routine for combination to oily skin there is: a foaming cleanser. “It’s ideal for removing fat and oil from the skin,” explains the dermatologist. But also active ingredients that will regulate or even control excess sebum, such as niacinamide for example. You will also need to regularly clean your pores in depth to prevent them from becoming clogged due to the accumulation of sebum and creating inflammation. For this, the professional recommends salicylic acid, fruit acids and exfoliants like BHA. Be careful, even combination to oily skin must be hydrated daily, in which case it will produce more sebum to defend itself.
Recognize sensitive skin and understand its needs
We often hear you say that your skin is “complicated”, and in fact you have a mini CICA balm on hand “in case”. Obviously, you probably have sensitive skin. This skin type is recognized in different ways: Frequent redness, feelings of discomfort, dryness and intolerances. “It is skin that regularly experiences irritation without the individual being subject to any allergies,” explains the dermatologist.
In the routine of sensitive skin there is: the MINIMUM. Because you never know what to expect. “The same product can be effective, then irritate you for no particular reason, at less intervals,” warns the dermatologist. This advises choosing products with as few ingredients as possible, always composed of gentle active ingredients.