What Are the Common Skin Types?

Understanding your skin type is essential for developing an effective skincare routine. The American Academy of Dermatology identifies four common skin types: normal, sensitive, dry, oily, and combination. Determining your skin type can help you tailor your skincare regimen and choose the right products to promote a healthy and balanced complexion.

Normal

• Well-balanced with adequate sebum production
• Few imperfections or blemishes
• Smooth texture and even tone
• Minimal sensitivity and tolerates most skincare products well
  
  

Sensitive Skin

• Prone to irritation and redness
• Easily reacts to certain ingredients, weather, or environmental factors
• Requires gentle and hypoallergenic products
• Patch testing new products is recommended
  
  

Dry Skin

• Lacks moisture and natural oils
• Feels tight, rough, and may appear dull
• Prone to flaking, itching, and fine lines
• Requires hydrating and moisturizing products to restore moisture barrier
  
  

Oily Skin

• Overactive sebaceous glands produce excess oil
• Skin appears shiny and may have enlarged pores
• Prone to acne breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads
• Benefits from non-comedogenic products
  
  

Combination Skin

• Displays characteristics of both oily and dry skin
• T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily
• Cheeks and other areas may be normal or dry
• Requires a balance of oil control for the T-zone and hydration for other areas
  
  

Best Skincare Ingredients for All Skin Types

Hyaluronic Acid

• A hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains moisture in the skin
• Helps plump skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Provides a boost of hydration without clogging pores
  
  

Vitamin C

• A potent antioxidant that brightens the skin and evens out skin tone
• Helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Boosts collagen production for firmer and more youthful-looking skin
  
  

Ceramides

• Essential lipids that maintain, restore, and strengthens the skin's protective barrier
• Retains moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing moisture loss
• Suitable for dry and sensitive skin types
  
  

Peptides

• Chains of amino acids that help support the skin's natural collagen production
• Improves skin elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles
• Enhances skin texture and promote a more youthful complexion

BHA / PHA

• Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) or Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA)
• Exfoliating ingredients that unclog pores and remove dead skin cells
• Improve skin texture and even out skin tone
• BHAs, also known as salicylic acid are effective for acne-prone and oily skin, helping to reduce breakouts
• PHAs are best for sensitive and dry skin types, as they hydrate, smooth, and retexturize skin without irritation
  
  

Collagen

• A structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin
• Helps improve skin firmness and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Jellyfish collagen provide superior moisture and skin barrier protection, as their molecular structure is small enough for proper absorption
  
  

The Power of Natural Skin Care Ingredients

The misconception that all “natural” ingredients are inherently better than synthetic ingredients persists in the beauty industry. However, it's important to understand that the effectiveness and suitability of an ingredient for specific skin concerns cannot solely be determined by its natural or synthetic origin. For example, this article breaks down the difference between two different versions of Vitamin C. 

Some may prefer products that primarily use natural ingredients to minimize processing and maintain a closer connection to nature. Others may find that naturally-derived or synthetic ingredients offer enhanced stability, consistency, or safety without compromising the overall natural origin of the ingredient. It ultimately comes down to personal preferences, skin sensitivities, and specific skincare needs. 

Best Ingredients for Oily Skin

• Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, degrades blackheads and whiteheads, and reduces excess oil production, helping to prevent acne breakouts.
• Niacinamide: Regulates sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, and helps control oiliness and inflammation.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides lightweight hydration without adding excess oil, keeping the skin hydrated and balanced.
• Kaolin Clay: Absorbs excess oil and impurities, leaving the skin feeling fresh and matte.
• Retinol: Helps regulate oil production, promotes skin cell turnover, and reduces the appearance of pores.

Best Ingredients for Dry Skin

• Ceramides: Help to restore and strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss and improving hydration.
• Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates the skin, providing relief from dryness and irritation.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
• Lactic Acid: Acts as a gentle healing exfoliant, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, more hydrated skin.
• Bean Butters (shea and cocoa): Rich in fatty acids that form a protective layer over the skin barrier, providing intense moisture. 
• Squalane: A lightweight oil that moisturizes and prevents moisture loss, leaving the skin soft and supple.

Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and calming properties, it helps alleviate redness, inflammation, and irritation.
• Chamomile/Bisabolol: These ingredients have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, helping to calm and comfort sensitive skin.
• Allantoin: Helps to moisturize and soothe sensitive skin, reducing irritation and promoting healing.
• Niacinamide: Regulates sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, and helps control oiliness and inflammation.
• Ceramides: Essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, ceramides help improve moisture retention and protect against environmental irritants.

Best Ingredients for Combination Skin

• Niacinamide: Regulates sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, and helps control oiliness and inflammation.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides lightweight hydration without adding excess oil, keeping the skin hydrated and balanced.
• Lactic Acid: Acts as a gentle healing exfoliant, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, more hydrated skin.
• Peptides: Help to support collagen production and improve skin elasticity, addressing both dryness and oiliness.
• Vitamin B5: Provides hydration and helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier, promoting a balanced and healthier complexion.

For a specific curated skin routine, make sure to check out this blog written by our skin experts! If you have any questions, drop a comment, or DM us! We’ll be more than happy to help you find your perfect skin routine.