When it comes to skincare, understanding your skin type is crucial. However, it's not as straightforward as it may seem. Many people mistakenly identify their skin type, leading to the use of products that aren't effective or could even exacerbate their skin issues. With the ever-changing environmental conditions, hormonal fluctuations, and evolving skincare habits, how often should you reassess your skin type? Here, we break down everything you need to know to ensure your skincare routine is tailored to your true skin type.

What is a skin type?

Your skin type is influenced by a combination of genetic and external factors, including your environment, the weather, and the skincare products you use. Broadly speaking, there are five common skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination (a mix of oily and dry areas), and sensitive. However, these types are not static. Your skin type can change over the years or even within weeks, particularly as your hormones fluctuate, seasons shift, or your lifestyle changes.

For example, during the colder months, your skin might lean towards dryness, while in the summer, it could become more oily or prone to breakouts. This fluidity makes it important to regularly check in with your skin and adapt your routine accordingly.

How do I work out my skin type?

Whilst your skin is ever-changing, a simple test can usually help with giving an estimate as to what type of skin you have. Simply go through a normal day as you usually would, and before you do your evening skin routine, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does my skin feel oily and look shiny? → Oily Skin

• Do I have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) but matte cheeks? → Combination skin

• Does my skin feel tight and look flaky? → Dry Skin

• Do I often have inflamed skin with redness and itchiness? → Sensitive Skin

• I don’t have any of these symptoms. → Normal Skin

Skin type vs skin concern 

It's essential to differentiate between your skin type and skin concerns. Common skin concerns include conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, aging, and dullness. Focusing on your skin concerns can sometimes be more helpful when choosing products, as many are formulated to target these specific issues rather than broad skin types.

For instance, if you're dealing with dull, flaky skin, our Hero Facial Oil is a fantastic option. It's packed with nourishing ingredients that restore moisture and bring back your skin's natural radiance. On the other hand, if you're struggling with blemishes, our Ally Recovery Facial Oil can help balance and calm your skin without stripping it of essential oils.

 

 

The problem of misdiagnosis

In the age of social media and self-taught skincare experts, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of advice and product recommendations available. This often leads to people using overly potent and aggressive skincare products that can do more harm than good, especially if your skin type or concerns have been misdiagnosed.

Our advice? Be gentle.

No matter your skin type or concern, your skin responds best to kindness. Start with a simple, effective routine, like our Skin Health Trio, which includes the Balancer Cream Cleanser, Reviver Hydrating Mist, and our multi award-winning Hero Facial Oil. These products are designed to work in harmony with your skin, providing the foundation for a healthy, balanced complexion.

Harsh actives can also do more harm than good, stripping the skin of its natural oils and causing irritation or imbalances. That’s why we’ve formulated our Vitamin C + E and Bakuchiol Boosters to be potent yet gentle, offering effective solutions without compromising the integrity of your skin. The Vitamin C + E Booster brightens and protects with a powerful antioxidant blend that uses slow-releasing Vitamin C to prevent irritation, while the Bakuchiol Booster provides a natural alternative to retinol, promoting smooth, youthful skin without the harsh side effects. 

 It does take time and patience to feel confident in knowing your skin type and concerns, especially as they vary from season to season. We recommend keeping a skincare journal, where you can note down any changes in your skin, as well as what products you’re using and any environmental factors you suspect might be behind it. Often winter can bring about dry, flaky skin, whilst summer can trigger breakouts or redness. It’s all down to you as an individual.

The good news? No matter your skin type, the entire By Sarah range is suited to you. We make sure that we formulate for all skin types and concerns so you can shop your routine hassle-free.

 

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