How to tell your skin type.

The only skin type guide you need

How would you describe your skin? Is it dry, sensitive, normal, blemished or oily? Or perhaps yours is more combination. Either way, knowing your skin type can be confusing but we’re here to help you identify yours. By understanding each unique skin type and its characteristics, you’ll know how best to love your skin!


Here’s what you should know...

Skin type 1: Combination Skin

It’s all in the name! This type is a combination of two skin types: normal to dry skin and oily, blemished skin. This skin type shines and tends to develop small blemishes – especially in the T-zone between the forehead, nose and chin. And on the flip side, the cheek area is normal to dry. This can make choosing products that tick all the right boxes a challenge. We suggest products specifically suited to combination skin and the restoration of the skin’s own moisture balance.


You have combination skin if you:

  • Are prone to an oily shine 
  • Tend to develop impurities in the T-zone 
  • Find your cheek area is more dry

Give your T-zone some extra TLC!

Tips for combination skin

  • Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying facial care products.
  • Use lukewarm water instead of hot or ice-cold water.
  • Regularly use a moisturiser – a hazelnut-sized amount is enough!
  • Choose products for combination skin.
A woman’s face divided into skin zones

Skin type 2: Dry Skin

If your skin looks rough and flaky, you’re part of the dry skin crew! This is because dry skin lacks moisture and lipids (fats), making it less elastic, often leading to itching and tightness. Those with dry skin can also experience irritations and reactions to environmental influences. But all is not lost! The right products can help restore moisture stores and strengthen your skin’s protective barriers.


You have dry skin if your skin:

  • Feels tight and tends to itch
  • Has a rough and flaky appearance
  • Reacts quickly to external influences like temperature

Your  skin’s moisture balance is everything!

Tips for dry skin

  • Help your skin from within by having a healthy diet. Drink 2 litres of still water every day to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Use day creams with an SPF (sun protection factor) to protect your skin from UV radiation.
  • Add a hydrating serum to your skincare line-up for added moisture.
  • Calm your skin by using products with natural oils
A woman applying a NIVEA cream

Skin type 3: Normal Skin

If your skin is supple and soft with fine pores and an even-toned complexion, you have normal skin. Those who fall into this category can get away with using most products, even when they commit the occasional beauty crime. But don’t be fooled, this skin type still needs moisture and protection to keep it healthy and looking its best. This makes the right skincare routine absolutely everything!


You have normal skin if you have: 

  • Soft, fine-pored, and unproblematic skin
  • An even-toned complexion
  • Well-circulated and elastic skin

Even normal skin likes a consistent routine

Tips for normal skin

  • Use regular day and night care to keep your skin fresh.
  • Add gentle exfoliation to your routine to remove impurities and dead skin cells.
  • Boost your circulation by gently massaging your moisturiser into your face.
A woman touching her cheek

Skin type 4: Blemished Skin

Blemished skin tends to produce more sebum than necessary. This can be caused by genetics, stress, and hormonal fluctuations. The result? Blackheads and breakouts. But don’t let blemished skin get in the way of your confidence. Special, antibacterial cleansing and skincare products can help tame blemishes and restore your skin’s natural balance.

 

You have blemished skin if your skin:

  • Has large pores
  • Is shiny
  • Is prone to impurities

Wild skin: mild care

Tips for blemished skin

  • Make removing your make-up every night a non-negotiable, as it blocks your pores while you sleep!
  • Treat your skin to a gentle scrub and a face mask once a week. 
  • Hands off: say no to squeezing blackheads or spots!
  • Dull any oily shine with a mattifying day cream.
A woman with NIVEA cream applied on her cheek

Skin type 5: Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is known for its reactions to factors like stress, dry air from heaters, and UV light. As a result, skin can develop redness and feel tight, itchy, and dry. This makes extra care key for calming sensitive skin and strengthening its barriers, lessening reactions.


You have sensitive skin if your skin is:

  • Tight and itchy
  • Sensitive to environmental influences
  • Prone to regular redness

An important requirement for sensitive skin is rest!

Tips for sensitive skin

  • Protection is key! Choose a moisturiser that provides a shield against harmful environmental factors.
  • Gently dab your face with a towel after cleansing instead of rubbing.
  • Choose perfume-free products as fragrances can cause skin irritation.
  • Steer clear of hot spices as your diet can cause flare-ups.

Skin type 6: Mature Skin

The more we age, the more our skin changes. With lots of different processes taking place, skin can change its appearance, structure, and the functions. This includes reduced cell activity, slower regeneration, lower collagen production and damage caused by UV radiation. Whilst mature skin lacks moisture and elasticity, innovative skincare products can help reduce lines, wrinkles, and dark marks.


You have mature skin if your skin:

  • Feels less elastic
  • Lacks moisture
  • Has visible lines, wrinkles or dark marks

Mature skin needs support too!

Tips for mature skin

  • Too much UV radiation ages skin prematurely – sun protection is key!
  • Use a special eye cream as expression lines around the eyes are the first to appear.
  • Add moisturising masks with high-quality oils to your routine to nurture your skin.
  • Choose products that support the skin’s cell regeneration.
Now that you know the ins and outs of the various skin types, you can identify yours and start using the right products for your skin needs!

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