Hello, dear readers of our blog. Today we will address the issue of correctly determining our skin type. One of the most common mistakes in skin care is that we incorrectly determine our skin type and then subsequently also the products for its treatment. Therefore, I decided that today we would discuss this issue so that we all have clarity on it.

First, let us clarify which factors determine our skin type. The basic criteria for determining skin type are: OILINESS, HYDRATION, GENOTYPE, REACTIVITY and PHOTOTYPE.

You ask, what is genotype or phototype? The genotype of the skin surface is innate, unchangeable and determined by genetic codes. Phototype means sensitivity to UV radiation and is determined by the intensity of pigments in the skin. These criteria we cannot influence, but hydration and oiliness we can. So let's get to it and do it correctly.

What types of skin do we distinguish?

According to oiliness, which can be increased, decreased, and normal, we divide skin into:

1. Normal
2. Sensitive
3. Oily and problematic
4. Dry
5. Combination
6. Aging or mature

Normal skin

Such skin is the dream of every woman, because the skin is elastic, taut, excellently hydrated. The color is even across the entire surface, mostly in apricot tones. Oiliness is also even, pores are not visible. The skin tolerates cosmetic products very well. It maintains an excellent appearance even in mature age, although it is very rare. This skin type does not require more complex care.

For cleansing normal skin, facial milk is suitable, and for final cleansing and refreshing, facial toner. Watch out for alcohol content! With this skin type, it is not necessary at all and would unnecessarily dry out the skin. Subsequently, it is appropriate to use a toner for closing pores, which open during cleansing, and finally an eye and day/night cream.

Sensitive skin

Outwardly, it has similar features to normal skin type, but we work with it much more carefully and cautiously. Women with this skin type have problems choosing products, because their skin reacts sensitively with redness, burning, itching of the skin, or allergic reactions. When choosing cosmetics, it is more advisable to reach for quality cosmetics, because low-quality products could leave various consequences on their skin that cannot be removed later, for example. For sensitive skin, it is definitely recommended to use gentle products for normal to dry skin. Cleansing milk is very gentle and mild on their skin, and toner takes care of final cleansing and pore closure for acne-prone skin. All masks and products must be hypoallergenic, gentle, and mild. We recommend not cleansing the skin with cotton pads, as they can unnecessarily irritate the skin. Apply products to the face with clean fingers, which you massage into the skin.

Oily and problematic skin

Professionally also called normotonic or normotonic-atonic skin is characterized by a thicker structure. We observe enlarged pores and comedones (blackheads) here. The advantage of this skin type is its resilience and good tolerance of cosmetic products. This skin often has a tendency to acne, but we have good news as well. Because it is more oily, the formation of wrinkles and overall skin aging is delayed here. So you see, everything has its positive sides!

Removing surface dirt is suitable with facial milk using circular movements on the skin. Here, cosmetic products containing alcohol are already suitable for reducing skin oiliness. Be careful around our eyes. We especially avoid these areas with this skin type, because alcohol and exfoliating substances contained in oily skin cosmetics could irritate our eyes. We finish cleansing the skin with facial toner/micellar water containing alcohol. We complete the cleansing routine with an appropriate toner, eye cream, and day/night cream designed for oily skin.

Dry skin

It might seem strange to you, but it can appear oily to the eye (a defensive mechanism of the skin against dryness), with a fine structure without visible comedones. We don't see enlarged pores here, only negligibly around the nose. The skin continuously loses water due to perspiration caused by heat, stress, or exertion. The second cause is so-called transepidermal water loss, when the skin naturally loses about half a liter daily from its deeper layers. Therefore, proper water intake is very important. But be careful!! Only pure water counts, not tea, coffee, juice, etc.

Combination skin

The characteristic feature here is the so-called T-zone in the center line, where the skin tends to be oily. On the other hand, the side areas are dry. The oilier areas of combination skin are caused by higher sebum production. The drier areas of combination skin are caused by a lack of sebum and associated lack of lipids. Combination skin appears especially during puberty. However, the skin becomes more unified over time. In general, the more we age, the drier our skin becomes.

As far as care for this skin type is concerned, we would rather recommend cosmetics that would more hydrate the skin. Daily cleansing of combination skin is a challenge: the T-zone must be freed of oiliness very carefully to avoid the formation of blackheads and pimples, while the dry areas must remain sufficiently hydrated. Suitable are cleansing gels and micellar waters, for example with rose water, whose effects suit this skin type.

Aging / mature skin

As time goes by, the skin loses vitality and elasticity and small wrinkles begin to form, especially around the eyes.

You ask, what actually happens to our skin?

1. In the epidermis layer, slower cell renewal occurs and reduced lipid formation on the skin surface. This presents a greater risk of roughness and dehydration. With increasing age, this particular layer of skin becomes more sensitive to UV radiation. The skin heals poorly, and reduced immune system function can lead to an increase in skin infections and slower wound healing. The skin is less resilient and reacts more frequently to irritation.

2. In the dermis layer, from the age of 25, there is an annual 1% loss of collagen, one of the "building pillars" of the skin. Together with the loss of elastin, this leads to sagging of connective tissue. The structural integrity is compromised, and thus wrinkles can form. Elasticity decreases and the skin is more susceptible to damage and capillary rupture. Reduced blood circulation means less efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin surface. As a result, the skin loses its youthful appearance.

Prevention is regular and, most importantly, thorough care in the form of hydration. Another prevention is the movements during cleansing or applying cosmetics. There is no downward movement here, which would further help unwanted earth's gravity. Also be careful about oxidative stress, which is just as harmful to our body as it is to the appearance of our skin. However, when wrinkles do appear, use cosmetic products containing collagen. It perfectly fills wrinkles and regenerates and tightens the skin. Various facial oils such as argan oil and the well-known hyaluronic acid are also very good. It is precisely this that is capable of binding a large amount of water to its surface (up to 1000 times more than the size of its molecule), thus ensuring tissue hydration.

In conclusion, I would like to share just one last piece of information that applies to everyone, both women and men, regardless of different skin types. Nutrition from within is also important, which consists of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and the like. After all, in a healthy body, a healthy mind and beautiful skin.

This article was prepared for you by Veronika,

student of the Faculty of Chemistry at STU.