SHOP ALL SKIN TYPES
What is My Skin Type?
There are 5 different skin types namely normal, dry, combination, oily and sensitive. Your skin type is determined by genetic factors and does not change throughout your life. Your skin condition and concerns, however, can vary depending on external factors like the climate or internal factors such as your diet. By correctly identifying your skin type, you will be able to select the best Korean beauty products for your skin.
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Normal Skin
Normal skin is where the skin is perfectly balanced, neither too oily nor too dry and is not prone to sensitivity or developing skin concerns. The common characteristics of normal skin would include refined, clear pores, very minimal or no blemishes, as well as a balanced complexion with uniform tone and texture.
Those with normal skin can generally use any skincare product that is suitable for all skin types. Simply opt for different consistencies depending on the climate or environmental condition, and avoid overly harsh ingredients. Although requiring less maintenance compared to other skin types, it is still crucial to regularly cleanse and moisturise your skin to keep it looking fresh and healthy.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is characterized by skin that lacks moisture, resulting in flaky patches, tightness and rough texture. This is because dry skin produces less sebum than normal skin, resulting in increased sensitivity and weaker skin barrier that protects the skin against external stress. The tendency for those with dry skin to have skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are often higher.
Nonetheless, the best Korean skincare products to use on dry skin are those that contain lipids such as ceramides, Vitamin E, plant-based oils, fatty acids and hyaluronic acid. Another tip is to opt for skincare products that are richer in texture to help the skin retain adequate moisture for a stronger skin barrier. Even for products that are suitable for all skin types, it is important to check ingredient lists and avoid harsh ingredients that may dry out your skin.
Combination Skin
Combination skin has a distinct feature from the other skin types in that it has a mix of both oily and dry areas. Usually, the T-zone tends to be oily and other parts of the face like the cheeks are dry. As a result of this, there is no one-stop solution as the choice of skincare products will vary on how dry and oily your skin is. Sometimes, it is recommended to even have a few skincare products for those with extreme combination skin where the areas are either extremely oily or dry.
The best way to care for combination skin is to select products that are gentle on the skin, yet help maintain your skin’s optimal moisture. For best results, look for Korean skin care products that help replenish hydration while minimizing oiliness such as Centella Asiatica, Mugwort, Hyaluronic acid and gentle exfoliants.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is where the skin produces excess oil or sebum, causing acne, blemishes, enlarged pores and shiny complexion. Apart from these distinct characteristics, oily skin tends to appear thicker, dull-looking with visible pores. Those with oily skin may find that certain types of beauty products, hormonal changes, diet and stress can contribute to an increase in the frequency of breakouts and blemishes.
The key to keeping your oily skin healthy is by minimizing the use of comedogenic beauty products and keeping your face clarified using a cleanser that effectively eliminates excess sebum. Some ingredients to look for include AHA, BHA, PHA, tea tree, centella asiatica, mugwort and propolis. These ingredients help keep the skin balanced, hydrated and at the same time targets the most common problems like acne, redness, inflammation and blemishes.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is where your skin overreacts to certain ingredients and is prone to inflammation, itchiness and redness. At the same time, it can exhibit the characteristics of any skin type which can make it slightly trickier to tackle. The main issues associated with sensitive skin include weakened skin barrier, allergies and skin concerns like rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
While managing sensitive skin seems to be more challenging, the most important is to identify the root causes of your skin concerns and by testing a small amount of product first beforehand. Those with sensitive skin should opt for dermatologically-tested products that are made without the addition of fragrances, artificial colouring or parabens which can aggravate inflammation.
Mature Skin
Mature skin is characterized by loss of skin firmness, elasticity as a result of a reduction in the amount of collagen and elastin present in the skin. This type of skin tends to have more prominent lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture and tone. Regardless of your skin type, whether you have oily skin, dry skin or normal skin, everyone will eventually experience this natural aging process. In general, mature skin type is seen in those aged 35 and above, although some individuals may see it even earlier or later in their lives.
The best way to care for mature skin is to choose Korean skincare products that contain deeply nourishing, repairing ingredients like traditional herbs, ceramides, collagen, snail mucin and so on. In addition, including natural emollients like plant and seed oils can also help give your skin a boost of moisture by enhancing skin elasticity and skin barrier to restore its natural healthy glow. Protecting your skin from sun damage is a must, by applying adequate sun protection when outdoors as the harmful UV rays can speed up the skin’s aging process and cause dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Apart from choosing the best type of beauty products from the best Korean skincare brands, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to ensure that your skin is receiving all the nutrients it needs is also important.
How do I Correctly Identify My Skin Type?
The best method to identify your skin type is the Bare Face Method. To do this cleanse and dry your face using a clean cloth, leave your skin as it is for 30 minutes and observe your complexion afterwards.
If there is no noticeable difference, you have normal skin. Feelings of tightness or visible fine lines when you apply gentle pressure on your face indicate dry skin. If you notice that your face has become oily or appear shiny, you have oily skin. A mix of both dry and oily areas on your face indicates combination skin. Finally, if you see any red areas or itchiness, you have sensitive skin.
Once you have identified your skin type, it is time to explore the best Korean beauty products for your skin type!