Understanding skin types
Understanding skin types
Knowing what skin type your customer has – dry, oily or combination – will help you to recommend a skincare routine that’s best suited to their specific needs. Remember to keep in mind that all these skin types can also be sensitive.
If a customer is unsure of their skin type, there is a simple test that can be used to help.3 Customers should wash their face and gently pat it dry, then leave it for 30 minutes without applying any products before checking the skin’s appearance.
DRY SKIN will immediately feel tight and dry
OILY SKIN will start to become shiny. Your customer could use blotting paper on their skin, holding the sheets up to the light to check for oil markings to identify excess sebum.
COMBINATION SKIN will start to appear oily in the T-zone whilst the rest of the face remains matte.
CLICK THROUGH THE CAROUSEL to learn more about different skin types
NORMAL SKIN3
Most customers are unlikely to have ‘normal skin’ at all times. However, it is identified as skin that does not include features commonly seen by other types. However, they would still require a good skincare routine for maintenance.
PRODUCT ADVICE: Ingredient selection will rely upon personal skincare goals, e.g. panthenol for soothing or niacinamide to help strengthen the skin barrier. All customers would benefit from cleansing skin and using SPF to help reduce the risk of skin cancer and UV-related skin ageing.
DRY SKIN3
People with dry skin tend to produce less sebum and skin can feel tight and flaky. Dry skin generally requires additional moisture compared to other skin types and customers often have to moisturise more frequently.
PRODUCT ADVICE: Dry skin may need to be moisturised more often than other skin types. Customers should choose gentle, hydrating cleansers and thicker moisturisers with hydrating ingredients, emollients and ceramides.3
OILY SKIN3
Oily skin shows enlarged pores and a shiny complexion, caused by excess levels of sebum (the oily substance that lubricates the skin and help keep it waterproof). Customers suffering from oily skin are more likely to suffer from acne.
PRODUCT ADVICE: Lighter moisturisers such as gels or lotions will help to avoid exacerbating oil production. Opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturisers.3
COMBINATION SKIN3
Some areas of the face will produce too much sebum (such as the forehead and nose, also known as the T-zone), whilst other areas may be normal or dry.
PRODUCT ADVICE: Different formulations may be needed for different areas of the face, e.g. sebum-dissolving ingredients like salicylic acid may be needed on oilier areas like the T-zone, but may be too drying to use in other areas. Conversely, thicker moisturisers may be needed for dry areas such as the cheeks whereas a lotion or gel may work better for oily areas.3
SENSITIVE SKIN3
Unlike other skin types, sensitive skin is not affected by sebum production. Instead, it is characterised by the sensation and irritation shown by the symptoms described in the video. However, all of these skin types could also have sensitive skin episodes at the same time.
PRODUCT ADVICE: Customers should avoid harsh or potentially irritating ingredients and opt for soothing and calming ingredients. Those with very sensitive skin may also wish to avoid fragranced products, and might find sunscreens containing minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide more tolerable than purely chemical sunscreens.3
A consistent skincare routine is vital for maintaining healthy skin. Cleansing, applying the right products to target specific concerns, moisturising and protecting skin regularly can help prevent damage, manage any issue-prone areas and keep the skin looking its best at every age.4
CLICK THROUGH THE SLIDER to learn more about building a skincare regime
Cleanse, but be gentle2
The ideal facial cleanser should remove dirt, make-up and excess oil, but not dry out the skin. For all skin types, cleansing the face once in the morning and once in the evening should be enough.3 Over-washing can lead to dryness and irritation, especially in sensitive skin.
Moisturise2
Moisturisers improve hydration and help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving skin feeling softer and smoother. Apply as needed, but especially after cleansing while skin is still damp, as this will help lock in moisture.3,4 For sensitive skin, avoid unnecessary, and potentially irritating, ingredients such as colours and fragrances.
Avoid known triggers2
Sensitive skin is the negative reaction of skin to certain triggers. Identifying what might be causing the sensitive skin to flare up is helpful and then avoid these triggers altogether, if possible.
Always use sunscreen2
Regularly wearing facial sunscreen has been shown to actively help sensitive skin. A daily SPF moisturiser, with at least SPF304, should be used to reduce the likelihood of ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and always wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun.
Exfoliate2
Regular exfoliation helps to deep clean the skin, removing irritants, impurities and pollutants, as well as removing dead skin cells and promoting skin renewal.
Harsh physical exfoliation should be avoided; use one with chemical exfoliation properties specifically designed for sensitive skin, like Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Cleanser.
Don’t forget the rest of the body!5
SKINCARE IS NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL, AND A SKINCARE ROUTINE MAY NEED TO BE ADAPTED TO SUIT THE CUSTOMER’S UNIQUE NEEDS AS THEIR SKIN CHANGES OVER TIME.3,4
For customers who want to discover more about their own skin,
you can direct them to the AI skin analysis tool on the Cetaphil website.
The Cetaphil range: product summary5
A LEADING DERMATOLOGIST-RECOMMENDED BRAND FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
| PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|
|
KEY INGREDIENTS: Glycerin, niacinamide & panthenol
|
|
KEY INGREDIENTS: Glycerin, niacinamide & panthenol
|
|
KEY INGREDIENTS: Hyaluronic acid
|
|
KEY INGREDIENTS: Niacinamide & chicory extract
|
|
KEY INGREDIENTS: Micronised zinc oxide technology
|
|
KEY INGREDIENTS: Avocado oil, niacinamide, panthenol & vitamin E
|
|
KEY INGREDIENTS: Sweet almond oil, niacinamide, panthenol & vitamin E
|