Before you can decide which skincare products are best for you, you need to know your skin type. In this post, we will go over some basic skin types and their unique needs.

We have also included some at-home tests you can do to find out if have oily, dry, combination, or normal skin.

 

 

 

 

The Basic Skin Types

 

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin is characterized by a natural excess of sebum, leading to a shiny complexion, and is often accompanied by concerns like acne and enlarged pores. If you find yourself reaching for blotting papers throughout the day, you likely have oily skin.

The key to managing this skin type lies in understanding how to control excess oil without compromising skin moisture. Skincare products containing salicylic acid or niacinamide are an excellent way to regulate oil production. Acne-prone skin can be oily or dry.

Here are some effective strategies to help you manage oily/acne-prone skin:

 

• Gentle Cleansing: Start your routine with a sulfate-free cleanser to effectively remove impurities without stripping away too much oil from your face. A cleanser with green tea extract can help reduce oiliness while also soothing redness and skin irritation.

 

• Exfoliation: Include exfoliation into your routine to unclog pores and promote cell turnover. Products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid (BHA) can be very effective in managing oily skin.

 

• Lightweight Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, moisturizer to hydrate your skin without adding excess oil. Look for formulations containing ingredients like niacinamide to regulate sebum production.

 

• Activated Charcoal Products: Include cleansers or masks with activated charcoal, which can help absorb and control excess oil.

 

• Hyaluronic Acid: Despite having oily skin, maintaining hydration is key. If your skin becomes too dry your body will respond by producing even more oils. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent ingredient that hydrates the skin without adding oil, helping to maintain optimal moisture levels.

 

Dry Skin

Dry skin, characterized by a feeling of tightness, roughness, or flakiness, requires special attention and care to restore moisture and achieve a soft, supple texture.

Here are key identifiers to help you recognize dry skin:

 

 

To help restore and maintain optimal moisture levels requires both humectants and occlusives.

Humectants are ingredients that attract and retain moisture from the environment or the deeper layers of the skin. They work by drawing water molecules to the skin's surface, keeping it hydrated. Common humectants include aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.

Occlusives, on the other hand, form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing water loss and sealing in moisture, which is especially important if you have dry dehydrated skin. Common occlusives include jojoba oil, coconut oil, squalane, and argan oil.

 

Combination Skin

Combination skin is a unique blend of different skin types, often presenting challenges that require a thoughtful and balanced approach to skincare.

The forehead, nose, and chin, also known as the T-zone may exhibit signs of excess oil, enlarged pores, and occasional breakouts, while the cheeks and eye areas might experience dryness or sensitivity.

Understanding the distinct needs of each area is crucial for creating a skincare routine that caters to both aspects of combination skin.

Here are some tips to help you achieve balance and maintain an even complexion:

 

• Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin. Avoid harsh cleansers that contain sulfate, dyes, or artificial fragrances as these may worsen dryness in certain areas.

 

• Targeted Moisturization: Customize your moisturizer based on the needs of different facial zones. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer for the oily T-zone, and opt for a more occlusive formula for the drier cheek and eye areas.

 

• Balanced Exfoliation: Incorporate exfoliation into your routine to address both oily and dry skin concerns. Use a gentle exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid- or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, salicylic acid) to unclog pores in the T-zone and promote cell turnover on drier areas.

 

• Sunscreen Protection: Regardless of skin type, sunscreen is crucial. Look for a broad-spectrum 30+ SPF that is suitable for all skin types to ensure complete protection from harmful UV rays.

 

• Regular Skin Assessments: Keep track of changes in your skin's behavior, as factors such as seasons and lifestyle can impact your skin type. Adjust your skincare routine accordingly to maintain a well-balanced complexion.

 

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin requires a gentle and careful approach to prevent irritation and maintain a healthy complexion. If your skin easily reacts to environmental factors like wind, sun, and cold or certain skincare products, you likely have sensitive skin.

Effectively managing sensitive skin involves a cautious and informed approach to minimize potential irritants and promote a calm, nourished complexion. Here are some key strategies and ingredients to avoid:

 

• Gentle Cleansing: Choose a mild formula to cleanse your face without irritating it. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals cleansers that contain sulfate, dyes, or artificial fragrances that may trigger sensitivity.

 

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of skin care products containing harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. These can be abrasive and may cause adverse reactions in sensitive skin.

 

• Minimalist Ingredients: Look for products with simple ingredient lists. A shorter list reduces the likelihood of exposure to various components, lowering the risk of skin irritation.

 

• Avoid Alcohol-Based Products: Products containing high levels of alcohol can be drying and irritating to sensitive skin, so choose alcohol-free alternatives to maintain skin hydration.

 

• Calming Ingredients: Look for skincare products with calming ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, calendula, or green tea extract. These ingredients can help soothe sensitive skin and reduce redness.

 

• Patch Testing: Before applying a new product to your entire face, conduct a patch test on a small area to ensure it doesn't cause adverse reactions. This allows you to identify potential sensitivities before full application.

 

Identifying Your Skin Type: At-home tests

To determine your skin type there are two simple tests, the tape test and the tissue test, which you can do at home by yourself, no professional needed. All you need is some tape (think Scotch or the type you use for gift wrapping) or regular tissues.

Conducting either of these simple at-home tests can provide valuable insights into your skin, allowing you to make informed decisions about the products and practices that will best benefit your complexion.

Make sure to do these skin type tests every few months as your skin may change with the seasons, hormonal fluctuations, or lifestyle changes.

 

The Tape Test

1. Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face to ensure accurate results. Remove any makeup or skincare products from your skin and wash your face using a mild cleanser.
2. Wait for Natural Skin State: Allow your skin to air-dry or gently pat it with a clean towel. Do not apply any other skincare products. Wait 20 minutes.
3. Select Test Areas: Divide your face into different sections, focusing on the key zones – forehead, nose, chin (T-zone), cheeks, and jawline.
4. Apply Clear Tape: Take a small piece of clear tape and press it gently onto each designated area, ensuring good contact with the skin. Press down, wait 3 minutes then lift the tape to collect a sample of the skin's surface.
5. Observe Results: Examine the tape for any visible oiliness or dryness. If your skin type is oily skin, the tape may not stick well and will leave visible traces of sebum on the tape. If your skin type is dry skin, you may see the tape looks cloudy or has dry skin flakes attached. If your skin type is combination skin, the tape from the T-zone will appear oily while the other areas will appear normal or dry. If your skin type is normal skin, the tape will stick easily and come off easily without any oil or skin flakes on it.
6. Interpret Results: Based on the observed characteristics, you can identify whether each section falls into the category of oily, dry, or a combination of both.

The Tissue Test

1. Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face to ensure accurate results. Remove any makeup or skincare products from your skin and wash your face using a mild cleanser.
2. Wait for Natural Skin State: Allow your skin to air-dry or pat it gently with a clean towel. Do not apply any other skincare products. Wait 1 hour.
3. Select Test Areas: Divide your face into key zones – forehead, nose, chin (T-zone), cheeks, and jawline.
4. Use a Tissue Paper: Take a tissue paper and gently blot your entire face. Ensure that the tissue makes contact with the skin for a few seconds in each area.
5. Observe Results: If there isn’t any oil on the tissue and your face feels good, your skin type is normal skin. If the tissue has oil on it and your face looks shiny, your skin type is oily skin. If the tissue doesn’t have oil and your skin feels tight and flaky, your skin type is dry skin. If the tissue absorbs oil but some areas feel dry and flaky, your skin type is combination skin.
6. Interpret Results: Evaluate the characteristics of each section to identify whether it falls into the category of oily, dry, or a combination of both.

 

FP Skin Products for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

The Franke for Acne™ system includes three effective products that work like a dream together to achieve optimal results for combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types.

HOPE: This gentle daily cleanser is designed specifically for oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types.

Activated charcoal and 4% glycolic acid work together to purify and exfoliate, revealing a clearer complexion. Hyaluronic acid ensures hydration, while organic aloe leaf juice and green tea extract provide a soothing touch for irritated skin.

Incorporate this cleanser as the first step of your morning and evening routine.

CONTROL: This dynamic 2% salicylic acid exfoliator, is a targeted solution crafted for oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. This liquid formulation is great at controlling excess oil and combating acne at its source, deep within pores.

Key ingredients include 2% salicylic acid, renowned for its acne-fighting properties, aloe vera for soothing hydration, willow bark extract for its natural exfoliating benefits, and tea tree oil to combat blemishes.

For optimal results, incorporate this exfoliator into your routine after cleansing and before applying serums or moisturizers. Begin gradually, applying every other day, and adjust usage based on your skin's response, working up to twice daily

CONFIDENCE: This soothing lightweight moisturizer is formulated to hydrate and calm acne-prone skin. Ideal for those with oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types, this lightweight cream is non-greasy and quickly absorbs leaving skin soft and hydrated.

Niacinamide and Vitamin E work together to combat redness, while calendula and allantoin soothe and alleviate irritation. Hyaluronic acid and organic aloe vera ensure deep hydration, promoting healthy skin cell rejuvenation and collagen production.

Apply this moisturizer as the last step in your routine to lock in hydration and promote a balanced, calm complexion.

 

FP Skin Products for Dry Skin

 

The Daily System effectively combats the visible signs of aging for all skin types, with the moisturizer proving to be an excellent choice for dry skin types.

Restore: This luxurious and deeply hydrating anti-aging moisturizer is specifically crafted for combination, normal, dry, and sensitive skin types. Formulated to address fine lines, uneven skin tone, and, of course, dryness.

Two peptides, work together to help prevent fine lines before they form and promote a firmer, plumper complexion. Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Aloe Vera Juice ensure deep hydration, combating dryness and leaving the skin supple.

Include this cream as the final step in your evening routine after cleanser and toner/exfoliator, or in the morning after toner/exfoliator or serum, to unveil a radiant and hydrated complexion. Don't forget to complement this with daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen for optimal sun protection and to prevent UV-induced damage.

 

At FP Skin our skincare products are always formulated with the highest quality organic, natural, and vegan ingredients, each selected for its unique therapeutic properties. Our products are made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, or artificial dyes/fragrances, and are always cruelty-free.

 

 

 

 

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