Knowing your skin type is crucial for understanding your skin and it's needs. Read this and thanks us later!

By Maria Ahlgren, Co-founder and skin expert at Common Clouds

Understanding your skin type – and how it differs from skin conditions – is basically the driver's license we all should get before venturing out in the big world of skincare.

But what are the different skin types? What's the difference between skin type and skin condition, and why is it so important to understand the difference?

What does "skin type" mean?

Skin type is mainly genetic and is a basic programming for how low or high oil production your skin has. We have the same basic skin type throughout but the concerns will change throughout our life.

What are the 4 skin types?

Dry skin type – Low oil production

• In dry skin, the pores are typically small.
• Low oil production makes skin feel dry and often tight.
• Skin can look dull, and skincare is not absorbed easily, but "sits" on skin.
• Dry skin is easily irritated and more likely to react to strong skincare products.
• Dry skin kan ha milia and spots.

• Skin has a goof balance of sebum and moisturising factors (NMF).
• Skin is neither dry or overly oily, and feels comfortable most of the time.

• A genetically high oil production.
• The pores in oily skin types are larger tend to be more visible than in drier skin types.
• Skin can appear shiny or greasy.
• Oily skin is more prone to acne and blackheads.
• On a good note, this skin type tend to show aging signs later in life!

• Oily in some areas, dry in others. 
• The T-zone can be oily, while the cheeks are dry.
• This is a very common skin type. 

Is sensitive skin a skin type?

Skin sensitivity sits somewhere between skin type and skin concern.

Skin sensitivity is influenced both by genetics and lifestyle factors, such as overusing too strong skincare products or long-term stress that affects skin's barrier function.

All skin types can be sensitive, but it's extremely common that dry skin is especially sensitive since it's lower in healthy barrier lipids. 
Skin can also be temporarily sensitised, for example if we've had an allergic reaction.

What does "skin condition" mean, and how is it different from skin type?

Unlike skin type, which is the permanent predisposition we're born with, the skin condition is where your skin is in the here and now.

Skin conditions are influenced by a range of factors, such as hormones, stress, illness, weather changes or using products that don't suit your skin. Skin conditions change frequently, for example during the menstrual cycle.

Some conditions are more common in certain skin types - acne is most common in oily skin, while dry skin is more often reactive and sensitive.

What are common skin conditions?

Acne and blemishes – Most common in oily skin, but all skin types can get breakouts. The underlying causes of acne are genetics and hormones, and how sensitive our oil glands are to our sex hormones. However, acne can be triggered by lifestyle factors – which is good, because this means that we can also manage it to a large extent with the lifestyle and skincare choices we make!

If your acne is severe, causes scarring, a lot of mental stress or you have cystic acne genetically in your close family, make sure to always consult a doctor to discuss treatment options.

Dehydrated skin – Unlike dry skin, which lacks in oil, dehydrated skin  (also known as "surfade dryness") lacks hydration. Skin feels dry and tight, and simply very thirsty! Dehydrated skin that isn't flooded with enough hydration through skincare might overcompensate and produce more sebum, which can cause breakouts. Dehydrated skin also needs help to recover and repair the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. 

Rosacea and redness – Rosacea is a very commonc, chronic, inflammatory skin condition that often manifests as redness, flushing and visible blood vessels.

There are four types of rosacea:

• Erythematotelangiectatic (vascular) – Visible redness, flushing, and dilated blood vessels. The symptoms can successfully be managed with targeted skincare, treatments like IPL and lifestyle factors, such as avoiding triggers like spicy foods and UV exposure.
• Papulopustular (inflammatory) – If you are experiencing acne-like breakouts, you may have papulopustular rosacea. Consult a skin doctor who can tell if you have acne or rosacea, since they are treated differently.
• Phymatous rosacea – The skin typically thickens and has a granulomatous texture. This grade of rosacea requires medical treatment.
• Ocular rosacea – Affects your eyes and eyelids, causing them to become red and irritated.

If you suspect that you have rosacea, consult a doctor to get the proper diagnosis.

Other skin conditions are eczema, keratosis pilaris ("goose bumps" under the skin, mostly on arms and legs).

It's common to have several skin conditions at the same time.

Ok, but what "skin concerns" then?

If the skin condition mostly is about how skin feels, and how to get it back into the comfy zone, concerns and skin goals are more about what we want to see in the mirror. Maybe we're annoyed by dark circles under our eyes, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation or signs of aging. 

When looking for skincare products, you want to think about which concerns you want to address, and what your skin goal is.

Common skin goals are:

• Less visible pores
• Less visible post-blemish marks or hyperpigmentation
• Less visible sun damage
• Less visible fine lines
• Less visible redness
• More even skin tone
• More even skin texture
• More glowy skin
• Of course, our skin goals can have more poetic names such as "glass skin", "mochi skin" or "glazed donut skin". 

The lines between condition and concerns are blurry, but remember to ask your self these three questions when investing in a new skincare products:

1. What is my skin type?
2. What skin condition do I have right now?
3. What is my main concern right now, and what is my skin goal?

Remember!

EVERY skin is individual, and skincare is never a "one size fits all!"! You're born into your very unique skin, and your skin condition and concern changes throughout your entire life. SKIN CHANGES CONSTANTLY! This is why it's so important to listen to YOUR skin, and not to get too carried away with all TikTok trend.

Skincare also requires patience! Most skincare product need at least 2 weeks to start working on a deeper level, and often 6-8 weeks are needed to evaluate how a product worked for you.

We hope this article will help you on your skin journey!