What type of skin do I have?

Your skin type is based on sebum production, pore size, or skin reactivity. It is predetermined by genes, so basically we are born with our skin type! Your skin type CAN change due to hormones, certain medical conditions, and medications. But what we usually deal with is called skin conditions, the present moment of your skin. Stress, environmental factors, diet, and how our skin reacts to skincare products are some of the contributing factors. These factors can cause but are not limited to, hyperpigmentation, blackheads, fine lines, inflammation, loss of elasticity, and dehydration. This is why it’s important to have to consult with a professional and find out the correct products for you and your skin. Sometimes it’s a bit difficult to differentiate the two! Let’s start with steps to help you determine what kind of skin you’re dealing with!

Determining your skin type

Dry Skin

Your skin has very small, barely visible pores with no oily shine. Your skin is more susceptible to a rough texture, flaking, and fine lines.

Oily Skin

Your skin has large pores that are visible throughout the skin and even up to the hairline. You will usually develop an oily shine shortly after cleansing. Your skin is also thicker.

Normal Skin

Your skin has small but visible pores around the face. You may also get a little bit of an oily shine in the t-zone area (forehead, nose, chin) by the end of the day.

Combination Skin

Your skin can have oily/normal or normal/dry characteristics. Your pore size may be visible throughout the t-zone, and your skin may have an oily shine throughout the t-zone.

Sensitive Skin

This type of skin cannot be determined by physical appearance and require some further examination. You have been diagnosed with rosacea or you’ve had eczema, asthma, or seasonal allergies since childhood.

Acneic Skin

This can be identified by a few different signs. The first one is that acne runs in your family, second, your acne started at the start of puberty, and lastly, you usually experience acne on your back and chest.

Treating your skin

If you are looking for a skincare routine that fits your skin type but doesn’t know where to start, Annapolis Plastic Surgery offers a variety of products to help guide you in reaching an optimal routine, specialized just for you. We recommend visiting our Aesthetician, Leah, to help get a better understanding of your skin and recommend what will best help you, but in the meantime, here are some of her favorite products for the following skin types.

Dry Skin

Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment from Skinbetter Science is a wonderful moisturizer to incorporate as its “High-performance, triple-action formula that helps to bring moisture and hydration balance back to the skin.

Oily skin

Detoxifying Scrub Mask from Skinbetter Science is a fantastic mask to add once a week as it’s a clay-based scrub mask. “Clay minerals absorb unwanted oil and remove toxins and other impurities.”

Normal Skin

Obagi Nu-Derm® Foaming Gel from Obagi is a powerful cleanser but still gentle. “Nu-Derm Foaming Gel gently removes makeup and everyday impurities for a clean, fresh complexion.”

Combination skin

EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ from EltaMD is a great sunscreen to use daily, as it’s lightweight and protects you from the sun. “UV Sheer has a lightweight, hydrating formula that feels silky to the touch and light and airy on the skin.”

Sensitive Skin

Cleansing Gel from Skinbetter Science is a gentle cleanser that is safe for compromised/sensitive skin. “This product is soap and sulfate free, and all skinbetter science products are dermatologist tested, paraben free, fragrance free, dye-free, and cruelty-free.”

Acneic Skin

AlphaRet Clearing Serum from Skinbetter Science is a retinoid-based product that helps to clear blemishes all while nourishing the skin. “A uniquely formulated retinoid-based serum designed for those who wish to maintain a youthful-looking complexion and clarify the appearance of oilier, blemish-prone skin”

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We offer all of these options at Annapolis Plastic Surgery. If you are unsure about what type of skin you have, or what skincare would be best for you, come in and see us – we’d love to assist you with all your skincare needs!