Knowing what type of skin you have, will influence the kind of beauty routine you should follow and the ingredients you should use. Are you oily? Experience trouble locking in moisture? Have different needs for your T zone (forehead, nose and chin) as opposed to your cheeks? Some of us may only need to cleanse, moisturise and wear sunscreen but most of us will need a more detailed regime and struggle with or have to fight against dark spots and melasma, look to control shine and unclog pores, calm redness and irritation, want to hydrate and moisturise, and work hard to fade fine lines and wrinkles. It’s all about balancing your skin.
The best investment you can ever make when it comes to your skin, is getting a professional to do the analysis. While finding a great dermatologist who can really make a difference can be hard to find depending on your concerns and budget, we recommend going to one first, especially if you have more serious concerns.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of derms that we would recommend in three major cities - see below. We’ve focused on black women dermatologists as our first port of call in our growing list because they’re particularly well versed on issues around dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which keeps your skin from an even, bright glow.
We also thought we would help you do an at-home version analysis in the meantime, in case you haven’t had a consultation yet. It will give you a rough idea of what to look out for on your own. Remember that your skin does change over time so your type may also shift.
The best time to check skin is after you’ve cleansed it. Wait for three hours (that’s how long it takes for any good amount of sebum to be produced - or not -for you to get a good result) without putting on any products and check for the signs below. You have...
ONE OF 5 SKIN TYPES
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR SKIN TYPE AND RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
SWIPE >>>
|
SKIN TYPES |
HOW TO IDENTIFY IT |
PRODUCT AND PRICING |
|
NORMAL |
Few blemishes, smooth skin, barely noticeable pores, skin is not sensitive to product. |
Any Yearn Skin product will be great, BUT we advise NOT using too many actives at one time. |
|
SENSITIVE |
Skin is either dry, combination or oily but experience burning itching, stinging when applying product. Be extra cautious when using products on your skin if you have sensitive skin. |
|
|
OILY |
Skin is greasy/oily and prone to blemishes and breakouts. |
· Niacinamide Cleansing Gel, R280 |
|
COMBINATION |
Enlarged pores, greasy and oily on T-zone. Rest of skin is either normal or dry. |
· Niacinamide Cleansing Gel, R280 · 5% Glycolic Exfoliating Tonic, R299 · Active Brightening Facial Cream, R395 |
|
ACNE |
A range from uninflamed blackheads to pus-filled pimples or large, red and tender bumps. Skin can be dry, oily or combination. |
· Niacinamide Cleansing Gel, R280 · 5% Glycolic Exfoliating Tonic, R299 |
|
DRY |
Skin feels tight, dry and dehydrated. Might have a dull skin complexion. |
· Niacinamide Cleansing Gel, R280 · Active Brightening Facial Oil, R395 |
CAUTION: Some products contain active ingredients and some of these products can cause an irritation on the skin upon initial use thereof. We thus recommend using these products not more than two to three times per week initially and then gradually increasing to the desired use. Use only as directed. Patch test product, before use. If You have developed a more severe reaction to any of these products, DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY AND CONSULT A DOCTOR OR DERMATOLOGIST. DO NOT USE TOO MANY ACTIVES AT THE SAME TIME.
COMBINATION DRY/ COMBINATION OILY SKIN
If your T zone varies from the skin on your cheeks.
How else can you tell?
Your pores are enlarged around the T zone, which is oily or dry.
Great ingredient to try?
- Azelaic acid
- Squalane
DRY SKIN
If it doesn’t produce enough sebum.
How else can you tell?
Your skin feels tight, scaly and looks dehydrated
Great ingredient to try?
- Allantoin
- Glycolic acid
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
- Squalane
NORMAL SKIN
If it’s well-balanced skin.
How else can you tell?
- Your pores are not really noticeable
- Good blood circulation
- Smooth texture
- Few to no blemishes
Great ingredient to try?
Most are safe for you to use
OILY SKIN
If you produce too much sebum.
How else can you tell?
Skin feels shiny, greasy
You’re prone to breakouts and blemishes
Great ingredient to try?
- Azelaic acid
- Retinol
- Turmeric
- Vitamin C
SENSITIVE SKIN
If it’s easily irritated and or your skin barrier is compromised.
How else can you tell?
Your skin can still feel dry, oily or combination but the biggest concern will be burning, itching or stinging
Great ingredient to try?
- Aloe
- Green tea
- Q10
RECOMMENDED DERMATOLOGISTS, FOR EXPERT ADVICE:
- Johannesburg: Dr Pholile Mpofu
- Durban: Prof Ncoza Dlova
- Cape Town: Dr Nomphelo Gantsho
SOURCES:
https://www.wellandgood.com/how-to-find-out-your-skin-type/
https://askthescientists.com/skin-type-quiz/
https://www.dermstore.com/blog/what-is-my-skin-type/
https://www.byrdie.com/skincare-cocktailing-468397
FAQs and Answers
1. Why is it important to know your skin type?
Knowing your skin type helps determine the best skincare routine and ingredients for your specific needs. It ensures that you use products that enhance your skin health rather than cause irritation or imbalance.
2. How can I determine my skin type at home?
After cleansing your face, wait three hours without applying any products. Observe your skin—if it feels tight, you may have dry skin; if it's oily in some areas but dry in others, you likely have combination skin; and if it appears greasy, you probably have oily skin.
3. What are the main skin types?
The five primary skin types are normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Additionally, acne-prone skin is a common concern that can be dry, oily, or a combination of both.
4. What skincare products are recommended for oily skin?
For oily skin, products containing niacinamide, glycolic acid, and retinol are recommended to help regulate oil production, unclog pores, and control breakouts.
5. What ingredients should be used for sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin benefits from gentle and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and Q10, which help reduce irritation, inflammation, and redness.
6. Can my skin type change over time?
Yes, skin type can change due to factors like ageing, climate, hormones, and lifestyle choices. It’s important to reassess your skin’s needs regularly.
7. Why should I see a dermatologist before choosing skincare products?
A dermatologist can provide a professional skin analysis, recommend the best products for your concerns, and help prevent adverse reactions from using the wrong ingredients.
8. What precautions should I take when using active ingredients?
Active ingredients should be introduced gradually into your skincare routine. Initially, use them two to three times a week and increase usage as your skin adjusts. Always patch test new products and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
