How to Know Your Skin Type

To figure out what type of skin you have, we first have to get acquainted with all of them. There are five main skin types that you may have: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. So how do you know which category you fall into?

Normal skin: Normal skin is just what it sounds like—normal! It means having skin that is neither excessively oily nor very prone to dryness. It's the middle ground, so this means often you can use most products and target problem areas that may pop up occasionally.

Oily skin: Having oily skin means having a complexion that's prone to greasiness and shine by mid-day. This skin type is often easy to spot since a shiny complexion can often look noticeably oilier than normal skin types. People with oily skin are often more prone to acne and blackheads.

Dry skin: In contrast to oily skin, dry skin types are constantly seeking moisture. If you have dry skin, it may look dull and your skin can sometimes be flaky or feel tight and dehydrated.

Combination skin: Combination skin can be trickier to identify and sometimes manage. Those with combination skin may notice that their T-zone (which includes the forehead, nose, and chin) appears oily, while their cheeks tend to be rather dry. For this skin type the clue is in the name – your skin is a combination of areas that align with an oily skin type, and some that sound more like dry skin.

Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, you may notice your complexion stings or burns when certain products are used. Remember that your skin may be one of the above types but can still be sensitive.

While now you know the different common skin types, that may not necessarily clear up which one you have. Still wondering, ‘what type of skin do I have?’ The best way to identify your skin type is to simply pay a little bit of extra attention to your skin.

For example, if you feel like you're dealing with two different skin types at the same time, you're most likely working with combination skin. If you notice that your skin is shiny an hour after cleansing, you likely have oily skin. On the other hand, if your skin is thirsty for moisture, it's a tell-tale sign that you have dry skin. If you never have to deal with excess oils, dryness, or flaky skin, you're working with normal skin. Listen to what your skin needs.

Are normal and combination skin the same thing? Not at all. While neither type is all oily or all dry, they’re actually pretty different. Normal skin doesn't have to deal with excess oils or dryness, it’s literally somewhere in the middle. Normal skin types can often tolerate most ingredients, so caring for this skin type is a bit simpler than the others. On the flip side, combination skin will be oily, dry, and normal in various areas, making it ever so slightly more difficult. Think of combination skin as dealing with multiple skin types at the same time.

While the condition of your skin can vary based on the seasons, your skin care routine, and various other factors, you can't actually change your skin type. Your skin type refers to your skin's natural state, however, this may change over time as things like hormones can affect your skin.

Your skin may also show one of the characteristics of another type in response to external factors. If you only experience dry patches when you use a certain product, for example, you wouldn't actually be classified as having a dry skin type, it would just be a reaction to a certain product.

Of course, the fact that you can't change your skin type isn't to say you can't manage it and achieve a balanced complexion. For example, oily skin types can be cared for in such a way that they aren't overly oily and dry skin types canbenefit from hydrating products that help to restore moisture and glow.

So now that we’re familiar with the 5 different skin types, exactly what their characteristics are and how to determine what skin type you really have, it’s time to find out exactly how to care for your skin type with a tailored skincare routine.

If you have normal skin, this one’s for you. This means you’re not overly dry or oily, so your skin routine will focus on the basics and keeping your skin nice and balanced.

STEP 1: Cleanse
For normal skin types it’s easiest to just stick to simple. Unless you want to actively target imperfections or concerns that pop up, it’s best to keep it nice and easy. First and foremost, cleanse every day AM and PM, no excuses! You should always be removing any makeup and washing your wash before hitting the hay. For a gentle and easy cleanse opt for the Revitalift Milky Cleansing Foam for a gentle cream textured cleanser that works to a soft lather, and leaves skin soft, smooth and comfortable.

STEP 2: Moisturise
Given your skin type, you can get away with using pretty much any moisturiser, lucky you! But we suggest the Revitalift Classic Day Cream SPF15. This formula works to not only hydrate your skin but also fight the visible signs of ageing with anti-wrinkle and extra-firming benefits, not to mention added SPF.

STEP 3: Apply eye cream (put this as STEP 2 before Moisturise)
Forget what you’ve heard, eye cream isn’t just for women of a certain age. In fact, it doesn’t hurt to get started early and protect the most delicate area on your face, the contour of your eyes. To pair with your moisturiser, we recommend the Revitalift Classic Eye Cream. Formulated to hydrate and tone the eye contour, it’s the perfect all-rounder eye cream for normal skin types.

Spotting an oily complexion is typically not too difficult. In fact, if you have one, you probably already know and just need to find out how to care for it. Without further ado here's the best skin care routine for oil-prone skin types.

STEP 1: Cleanse
What's better than cleansing your face once? Doing it twice! We're talking about double cleansing, which just might be something you want to try if you have oily skin. Your first cleanse should help remove makeup and dirt from the surface of your skin, while your second cleanse should remove any remaining impurities and excess oil. Start with a simple rinse-free option like the Revitalift Classic Make-Up Removing Wipes. Then, follow up with a rinse-off cleanser for an even deeper clean, like the Pure Clay Eucalyptus Purifying Cream Face Wash. This formula will purify the skin while removing impurities and excess sebum.

STEP 2: Exfoliate
Dead skin cells and excess oils can build up on your skin, which can lead to your skin looking extra-oily and shiny. To keep excess oils at bay and balance the texture of your skin, you should be exfoliating regularly. For a chemical exfoliating option that won’t aggravate your skin, reach for the Revitalift Laser X3 Glycolic Pads. With the exfoliating solution already infused in the pads, it’s an easy option for those on the go. Simply swipe over your skin after cleansing and you’re good to go. In terms of what we mean by regular, it’ll be different for everyone. Start out once or twice a week and see what your skin can handle.

STEP 3: Moisturise
Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you can't benefit from moisturising. In fact, moisturiser should be part of every single skin care routine, no matter your skin type. If you don’t maintain hydration by using a moisturiser, your skin may even produce more oil to compensate. The key is to find one that's right for your skin type. For an oily skin type, we’d recommend a lighter moisturiser, such as the Revitalift Classic Light Day Cream. The lightweight texture means it’s absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue.

STEP 4: Dot on eye cream (again, put eye cream before moisturiser)
Similarly, to how everyone should use moisturiser, everyone can benefit from the use of eye cream. One of our favourites? The Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Eye Cream. Enriched with Hyaluronic acid (LINK), this his will visibly plump your skin while fighting the visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles and crow's feet.

Since dry skin types are prone to irritation, such as itchy and flaky skin, a soothing, hydrating skin care routine is key! Keep things simple with our step-by-step routine below.

STEP 1: Cleanse
Usually when you’ve got dry skin and it already feels tight and rough, the last thing you may want to do is cleanse. However, if you reach for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip any further moisture from your skin, you won’t be left with that awful tight feeling. We recommend picking a formula that’s designed to nourish dry skin but also effectively get rid of impurities and excess dirt. Our favourite is the new Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser. Formulated with hydrating powerhouse Hyaluronic Acid, this hydrating cleanser is for returning moisture to dehydrated complexions, and smoother, firmer and plumped skin.

STEP 2: Exfoliate
Dead skin cells and excess oils can build up on your skin, which can lead to a dull appearance, especially for dry skin. A gentle chemical exfoliant can help remove dull, dead skin cells and revitalise the appearance of your skin. Formulated with soothing agents, the Revitalift Laser X3 Glycolic Pads are formulated with brightening glycolic acid to refresh skin, and boost your anti-ageing routine. As with all exfoliation you should start out slowly and only exfoliate once or twice a week to see how your skin handles it.

STEP 3: Moisturise
Now it’s time for the most important step for dry skin types, moisturiser. You’ll want one that’s specifically formulated to replenish the moisture in your skin. We love the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Revolumising Day Cream formulated with hydrating powerhouse Hyaluronic Acid, which holds 1,000 times it weight in water to replump and quench dry skin. For extra nourishment (and to make the most of your beauty sleep) add in a night cream. We recommend the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Deep Replumping Night Cream for deep nourishment and hydration overnight.

STEP 4: Apply eye cream (put eye cream before moisturiser)
If the rest of your face is dry, the skin around your eyes could be, too. This delicate, thin-skinned area is even more prone to dryness than the rest of your complexion. So, you should opt for a hydrating eye cream such as the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream.

Come to the conclusion that you’re rocking combination skin? Here's the perfect skincare routine for you!

STEP 1: Cleanse
If you have combination skin that's oily in some areas but dry in others, look for a face wash that works on all skin types but also works to gently eliminate excess oils while still hydrating, like the Revitalift Milky Cleansing Foam. Use it to cleanse both morning and night, even after a night out.

STEP 2: Moisturiser with SPF
Simplify your morning routine that little bit extra by opting for a moisturiser that has SPF in it already. One of our favourites is the Revitalift SPF15 Day Cream.

STEP 3: Apply eye cream (again, eye cream before moisturiser)
Next step is, you guessed it, eye cream! No matter your skin type, eye cream can be the extra boost of hydration everyone needs. Want to fight visible lines and wrinkles as well as under eye bags? Then the Revitalift Laser X3 Eye Cream is the one for you. The formula will re-firm the skin and stimulate microcirculation.

STEP 4: Multi-mask
Face masks are not only great for self-care, they’re also great for targeting specific skin concerns. With combination skin, you’ve usually got different concerns for different areas of your skin but no stress, all you need to do is multi-mask! Take your pick of the Pure Clay Soothing Mask, Pure Clay Exfoliating Red Algae Face Mask or the Pure Clay Detoxifying Charcoal Mask. Simply apply your chosen masks to clean, dry skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

If you have sensitive skin, stick to products that are specifically formulated for your skin type to avoid irritation.

STEP 1: Cleanse
First and foremost, you’ll need a nice gentle cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. The Revitalift Milky Cleansing Foam is a gentle cleanser with a soft lather, that will cleanse without stripping sensitive skin.

STEP 2: Moisturise
Again, choosing a nourishing moisturiser will work the best for you. If you want to fight visible signs of ageing while gently hydrating skin, opt for the Revitalift Classic Light Day Cream.

STEP 3: Use an eye cream (put eye before moisturiser)
Don’t think we forgot about your eyes! Protect and hydrate your under eye area with the Revitalift Classic Eye Cream every morning and evening.

STEP 4: Add a soothing face mask
Having sensitive skin can often mean you’re facing irritation on the daily. Calm your sensitive skin with a soothing face mask.

Now you know exactly what skin type you have and how to care for it, it’s time to work towards your best complexion yet with our Clear Skin Tips.