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To get the best results from your skincare products and routine, it really pays to learn how to know your skin type.

This can help you understand more about the unique aspects of your skin – and you can make more empowered choices about the best way to care for it.

But where do you start?

How to know what type of face skin you have

To learn how to know your face skin type, you need to learn what to look out for. Different skin types behave in noticeably different ways. Each also has unique skincare needs.

There are four main skin types – normal, dry, oily, combination. Most people mistakenly add a fifth one “sensitive skin”, which is classified as a skin condition, not a skin type.

Normal skin

Normal skin is the easiest to care for – it is well balanced.

If you have normal skin, your skin tone is probably even. You’ll rarely experience irritations or breakouts, and you won’t have dry or oily patches. Because you don’t have excess oil on your skin, your face won’t be shiny.

If your normal skin does break out or get irritated, it will respond quickly to treatment.

Despite this, it’s still very important to maintain a good skincare regime so that you can protect your fabulous skin and avoid skin issues from developing. A light moisturiser is perfect for the spring and summer months.

Dry skin

If you have a dry skin type, this means you produce less oil than your skin needs to stay hydrated.

Your skin will feel tight and may even flake if it gets too dry. When you touch it, your skin texture will feel uneven and rough.

Dry skin can make you look older more quickly than other skin types do. This is because dry skin accentuates the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

It’s important for you to use nourishing and hydrating ingredients to prevent further water loss and dehydration. Take extra care of your dry skin with The Derm Team Halt – Facial Elixir, a decadent blend of luxurious oils to keep your skin looking youthful.

Oily skin

If you have an oily skin type, you’ll notice that your skin produces excess sebum (otherwise known as oil). You may also have enlarged pores.

Excess oil on your skin can clog your pores, causing congestion and break-outs. Dealing with pimples is very frustrating, embarrassing and painful. To avoid this, choosing the right skincare products is vital.

Look out for skincare products that can help you balance sebum production. Also, make sure to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove debris from your pores.

Combination skin

Combination skin can be tricky to spot. You may be bothered by one aspect of your skin, causing you to overlook other factors.

People with combination skin often ask, ‘How can I know my skin type?’, feeling frustrated by skin areas that seem at odds.

Your skin may have a combination of oily and dry patches – usually an oily T-zone and dry cheeks. Breakouts may pop up in your oily areas. You might also find that your skin is sensitive, which makes finding the right products even trickier!

When choosing skincare products, you should look for options that will balance your skin and control sebum production.

We recommend using The Derm Team Cleanse Me Away twice a day as an ideal face wash for combination skin types.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you’re probably frustrated by how challenging it is to find skincare products that don’t cause irritation.

Your skin is probably quite thin. It could also be red or inflamed. You’ll notice this reaction gets worse when you try a skincare product that doesn’t agree with your skin.

To show your skin some love, choose products that help strengthen your skin barrier. Look for the words, ‘soothing’ or ‘calming’.

While this skin type can be challenging to manage, the good news is that sensitive skin usually responds well to natural skincare.

The Derm Team range is ideal for protecting sensitive skin.

Choosing the right products for your skin type

Now that you know what skin type you have, you’ll be able to start designing a skincare routine that works for you. This is exciting because the right products can have a massive impact on how your skin looks. And how your skin looks can have a huge impact on your self-esteem.

You’re incredible! You deserve to feel that way!

So, here’s what we recommend. Based on what you’ve learnt about your skin type, choose a cleanser and moisturiser that will bring out the best in your skin.

To add a little something extra to your skincare routine, The Derm Team has face serum for all skin types. For dry or sensitive skin, give Quenched – Hydrating Serum a go.

And finally, treat your skin to a twice-weekly face mask. The Derm Team has an absolutely gorgeous Australian Pink Clay face mask for all skin types. This skin treat draws out impurities while clarifying and hydrating to leave your skin feeling soothed, soft and glowing with health.

A final word on how to know what skin type you are

When you’re first learning about skincare, you may not know how to identify your face skin type. There are lots of clues though, so once you know what to look out for, you’ll never wonder how to determine your face skin type again.

Although your skin type can change over time, you’ll know what to look for. Now you have the tools to help you notice when things are changing and adjust your skincare routine to take great care of your skin, regardless of its type.

Finally, if you feel like you need a little extra help figuring out your skin type or choosing the best products for you, book your free Skin Consultation with The Derm Team today.

Remember, whatever skin type you have, there are solutions to help you look and feel beautiful!

In the innovative world of skincare, there seem to be so many viewpoints on how best to achieve beautiful, healthy skin. But one thing we can all agree on is that exfoliation is absolutely essential, no matter your age, ethnicity or gender. Let’s explore the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation so you can decide the best option for your skin.

Exfoliation is so important because your skin completely renews itself every 28 days. By removing old skin build-ups, you can make way from brighter, fresher-looking skin.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and other substances that clog the skin, including make-up and skincare products. This excess layer of debris can make your complexion look dull and coarse.

Either physical or chemical exfoliation works to remove the build-up, but each has a different way of doing so.

The difference between physical and chemical exfoliation

Physical exfoliation takes place when you rub something coarse against your skin. This mechanical action physically removes the build-up, which is then washed away.

Chemical exfoliation skips the scrubbing. Products with certain acidic ingredients are fantastic exfoliators, so revealing brighter skin is as easy as applying a serum or peel and letting it go to work!

So, is chemical exfoliation better than physical?

It really depends.

To help you decide which method to choose, we’ll look at each option a bit more closely.

Physical exfoliation – a closer look

What is a physical exfoliant?

Physical exfoliants range from exfoliating tools such as coarse exfoliating gloves, sponges or brushes, to scrubs.

There are scrubs to suit every skin type and you can find creamy or gel consistencies to suit your preferences. Some even come in a crystal form, allowing you to customise the coarseness of your scrub. The Derm Team Dead & Gone works in this way.

Remember to choose a physical exfoliant that has no plastic microbeads in it. These nasties are very bad for the environment and are being banned in various countries.

What does physical exfoliation do?

Physical exfoliation involves scrubbing the skin to remove the stratum corneum – the uppermost skin layer. This removes dead skin cells and anything else clogging your skin.

Benefits of physical exfoliation

Physical exfoliation can provide an instant lift to your look. Most people notice brighter, smoother skin right away.

This can be a great choice for people with sensitive skin because you can choose to rub very gently and experiment with the correct pressure to apply. If your skin is prone to reacting to products, you may choose to skip the stronger chemical exfoliation method.

How to use physical exfoliants

Start off gently. This will allow you to find the right amount of pressure to use. Remember, the goal is to gently remove the uppermost dead skin layer, not to scratch or irritate your healthy new skin.

For best results, exfoliate once or twice a week. More often won’t produce faster results.

Chemical exfoliation – a closer look

What is a chemical exfoliant?

Chemical exfoliants are acids that work to dissolve build-ups on your skin. They’re included in chemical exfoliation skincare products such as peels and serums.

There are two types:

AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are water-soluble. They work to dissolve dead skins cells, and stronger concentrations can dissolve the whole upper skin layer. Best for anti-aging, fine lines, reducing pore size and creating a more even skin tone, look out for malic, lactic, glycolic or citric acid if you’re keen to give AHAs a try.

BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are oil-soluble and more suitable for sun-damaged and acne- or rosacea-prone skin. They penetrate more deeply and can clear pores. Look out for salicylic acid or certain formulations of citric acid if you think BHAs are for you.

What does chemical exfoliation do?

Chemical exfoliants provide deep exfoliation.

Coarse, dull skin has developed a build-up of dead skin cells bonded together with a glue-like substance. This sits on top of new, healthy skin. Chemical exfoliants dissolve these bonds over time to reveal the fresh, glowing complexion underneath.

Benefits of chemical exfoliation

Apart from removing dull, dead skin, chemical exfoliants improve skin texture, unclog pores, decrease pore size, make surface wrinkles less noticeable, reveal a more even skin tone and even reduce inflammation associated with rosacea, acne and other skin conditions.

How to use chemical exfoliants

For instance, can you use chemical exfoliants every day?

Well, it’s best to start slowly. Try using your chemical exfoliant product every second day to start with and build up to every day as you see your skin tolerance increasing.

Always remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen afterwards, because your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. You’ve gone to the effort of improving your skin, it’s vital to make sure you protect it from further sun damage!

Choosing the right exfoliant for you

Both physical and chemical exfoliants can do a great job of improving the appearance of your skin, so which you choose is up to you.

If you have sensitive skin, you’re better off avoiding the strongest chemical exfoliants because these can irritate the skin, but you can start with a low percentage product and build up (remember, even those with normal skin should stick to a maximum of 10%-15% AHA).

Can you use physical and chemical exfoliation together?

Yes! The Derm Team Dead & Gone exfoliator brings you the best of both worlds. Combining a shot of Vitamin C with a mild AHA – malic acid – you can get an instant glow while knowing your skin is getting a deeper exfoliation at the same time. This formulation is gentle yet effective.

Your exfoliant comes in crystal form so you can customise the intensity of your scrub as you mix it with your favourite cleanser. Try it with The Derm Team Cleanse Me Away for a nourishing skin treatment.

Any exfoliation physical or chemical provides the benefit of erasing the dull look of old skin, revealing the beautiful younger layers underneath. You can choose either physical or chemical exfoliation – or a product that combines both!