You're a wonderful and unique person, and so is your skin! That's why at Miiko, we know how personalized skincare routines and products are. This is why we strive to make products for every person and skin type.
The first place to start when beginning a new skincare routine, is to determine your skin type and find products tailored to you.
So how do I find out what my skin type is? We provide a quick & easy method to help you discover your skin type, and provide our favourite skin health tips!
We often talk about skin types as a starting point in selecting appropriate skincare products and creating skincare routines for your skin. The most common skin types we talk about are: Dry, Normal/Combination, Oily, and Sensitive.
How to Find your Skin Type
Wash your face with a mild cleanser (like our Honey Face Wash) and gently pat dry. Do not apply any moisturizers, serums, or treatments, and leave your skin bare. After 30 minutes, examine your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin for any shine or oily patches. After another 30 minutes, check to see if your skin feels dry, especially if you smile or make any other facial expressions.
Does your skin feel tight? You most likely have a dry skin type.
Does your skin appear shiny or feel oily on your forehead, nose and chin (T-zone area)? You most likely have a normal or combination skin type.
Is there shine & oil on your cheeks in addition to your forehead and nose? You most likely have an oily skin type.
Skin Types
Dry Skin
Dry skin types produce less sebum (oil) than normal skin. As a result of the lack of sebum, dry skin types struggle to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external factors.
If dry skin types are out of balance they will become dry and flakey. The skin might become red, inflamed, sensitive, and start to develop conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and/or small bump-like pimples.
Shop our favourite products for dry skin types here!
Normal/Combination Skin
Normal/combination skin types are very common because the pores in the T-zone behave differently than the rest of the face. The best thing for combination skin is to create a consistent routine and try to find products that support the skin in its natural production of sebum. Anything too drying will put the skin into overdrive which is what often causes oily/dry skin.
Shop our favourite products for normal & combination skin types here!
Oily Skin
Oilier skin types are glowing and dew-like when they are in balance. Oilier skin types have a tendency to become oily throughout the day in the T-Zone area, and most often on the cheeks as well.
Oiliness is caused by the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands in the second layer of the skin (the dermis). Understanding WHY the skin is being triggered to over produce oil is the key to balancing oilier skin types. Stress and lack of sleep can both play a role in the stimulation of the sebaceous glands. Heavy moisturizers can increase oiliness on the skin... and conversely over-washing with soap can strip your skin and trigger the overproduction of oil. Some harsh acne treatments can dry out the skin, causing it to overproduce oil as well.
Shop our favourite products for oily skin types here!
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin types are more prone to inflammation and irritation, and can often overlap with dry skin. When sensitive skin is out of balance, it can develop acne, rosacea, eczema, or contact dermatitis (which is a type of red, itchy rash).
Sensitive skin types can easily be irritated by certain ingredients, and often benefit from using more gentle formulas and avoiding fragrance and strong scents. Sensitivity can also be a temporary skin condition if the skin has been over-scrubbed, harshly exfoliated or has had a reaction to a specific product/ingredient.
Shop our favourite products for sensitive skin types here!
Please note that these are general skin types and descriptions. Your individual skin type can change with age, climate/weather/seasons, and hormones.
Want to learn more? Here is a link to get our FREE Face Mapping e-book. This is a great tool to learn more about how hormones, stress, and lifestyle can contribute to your skin changes over time.
