Know Your Skin Type: First Step To Finding The Right Natural Skincare

The importance of understanding your skin type

Embarking on a skincare journey involves more than just picking products off the shelf. It requires understanding your skin type. Like tailoring an outfit to fit perfectly, selecting skincare products that match your skin's unique needs is essential. Identifying your skin type is the foundation upon which you build a regimen that delivers optimal results. By understanding your skin's characteristics, you can choose products that address specific concerns, from preventing irritation to providing targeted treatment and maintaining balanced hydration.

How and why your skin type may change over time

Experts agree that skin types "are not static." They can change over time due to various factors, like hormonal changes during puberty and menopause, or environmental conditions like changes in climates and pollution. Lifestyle choices like diet, stress levels, health conditions, medications, and genetics influence skin evolution, too. For example, a combination skin type can become dry, and a gentle cleanser once loved might now cause discomfort.

If you're wondering, "what skin type do I have?" Don't worry, you're not alone. Identifying your skin type can be confusing, but it's crucial to determine the right skincare routine. With our help, you can determine your skin type and embrace the necessary changes. We'll also recommend the best natural skincare products tailored to your specific needs. With these natural products and the right routine, you can achieve healthy and radiant skin.

Understanding Skin Types

Normal Skin

Imagine a world where your skin isn't a desert begging for moisture, nor a grease pit needing constant blotting. That's the dream, right? Normal skin, in all its glory, finds the sweet spot between oiliness and dryness, rarely experiencing the extremes that plague other skin types. It boasts of fine texture, barely there pores, and a comfortable, soft feel. Sure, a little T zone glow might grace your face in the afternoon, but never enough to warrant panic. And while the occasional breakout might make an unwelcome visit, they're usually fleeting guests, not permanent residents.

But normal skin isn't just about avoiding extremes. It also enjoys the privilege of minimal sensitivity, meaning harsh reactions and irritation are rarities. This skin type boasts a healthy glow, radiating with hydration. Even its pores are well behaved, barely noticeable, keeping blackheads at bay.

Skin care for normal skin

So, how do we keep this skin type happy? The answer lies in a surprising truth: prevention, not correction. Unlike its drier or oilier counterparts, normal skin doesn't need constant intervention. Instead, the focus shifts to shielding it from potential harm and preventing premature signs of ageing.

Think of antioxidants as your skin's best friends. Green tea, vitamin C, marshmallow extract, coenzyme Q10, and resveratrol act like invisible shields, maintaining your skin health and protecting your precious glow (and skin barrier) from environmental aggressors.

Hello Charlie recommends the following skincare products for normal skin: Weleda's Gentle Cleansing Foam is a good normal skin cleanser, while Acure's Brilliantly Brightening Day Cream is a nice face cream for normal skin.

Dry Skin

Imagine your skin as a sponge. It should be moist and supple, retaining moisture and radiating a healthy sheen. But dry skin struggles to produce enough natural oil, leaving it feeling tight, uncomfortable, and matte. Think of that sponge, dry and cracked, desperately seeking hydration.

Pores? More like microscopic mysteries! Dry skin typically boasts barely there pores, almost invisible to the naked eye. It's as if your skin is holding onto every drop of moisture for dear life. Your skin's natural barrier function might be compromised, leading to moisture loss and that tight, uncomfortable feeling.

While summer might offer a brief respite, winter can be downright brutal for dry skin. The combination of biting winds, indoor heating, and chilly temperatures can leave your skin feeling sore and aggravated. And don't even get us started on those fine lines that seem to appear out of nowhere, particularly around the nose, eyelids, and cheeks. Unfortunately, dryness can make these lines and wrinkles more prominent due to dullness and flakiness.

If you have dry skin, don't worry; there are solutions. The first step is to identify the root causes, which may include genetic factors, aging or hormonal changes, exposure to environmental elements such as wind, sun, or cold weather, UV radiation from tanning beds, indoor heating, prolonged hot baths or showers, some ingredients found in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers, and certain medications. Once you understand the underlying causes, you can take steps to restore your skin's natural moisture balance.

Skincare Goal

To combat dry skin, it's important to understand its unique needs and adopt a tailored skincare routine that replenishes moisture and strengthens the skin's barrier function.

When choosing the right products for your dry skin, explore the power of plant oils. Plant oils include sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, rosemary oil, calendula oil, and chamomile oil. These natural wonders are packed with hydrating, soothing, nourishing and even anti-inflammatory properties, giving your skin the essential moisture it craves. Say goodbye to itchy, irritated skin and hello to a complexion that positively glows with health and vitality. 

Skin care products for dry skin

Hello Charlie recommends the following skincare products as a natural moisturiser for dry skin: Weleda Skin Food and Weleda Skin Food Light.

Dehydrated Skin

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like your skin was begging for a glass of water? If so, you might be one of the many who understand the struggle of dehydrated skin. It's a surprisingly common condition affecting all skin types, and it's not just about feeling parched. It's not the same as dry skin. While they both share some similar symptoms, the root cause is different. Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water.

So, how do you know if your skin is thirsting for hydration? Dehydration can show premature signs of ageing through fine, crepey lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable, even on younger skin. Your skin may feel rough or uneven, but not necessarily due to the absence of natural oils. Dullness and lack of radiance are another giveaway, where your skin loses its youthful glow and looks tired, almost as if it needs a pick me up. It may also feel tight and uncomfortable, not the flaky kind associated with dryness but a pulling sensation that feels like your skin is begging to loosen its grip. Finally, increased sensitivity or irritation, can be a warning sign of dehydration. It indicates that your skin's protective barrier is compromised and struggling to defend itself.

Skincare for dehydrated skin

Improve your skin's hydration by replenishing and retaining moisture within the skin while restoring its natural hydration balance. 

Hydration is crucial for healthy skin. You can achieve it by drinking enough water and using skincare products that contain humectants. These ingredients bind and hold water to the skin's surface, effectively hydrating and plumping the skin. If you have dehydrated skin, look for products that also contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, cucumber extract, and rose water.

Hello Charlie recommends the following skincare products from the Acure Ultra Hydrating product line as a moisturiser for dehydrated skin: Acure Ultra Hydrating Cucumber & Hyaluronic Superfine Mist and Acure Ultra Hydrating 12 Hour Facial Moisturiser.

Mature Skin

Remember that dewy, plump feeling your skin used to have? It's a natural process for our skin to change as we age and transition into what is known as "mature skin." This skin type tells a story, characterised by loss of elasticity, varying pore sizes, and dry patches. It may also appear dull and dry and feel tight. And, of course, there are telltale signs of wrinkles and fine lines around areas such as the eyes and mouth. You may also notice subtle nuances such as surface capillaries or evenness in tone and texture, reminding us of the wisdom our skin has accumulated over the years.

But don't let the label fool you - mature skin signals a new and exciting chapter in your skincare journey! This chapter offers the chance to embrace deeper self-knowledge, tailor your routine to your unique needs, and ultimately reveal a radiant, healthy complexion that reflects your inner confidence.

What's the best skincare for mature skin?

Natural skincare for ageing skin is all about enhancing its appearance and vitality. Focus on restoring hydration, firmness, and radiance to empower the skin to look and feel its best at every stage. It's an opportunity to embrace the natural evolution of the skin and work towards a healthier and more beautiful complexion.

It’s amazing how nature has provided beneficial ingredients to help us achieve a more youthful and radiant complexion. Bakuchiol, rosehip oil, argan oil, squalane, and niacinamide are some of the natural wonders that can help address common concerns associated with mature skin. When combined with retinol and other actives, these natural ingredients work gently but effectively to reduce wrinkles, boost collagen production, improve texture, and promote an even skin tone. 

Hello Charlie recommends the best serums for mature skin from the Acure Radically Rejuvenating product line (with ingredients that are great for ageing skin): Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual-Phase Bakuchiol Serum, Acure Radically Rejuvenating Niacinamide Serum, and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Rose Argan Oil.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is like a delicate flower. It easily gets hot, itchy, or dry from the weather, pollution, or even with new skincare products. Imagine a face that flushes easily, feels irritated after a shower or after cleansing, and looks red and blotchy. It can also be more irritated at different times during your menstrual cycle or burn easily with sun exposure. That's what it's like for people with sensitive skin. But sensitivity isn't always there; it comes and goes.

Skincare for sensitive skin

To take care of sensitive skin, we need to be gentle. This means using products with natural ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, oatmeal, calendula, and coconut oil. These can help calm irritation, reduce redness, and hydrate the skin. But also watch out for harmful stuff like fragrances, alcohol, sulphates, synthetic dyes, and harsh exfoliants. These can make sensitivity worse.

Hello Charlie recommends Acure's Seriously Soothing natural skincare product line, specially formulated for sensitive skin. It includes Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream and Acure Seriously Soothing Cloud Cream. We also recommend Weleda's Almond Soothing product line, particularly the Weleda Almond Soothing Face Lotion. For those who prefer a gentle option for themselves or their babies, Weleda's White Mallow product line is an ideal choice. We recommend the Weleda White Mallow Face Cream.

Oily Skin

Do you ever find yourself blotting your face throughout the day, battling shine, and wishing for a matte finish? If so, you're not alone! Oily skin is characterised by an overproduction of sebum, the skin's natural oil. This creates a shiny, sometimes greasy appearance, especially in the T zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Oily skin is primarily determined by genetic and hormonal factors such as puberty, menstruation, and hormonal imbalances. Environmental factors, such as humidity and hot weather, can also trigger excess oil production.

Besides the visible shine, oily skin often comes with other problems, such as breakouts, blackheads, redness, and visibly open pores. These can leave you feeling like you are constantly battling imperfections. However, there is some good news: oily skin ages slower and develops fewer wrinkles than drier skin types. With the right approach, you can perfectly balance controlling shine and maintaining healthy hydration.

Skincare for oily skin types

Forget harsh stripping cleansers. Your quest lies in regulating and balancing oil production while keeping your skin clear and healthy. Opt for gentle formulas that cleanse without stripping essential moisture. Avoid mineral oils, shea butter, and super rich emollients, but don't shy away from all oils! Lightweight facial oils can quench your skin's thirst without clogging pores.

Nature has your back, too. Witch hazel, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, niacinamide, and clays like kaolin and bentonite are your allies. These natural ingredients work wonders to control excess oil production gently, unclog pores, and mattify your skin without stripping it of essential moisture.

Hello Charlie recommends Acure's skin cleanser for oily skin. We love the Acure Incredibly Clear Facial Cleansing Bar and Acure Incredibly Clear Acne Spot from Acure's Incredibly Clear product line.

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, don't worry; it's a common skin type that can be inherited. It also means that some parts of your face produce more oil than others, especially the T-zone area, which includes your forehead, nose, and chin. The causes of oily and dry patches (dead skin cells) can vary from person to person and can be influenced by several factors, such as weather conditions, hormonal changes, and ageing.

Recognising combination skin also involves observing a distinct pattern of characteristics. The T-zone becomes shiny throughout the day due to excess oil secretion. At the same time, other areas, particularly the cheeks, may experience dryness, leading to tightness and uneven texture.

The best skincare for combination skin

Finding a balance that won't disrupt the skin's equilibrium is important. Avoid harsh or overly rich products. Instead, use gentle cleansers like balms, oils, or cream cleansers. Foaming face washes containing sulphates can strip the skin of natural oils, so it's best to steer clear of them. During the day, try using oil free moisturisers while incorporating plant oils into nighttime routines to keep the skin hydrated and balanced.

For combination skin, natural ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, green tea extract, and rose water can help balance oil production, hydrate dry areas, and soothe sensitive patches, providing overall harmony to the skin.

When looking for a cleanser for combination skin, try Acure's Incredibly Clear Cleansing Clay or Weleda's One-Step Cleanser & Toner.

The Best Natural Skincare Products at Hello Charlie

Your skin deserves personalised care. So, ditch the generic and explore natural skincare brands and products tailored just for you! Explore Hello Charlie's face care collection here, where quality meets transparency. Plus, take advantage of our ongoing sales on Acure and Weleda skincare products to elevate your routine affordably. Here's to embracing your skin's unique needs and radiating confidence!