How do you know your skin type?

Knowing your skin type is essential if you are to adapt the skin care products you need to apply to your skin. Depending on a number of factors, you can quickly find out what your skin type is and what essential skin care products you need to apply to keep your skin healthy and radiant. 

In this article, we're going to introduce you to the different skin types that exist.

Questions to ask yourself to define your skin type :

1. How does your skin feel after cleansing ?

After cleansing your face with lukewarm water, does your skin feel tight and dry or comfortable and supple? A feeling of tightness indicates dry skin, while a fresh, moisturised sensation suggests normal or oily skin.

2. Where does your skin shine the most?

Look at the areas of your face where shine is most pronounced. Noticeable shine in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with relatively matt cheeks indicates combination skin. Shine all over the face indicates oily skin, while a major absence of shine suggests dry skin.

3. Do you have areas of dryness or flaking ?

If you notice dry or flaky areas, particularly around the nose and eyebrows, you probably have dry or sensitive skin.

4. Do you have problems with dilated pores ?

Dilated pores, particularly on the T-zone, generally indicate oily skin. Less visible pores are associated with normal or dry skin.

5. Does your skin react easily to products ?

If your skin reacts with redness, itching or burning to many products, you may have sensitive skin. If it tolerates products well without excessive reactions, it is probably normal, oily or combination.

Dryness or dehydration?

  • Understanding dry skin :
    Dry skin is a skin condition characterised by a lack of lipids or natural fats in the outer layer of the skin. This can be the result of genetic factors, environmental conditions or an inadequate skincare routine. People with dry skin often feel tight, itchy and may notice rough or flaky areas.

  • Understanding skin dehydration :
    Dehydration, on the other hand, is linked to a lack of water in the skin cells. Even oily skin types can become dehydrated. Factors such as excessive sun exposure, smoking, stress and insufficient water intake can contribute to skin dehydration. Common signs of dehydration include a feeling of tight skin, temporary fine lines and a feeling of lack of elasticity.

  • Key differences between drought and dehydration :
    - Basic causes: Dryness is caused by a lack of lipids, while dehydration is caused by a lack of water.
    - Skin types concerned: All skin types can suffer from dehydration, but dryness is more common in people with naturally dry skin.
    - Sensations felt: Dryness causes a feeling of tightness and roughness, while dehydration can lead to a feeling of taut skin and temporary fine lines.

  • Treating and preventing dryness and dehydration :
    - Treating dryness: Use products rich in moisturisers and lipids such as glycerine and natural oils. Avoid harsh cleansers and opt for thick moisturisers.
  • - Dehydration treatment: Increase your water intake and choose products containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, like our anti-ageing cream. Also use gentle cleansers, such as our 3-in-1 shower gel, and avoid showers that are too hot.

      Nutrition or hydration?

      • Understanding skin nutrition :
        Skin nutrition refers to the essential nutrients supplied to your skin through your diet and topical products. Vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants are key elements that nourish the skin from within. A balanced diet rich in these nutrients promotes collagen production, elasticity and cell regeneration, contributing to radiant skin.

      • Understanding skin hydration :
        Skin hydration refers to the amount of water present in the skin cells. Well-hydrated skin has a smooth complexion, a plump appearance and a better ability to function as a protective barrier. Moisture is necessary to maintain the skin's pH balance, prevent dryness and support natural healing processes.

      • Key differences between nutrition and hydration :
        - Supply of nutrients vs. supply of water: Nutrition provides essential nutrients such as vitamins and fatty acids, while hydration involves maintaining an optimal level of water in the skin cells.
        - Impact on skin structure and function: Nutrition supports collagen production, cell regeneration and elasticity, while hydration maintains the skin's suppleness, comfort and protective barrier.
        - Sources: Nutrition comes from your diet and nutrient-rich topical products, while hydration depends on drinking water and using moisturising products.

      • How can I nourish and moisturise my skin properly?
        - Skin nutrition: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in your diet. You'll find natural vitamin E in our beard oil, aftershave balm and facial cleansing gel.
        - Skin hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day to maintain cellular hydration. Use humectant-based moisturisers like Plisson anti-ageing cream containing hyaluronic acid to retain moisture in the skin.

      Oily skin or acne-prone skin ?

      • Understanding oily skin :
        La peau grasse is characterised by an excessive production of sebum by sebaceous glands of the skin. This can result in a shiny appearance, enlarged pores and an oily feel to the skin. People with oily skin are more likely to suffer from clogged pores, blackheads and excessive shine, but not necessarily acne.

      • Understanding acne-prone skin :
        Acneic skin, on the other hand, is a condition that involves the formation of acne - pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and sometimes inflammatory cysts. Acne-prone skin can be oily, but not all oily skin is acne-prone. Acne is caused by a combination of factors such as excessive sebum production, bacterial proliferation and inflammation.

      • Key differences between oily skin and acne-prone skin :
        - Sebum production: Oily skin has excessive sebum production, while acne-prone skin may have high or normal sebum production.
        - Presence of acne: Oily skin may not have acne, while acne-prone skin is prone to the formation of pimples, blackheads and other acne lesions.
        - Associated problems: Oily skin can be prone to enlarged pores and shine, while acne-prone skin suffers from clogged pores, inflammation and acne formation.

      • Skin care for oily and acne-prone skin
        - Oily skin: Use a gentle facial cleanser, such as the one in the Le Soin by Plisson range, to avoid over-drying the skin, opt for non-comedogenic products and moisturise with light formulas
        - Acne-prone skin: Choose specific products for acne, such as gentle cleansers and light moisturisers, and don't hesitate to consult a specialist. Avoid touching or squeezing pimples to prevent aggravation.

      Clearly, understanding the subtleties between different skin types and their distinct characteristics is crucial to an effective skincare routine. Whether you're trying to differentiate between dry and dehydrated skin, understand the specifics of oily versus acne-prone skin, or discern between skin nutrition and hydration, you now have the information you need to make informed skincare decisions.

      Each skin type has its own needs and challenges, and adapting your skincare routine accordingly can help you achieve and maintain radiant, healthy skin. By taking these differences into account and opting for the right products and practices, you can create a personalised skincare routine that meets your specific needs, contributing to skin that radiates vitality and well-being. Remember, perseverance and consistency are the keys to achieving the best results for your skin over the long term.