Your skin type is a general description of how oily your skin gets during the day, how much moisture it loses and how it reacts to products. Dry, oily, combination and sensitive are the types people talk about most, and a few simple observations can show you which one you are closest to. Here is how to work out your skin type, and how we adapt a professional facial in the salon to suit it.
Why does your skin type matter?
Knowing your skin type makes it easier to choose products and skincare steps that suit your skin. A heavy cream can be uncomfortable on skin that tends to be oily, and so can a harsh cleanser on dry skin.
Skin type does not explain everything on its own. The season, your age, your daily routine and the products you use also change what your skin needs at a given time. So it is best to think of your skin type as a starting point.
How can you check your skin type at home?
A simple check at home gives you an idea of which type your skin is closest to. In the evening, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry with a towel and wait about an hour without applying any product. Then look at your skin in the mirror and notice how it feels.
- If it feels tight and you see flaking in places, your skin may be on the dry side.
- If your whole face looks shiny, your skin may be on the oily side.
- If your forehead, nose and chin are shiny and your cheeks feel tight, you may have combination skin.
- If your skin goes red easily, or stings or itches, it may be sensitive.
- If you notice neither tightness nor obvious shine, your skin may be close to normal.
This check only gives a general idea. In the salon we look at your skin closely and make a more detailed assessment.
How do you recognise and care for dry skin?
Dry skin feels tight during the day, looks matt and can flake in places, especially in winter. The pores are usually small and barely visible.
With dry skin, the focus is on moisture. A gentle cleanser, a hydrating cream and avoiding very hot water are a good start. In the salon, we give more weight to the hydrating steps for dry skin and keep exfoliation gentle.
How do you recognise and care for oily skin?
Oily skin looks shiny during the day; the pores can be more visible, and build-up forms in them more easily. Oily skin needs moisture too, which is often overlooked.
For oily skin, regular, gentle cleansing, a light moisturiser and sun protection all matter. Washing too often and too harshly can leave the skin feeling even oilier. In the salon we can give more time to steps such as deep cleansing and blackhead removal, and we plan the interval between facials accordingly.
How do you recognise and care for combination skin?
With combination skin, the forehead, nose and chin (the T-zone) are oilier, while the cheeks are normal or dry.
Combination skin needs a different approach for each area: light products on the oily areas, more moisture on the dry ones. In the salon we also plan the steps of the facial area by area, and give each one the attention it needs.
How do you recognise and care for sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can react easily to a new product, heat, cold or friction, with redness, stinging or itching. Any skin can be sensitive, whether it is dry, oily or combination.
With sensitive skin, it is important to keep to a few simple products, to try new ones one at a time and not to rub the skin. In the salon we plan a simpler facial for sensitive skin and keep the more intensive steps to a minimum.
How do we adapt a salon facial to your skin type?
The first step of a professional facial is getting to know your skin. At your first session we look closely at your skin and talk about the products you use and how your skin feels during the day.
This assessment is for planning your facial; it does not replace a doctor’s assessment. Every facial then follows a personalised protocol built on it: we choose the cleanser, exfoliation, mask and moisturising steps to suit your skin type, so your session may differ from someone else’s. We describe each stage in detail in our post on what happens during a professional facial.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an open wound, noticeable irritation or significant redness, use products containing retinol or acids, have very sensitive skin, or are under a doctor’s care for a skin condition or take medication regularly, please message us before booking; we will plan your facial around it. If you are unsure, for example because of ongoing redness, we recommend speaking to your doctor first. Your facial is carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step and look after your comfort.
Does your skin type change over time?
Yes, your skin type can change. Age, the season, hormonal changes, climate and your daily routine can all shift what your skin needs over time. Skin that feels oily in summer, for example, may feel dry in winter. Our post on autumn and winter care looks at how to adapt your routine as the colder months arrive.
So it is a good idea to review your skincare from time to time. Each time you visit, we look at how your skin is on the day and adjust your facial to match.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a facial if I do not know my skin type?
Yes. We assess your skin type together at your first session and choose the steps of your facial to suit.
Can a check at home tell me my skin type for certain?
Not entirely. A check at home only gives a general idea; in the salon we look at your skin closely and make a more detailed assessment.
I have sensitive skin. Is a professional facial suitable for me?
In most cases, yes: for sensitive skin we plan a simpler facial and keep the more intensive steps to a minimum. Before your appointment, just send us a message about how sensitive your skin is and the products you use; if needed, we will talk about adapting or postponing your session.
Does oily skin need a moisturiser?
Yes, oily skin needs moisture too. A light moisturiser usually feels more comfortable on oily skin.
Let’s get to know your skin together
The steps of a professional facial at our salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, are set out on our Professional Skin Care page. If you would like to talk about the right care for your skin, just send us a message.
