How to Determine Your Skin Type and Care for It

Do you know what your skin type is? Understanding your skin type, and its idiosyncrasies, is the first step in maintaining gorgeous, glowing, healthy skin (a.k.a. the skin you’ve always wanted).

Most people fall under one of the categories listed below. When it comes to determining YOUR skin type, read the symptoms in each category… check off which applies to your skin to see what skin type you have and how to care for it. Remember: Your skin type and skin conditions are two different things. Skin type describes the skin itself and how it reacts to products. Skin types are determined by genetics, lifestyle and diet, as well as environmental elements. Your skin type can also change as you age. Skin conditions, such as acne, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, can be problematic for all skin types.

 

Dry Skin

HOW TO KNOW: Some of the telltale signs of dry skin are tightness (if you smile and your cheeks or around your mouth feel tight and taut), noticeable flaking, and patches that have a rough feeling texture. Overall, dry skin doesn’t feel smooth, soft or supple, which can make dreaded fine lines more visible. Another sign of dry skin is dullness in your complexion. If you feel like your skin is looking a bit sallow, lackluster and overall dull, chances are you’re dealing with dry skin. The results are layers of dead skin building up on the surface, which gives that rough, dull complexion and makes it harder for products to absorb and moisturize the skin. In Québec and across Canada, cold winters and dry indoor heating make all of this more noticeable.

HOW TO CARE FOR IT: Gentle exfoliation is key to remove dead skin cells and help your products absorb. Then follow up with a moisturizer that deeply hydrates the skin. ACQUA Hydrating Serum’s combination of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid will leave you with smooth, instantly plumped skin. For very dry skin, seal it in with PERLE, our nourishing day cream, in the morning and ETERNA, our night cream, in the evening.

Click here to find out all about dry skin and how to differentiate it from dehydrated skin, or browse our dry skin collection.

 

Combination Skin

HOW TO KNOW: Combination skin is often referred to as “normal” skin. Most people experience dry patches here and there (usually around the cheeks or the eyes and nose). Generally, you have an even skin tone, smaller pores, and are rarely on the oily or greasy side. If you use products that are too heavy, rich or creamy, your skin can often have a reaction such an acne breakout or may start appear oily in some parts. Overall, you have smaller areas of concern and want to maintain a smooth complexion for the entire face. Combination skin often changes with the environment (i.e. drier skin patches during the winter, or a slightly more oily area in the summer).

HOW TO CARE FOR IT: Combination skin benefits from gentle exfoliation to smooth dry patches and keep oily spots in check. The best moisturizer for combination skin is usually a gel-based hydrator. Use FEY Cosmetics’ TONUS Firming Serum as the perfect, gel-based, day time moisturizer. The serum has Chlorella, Rosehip Extract, and Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid that not only moisturizes but helps your skin look smoother and firmer. At night, target any oily patches with ÉCLAT Nourishing Serum to help curb any shine while hydrating with hyaluronic acid, Baobab oil, Green Tea extract, and a vitamin-amino acid complex. Browse our combination skin collection.

 

Oily Skin

HOW TO KNOW: You likely have oily skin if it is slick, has a constant sheen and you use blotting paper to reduce shine on the regular. You’re prone to breakouts on your cheeks, forehead, chin and jawline that are often persistent. Your pores can look enlarged and appear filled with oil or have a greasy look. Oily skin can have pros and cons. The pro is that oily skin tends to look younger and not show signs of aging as quickly. The con is that the excess oil causes clogged pores thanks to a buildup of sebum (hence more breakouts) and can be prone to leaving dark marks on the skin after a breakout (this is also known as PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

HOW TO CARE FOR IT: Use a gentle exfoliant to help keep pores clear and the look of shine in check. FEY Cosmetics’ X² Dual-Action Exfoliating Mask comes with a combo of physical and enzymatic exfoliation (the enzymes gently lift dead skin cells and help clear pores). Double up by using the TONUS Firming Serum (to help refine the look of pores and improve the appearance of your skin) and the ACQUA Hydrating Serum (because oily skin still needs hydration, and this lightweight serum won't feel heavy). The Essential Radiance Ritual brings together X², EAU VIVE Gentle and ACQUA and saves you 20%. Browse our oily and acne-prone skin collection.

 

Sensitive Skin

HOW TO KNOW: Any skin type can have sensitivity. Key indicators of sensitive skin include redness, irritation, rashes, itchiness, swelling or severe dryness. Your skin tends to be irritated with more products, excessive or harsh scrubbing and exfoliating and redness or inflammation takes longer to disappear. Acne can also be more painful and appear red and irritated. Always spot-test a product before applying it on your face, especially when it comes to acids, exfoliators and serums. Hyper-sensitive skin can be the most challenging to deal with, but know that it takes time and testing to figure out what your skin is reacting to. Try to keep your new product testing to just one at a time and keep track of how your skin looks, feels and reacts to certain products and ingredients.

HOW TO CARE FOR IT: Always look for products FREE of certain ingredients known to have irritating properties. FEY Cosmetics’ serums are free from paraben, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and other ingredients we choose to leave out that can irritate sensitive skin. You want to look for products that will soothe the irritated skin. Try EAU VIVE Gentle, our fragrance-free toner made for dry to sensitive skin: its Agastache Mexicana flower extract hydrates and comforts the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Browse our sensitive skin collection.

 

Shop by skin type

Still not sure where to start? Our skincare rituals show which FEY products work together for each skin type, and our beauty bundles save you up to 35%. FEY skincare is made in Montréal, Canada.