What Is Your Skin Type and Does It Matter?

Dr Kara Johns
Creator and Director of SBK
hello@sbk.store

 

When it comes to skincare, one of the first questions people ask is, “What’s your skin type?” Knowing your skin type is often portrayed as the holy grail of creating an effective skincare routine. But is it really that important? Let’s unpack the common skin types, why they might matter (or not!), and how SBK approaches skincare differently to support all skin types.

The Five Skin Types: What Are They?

Traditionally, skin types are divided into five categories: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Here’s a closer look at each:

  1. Normal Skin
    • How it looks and feels: Balanced, neither too oily nor too dry, with few visible imperfections and a smooth texture.  Low levels of healthy bacteria and yeasts. 
    • Key characteristics: Minimal sensitivity, small pores, and a radiant complexion.
  2. Dry Skin
    • How it looks and feels: Feels tight, rough and sometimes itchy.  May have flaky or rough patches, that can become red and sore. 
    • Key characteristics: Dull complexion, more visible lines, and a tendency to crack or peel.
  3. Oily Skin
    • How it looks and feels: Shiny, or even greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), prone to breakouts - often with inflamed areas.
    • Key characteristics: make-up won't stay put and skin feels like it needs frequent washing.  
  4. Combination Skin
    • How it looks and feels: A mix of oily and dry areas, often with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks.
    • Key characteristics: areas of skin respond differently to skin products, making it challenging to find the 'right' fit. 
  5. Sensitive Skin
    • How it looks and feels: Easily irritated, easily dries out, prone to redness, stinging, itching and/or scaling/peeling. 
    • Key characteristics: hard to find products that do not irritate the skin, typically not being able to use the latest 'it' product. 

          Does Your Skin Type Really Matter?

          For decades, skincare marketing has heavily focused on tailoring products to specific skin types. While it can be helpful to understand your skin’s tendencies, most people don’t fit neatly into one category. Your skin can fluctuate between types due to factors like hormones, weather, diet, and stress.

          This is why choosing skincare solely based on your skin type can be misleading. Instead, focusing on products that support overall skin health and function is a more effective approach. After all, healthy skin is balanced skin—whether it’s naturally oily, dry, or sensitive.

          At SBK, we take an inclusive approach. Our products are designed to work with your skin’s natural processes, helping it find balance and thrive—no matter where it sits on the “skin type” spectrum. 

          How SBK Supports All Skin Types

          SBK is suitable for every skin type because our formulations prioritize balance, nourishment, and skin barrier support. Let’s break it down by skin type:

          1. Normal Skin: SBK’s gentle and effective formulations help maintain your natural balance, keeping your skin hydrated, smooth, and radiant. Think of it as giving your skin the tools it needs to stay its best.
          2. Dry Skin: Our hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients, like ceramides and humectants, help replenish moisture and lock it in. SBK products combat dryness without feeling heavy, leaving skin soft and comfortable.
          3. Oily Skin: SBK’s non-comedogenic products work to balance oil production without stripping your skin. By supporting a healthy barrier, we help regulate sebum levels and reduce shine over time.
          4. Combination Skin: With SBK, you don’t need separate products for different areas of your face. Our formulations adapt to your skin’s needs, hydrating dry areas while balancing oilier ones for an even complexion.
          5. Sensitive Skin: Free from harsh fragrances and irritants, SBK products are formulated with calming and barrier-strengthening ingredients. We aim to soothe irritation and support your skin’s resilience.

          Why SBK Works for Everyone

          The philosophy behind SBK is simple: healthy skin is balanced skin. Instead of trying to fit your skin into a rigid category, we focus on supporting its natural function. Whether your skin is dry today and oily tomorrow, SBK’s products are designed to work with—not against—its ever-changing needs.

          So, does your skin type matter? To some extent, yes. It can provide a starting point for understanding your skin. But in the grand scheme, what matters more is using high-quality, evidence-based products that support overall skin health. At SBK, we’re here to help you do just that.

          Explore our range and experience skincare that works with your skin, not against it. Because every skin type deserves the best care.

           

          Dr Kara.

           

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