Read your Skintuation! 3 reasons why skin types is a flawed concept

By Sabbeen Sheikkh | 26 Jan, 2023

Do you know your skin type? I bet you have never read your Skintuation

Yes, you heard it right. Read your Skintuation: skin types should not be dictating you buying serums and creams just based on whether you have dry or oily skin! Here are 3 reasons why skin types is a flawed concept.
If you are like me, you remember all the times when you applied homemade face packs on your face to take care of your oily skin. mixing turmeric, besan flour, and what not in the name of skincare. Then as we grow older and wiser 😉 we get more awareness about what skin types are and we frantically search google to find out what’s yours. At last, good skin is achievable, or so does the article online say. So now you go to the market and buy products for your dry skin. And then you live happily ever after. Right?
No, unfortunately Wrong!
We all are usually incorrectly buying products for our skin based only on skin types. Today let’s take a closer look at the myth of skin types and what this can mean for your skincare. What we often ignore is the skintuation which is basically short for your skin situation which is important read in order to reach a mindful and meaningful skincare routine.
Understanding our skin type is essential for developing an effective skincare routine as it was purported to be first developed in 1800s to help sell beauty products. But skin types is a flawed concept unless it is used in conjunction with other information about your skintuation aka skin situation. There is a common misconception that skin type is determined by how much oil our skin produces. While this is a factor, it does not take into account other important aspects such as dehydration or sensitivity. Recent research has revealed that skin type is actually determined by a combination of factors, such as the skin’s texture, its response to external irritants, and the amount of oil it produces. By understanding the importance of these factors, we can better understand our skin type and develop a more effective skincare routine.

Dry, Oily, or Combination skin type doesn’t tell you the whole story:

Here are three issues with skin typing:
1. Skin types are often categorized based on the surface of the skin, which does not take into account the individual’s underlying physiology. For example, everyone’s skin has the potential to develop pimples regardless of type.
2. Skin types are often used to promote products, but they do not take into account that everyone’s skin is unique and may need different products to suit their individual needs. The pollution in the environment that you live in matters as well as the UV factor of your city. Basically, your “skintuation” aka “your skin’s situation”. You might be oily skin but with a dry under-eye area. Or vice versa.
3. Skin type does not always address the amount of melanin in your skin i.e., skin color, which is problematic because it does not take into account the diversity of skin tones and shades, nor does it account for the cultural implications of skin color. Some products are not suitable for certain skins of color due to their molecular structure. It also doesn’t factor age often ignoring pre and post-menopausal skin or how male skin produces sebum till the age of 80 whereas most females start losing moisture in their skin starting from their 40s.

I Only know my skin type. What to do? How do I know my skintuation?

It’s true that many skincare companies try to sell us products based on our skin type, but it’s important to remember that skin type is just one factor when it comes to taking care of your skin. Your lifestyle and environment, as well as age and genetics, can also play a role in the health and appearance of your skin. It’s important to take all of these factors into consideration when choosing a skincare routine that works best for you.
When it comes to taking care of your skin, it’s important to tailor your skincare routine to your environment and lifestyle. Flexible skincare is a great way to do this–adjusting your routine to whatever weather, climate, or activity you may be experiencing. For example, cold and dry weather requires extra hydration and mild ingredients, while warm and humid weather demands more pore-clearing products and lightweight moisturizers. Additionally, it’s important to use sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. By making these small tweaks to your skincare routine, you can ensure that your skin is getting the nourishment it needs no matter the situation.

What does flexible skincare mean? Why is skin types a flawed concept?

Flexible skincare is a concept that involves creating a personalized skincare routine that caters to your individual skin needs. This means that your skincare routine should be tailored and adapted to the changing needs of your skin. It involves using products that are specifically designed for you, taking into account factors such as age, season, climate, and your lifestyle. For example, if your skin is oily in the summer and dry in the winter, your routine should be adjusted to accommodate this. Flexible skincare promotes a holistic approach to skin health that allows you to adjust your routine to meet the ever-changing needs of your skin. Have exams and are stressed? Up your caffeine-based eye cream. Had a long season of attending weddings as literally the entire country got married this wedding season, start triple cleansing and use peptides. Game plan is to change your routine and switch it up or down according to your needs.

It is all about being mindful:

Being mindful of your skin’s state is an important part of keeping it healthy. Depending on the season and your environment, your skin can change in terms of dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, and breakouts. To ensure your skin is best-taken care of, it’s important to identify how your skin is feeling and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water can make a big difference in the state of your skin. While I do not recommend that you ignore your skin type, I do not recommend that you fear dry skin products because you have oily skin as each product would be looked at based on its function, pH, packaging, and an easy way to determine that is to look at the ingredients instead of what the product is marketed for. Trust me, I have seen whole ranges in skincare touting an ingredient which is in the most minuscule amount in the formulations. Always read the ingredients and get yourself a tailor-made skincare routine. As the CEO of a skincare company based in Canada called Sabbskin, I regularly endeavour to educate myself and my development team to not buy into the hype of every new fancy ingredient but to evaluate based on merit and efficacy. Trust me it is very tempting to believe that every new buzz-worthy ingredient is worth the hype but 9 times out of 10 it is not.
To learn more about skin types and skincare, you can follow my blog on www.sabbskin.com and on Mangobaaz where I regularly share some of my best skincare tips with you.
Yours Truly
Sabbeen Sheikkh
Skincare enthusiast and Chocolates lover
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