SKIN

Learn more about your skin and skin type.

How can I identify my skin type?

In the practice of dermatology, we generally define five different types of skin: oily, dry, normal, combination and sensitive. Understanding what type of skin you have is important for caring for it appropriately.

The first way to identify your skin type is to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. If 30 minutes after facial cleansing you have a shiny hue on your entire face, your skin is oily. If the shine is confined to the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone), you have combination skin. Should your skin feel tight and you notice flaking or scaling after facial cleansing, you have dry skin. If your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, you have normal skin. Sensitive skin is referenced with one of these four skin types; in other words, you can have oily and sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is generally skin that is more vulnerable to exterior irritants, like preservatives or dyes. Determining what triggers inflammation in sensitive skin is paramount.

Another test that can be done is to utilize blotting papers. Wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser, wait 30 minutes, and use blotting sheets. If oil is collected from the entire face, you have oily skin. If the oil is confined to the T-zone you have combination skin. If hardly any oil is noted on the blotting paper, then you are dry. Minimal oil implies you have normal skin.

What is your skin’s microbiome?

Simply put, your skin’s microbiome is the habitat of your skin. Your skin’s microbiome is the composition of an ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the skin’s surface that work to guard you against harmful bacteria that could affect your skin. Your microbiome (also called skin microbiota) is unique to you. When this ecosystem is out of balance, you may experience skin concerns.

Can skincare products actually penetrate the skin?

Your skin is an organ with multiple layers. Our skincare offerings are formulated with skin plasticity and the prevention of dry skin in mind. Keys Soulcare offerings effectively penetrate the uppermost layer of skin, the epidermis; by utilizing a carefully formulated combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives, our offerings are formulated to maintain the skin’s integrity and appearance with usage.