When it comes to skincare, one of the most common mistakes people make is confusing skin type with skin condition. Understanding the difference between the two is key to giving your skin the care it really needs.
What Is a Skin Type?
Your skin type is something you’re born with. It’s influenced by genetics and tends to stay consistent throughout your life (though it can shift slightly with age or hormones). There are four main skin types:
1. Dry Skin
Feels tight, rough, or flaky
Lacks natural oils (sebum)
Can look dull or ashy
2. Oily Skin
Shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
Prone to breakouts and congestion
Enlarged pores are common
3. Combination Skin
Oily in some areas (usually the T-zone), dry or normal in others
Can be tricky to treat with one-size-fits-all products
4. Normal Skin
Balanced and neither too oily nor too dry
Smooth texture, minimal concerns
A rare but lovely thing!
What Is a Skin Condition?
Unlike your skin type, your skin condition can change depending on a variety of factors like weather, diet, stress, hormones, and skincare products. You can experience one or multiple skin conditions at any time.
Common skin conditions include:
Dehydration (lack of water in the skin)
Sensitivity (reactive or inflamed skin)
Breakouts (acne or congestion)
Redness or Rosacea
Hyperpigmentation (dark spots or uneven tone)
For example, you could have oily skin that’s dehydrated, or dry skin that’s also sensitive.
Why the Difference Matters
Treating your skin type means maintaining balance—choosing the right base products like cleansers, moisturisers, and treatments.
Treating your skin condition means soothing, repairing, or correcting an issue—often with targeted serums, masks, or treatments.
Using the wrong products can make things worse. For example, using drying acne products on dehydrated skin can trigger more oil production and irritation.
How to Find Out Your Skin Type (and Condition)
At The Pamper Shed, every facial includes a skin analysis so I can tailor your treatment and product recommendations to exactly what your skin needs right now.
Bonus: Book a facial this week and I’ll include a full skin type + condition consultation absolutely free.
You’ll leave glowing—and more confident in how to care for your skin every day.
Ready to finally understand your skin? Book your facial here
or pop me a message on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.pampershed.
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