SKIN TYPES
NORMAL SKIN
Balanced and well-hydrated, with an even texture, minimal blemishes, and no excessive dryness or oiliness. It typically has small, barely visible pores and is less prone to sensitivity, making it a resilient and healthy skin type.
OILY SKIN
Characteristics:
- Excess sebum production.
- Enlarged, visible pores.
- Prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
- Makeup may not last long without blotting or mattifying products.
Causes: Genetics, hormonal changes, or overuse of harsh skincare products.
Care Tips:
- Use lightweight, non-comedogenic products.
- Incorporate salicylic acid or niacinamide to regulate oil.
- Avoid over-cleansing, which can trigger more oil production.
DRY SKIN
Characteristics:
- Flaky, rough texture.
- Tight or itchy sensation.
- Dull or ashy appearance.
- Fine lines may be more noticeable.
Causes:
- Lack of natural oils due to genetics, weather, or aging.
- Overuse of exfoliants or hot water.
Care Tips:
- Use gentle, hydrating cleansers.
- Opt for products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.
- Avoid alcohol-based toners and harsh scrubs.
COMBINATION SKIN
Characteristics:
- Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with dry or normal cheeks.
- Fluctuates with weather and hormones.
- May experience acne in the oily areas.
Care Tips:
- Use targeted treatments for different areas (e.g., mattifying on T-zone, hydrating on cheeks).
- Opt for lightweight, balancing products with ingredients like niacinamide.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Characteristics:
- Prone to redness, irritation, and stinging.
- Reacts easily to products, fragrances, or environmental factors.
- Thin, delicate skin barrier.
Causes: Weak skin barrier, harsh ingredients, or underlying conditions like rosacea.
Care Tips:
- Patch test all new products.
- Look for calming ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and centella asiatica.
- Avoid fragrances, alcohol, and strong acids.
ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Types:
- Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts.
Causes:
- Excess oil, bacteria, clogged pores, hormonal changes.
Care Tips:
- Use salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.
- Incorporate light exfoliation with AHAs or BHAs.
- Avoid picking at blemishes to prevent scarring.
CONDITIONS & CONCERNS
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Types:
- Post-inflammatory (from acne), sunspots, melasma.
Causes: Excess melanin production due to UV exposure, inflammation, or hormonal changes.
Care Tips:
- Use products with Vitamin C, niacinamide, or azelaic acid.
- Apply sunscreen daily to prevent darkening.
- Consider chemical peels or laser treatments for stubborn spots.
ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS)
Characteristics:
- Red, inflamed, itchy patches.
- Often found on hands, elbows, knees, or face.
Causes:
- Genetic predisposition, allergies, or environmental triggers.
Care Tips:
- Use thick, fragrance-free moisturizers.
- Avoid triggers like harsh soaps or wool clothing.
- Consider hydrocortisone or prescription creams for flare-ups.
ROSACEA
Characteristics:
- Persistent redness, visible blood vessels, sometimes small pimples.
- Flare-ups triggered by heat, alcohol, spicy food, or stress.
Care Tips:
- Use soothing products like azelaic acid or green tea extract.
- Avoid scrubs, hot water, and irritating ingredients.
- Seek professional advice for advanced treatments (e.g., laser therapy).
DARK CIRCLES
Types:
- Blue/purple due to poor circulation or thin skin.
- Brown due to hyperpigmentation.
Causes: Genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration, or allergies.
Care Tips:
- Use eye creams with caffeine, Vitamin K, or peptides.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce puffiness.
- Ensure adequate sleep and hydration.
KERATOSIS PILARIS
Characteristics:
- Rough, bumpy skin often on arms or thighs ("chicken skin").
Causes: Buildup of keratin blocking hair follicles.
Care Tips:
- Exfoliate gently with AHAs or BHAs.
- Moisturize with urea or lactic acid-based creams.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent irritation.
AGING SKIN
Characteristics:
- Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and age spots.
Causes:
- Reduced collagen production, sun damage, or lifestyle factors.
Care Tips:
- Use retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants.
- Always wear sunscreen to protect against UV damage.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss)
The process by which water evaporates from the skin's surface. High TEWL indicates a compromised skin barrier, leading to dryness and sensitivity.
SKIN ANATOMY
SEBUM
A natural oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It helps lubricate and protect the skin but can lead to clogged pores and acne when overproduced.
ACID MANTLE
A thin, slightly acidic layer on the skin's surface that acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria, environmental pollutants, and water loss.
COLLAGEN
A structural protein found in the skin, responsible for maintaining its firmness and elasticity. Collagen production decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
ELASTIN
A protein in connective tissues that allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape. Reduced elastin can result in loss of skin elasticity.
COMEDONE
A type of clogged hair follicle caused by excess oil and dead skin cells. Open comedones (blackheads) are exposed to air, oxidizing and turning dark, while closed comedones (whiteheads) remain under the skin.
PROCESSES & TECHNIQUES
DOUBLE CLEANSING
A two-step cleansing method that involves first using an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove remaining impurities and leave the skin clean without stripping its natural oils.
PATCH TEST
A precautionary method where a small amount of a skincare product is applied to a discreet area of the skin (such as behind the ear or inner arm) to check for allergic reactions or irritation before using the product on your face.
SKIN CYCLING
A skincare strategy that alternates the use of active ingredients (like retinol and exfoliants) and rest days to minimize irritation and optimize the benefits of each product while supporting skin recovery.
SLUGGING
A nighttime moisturizing technique where a layer of occlusive (like petroleum jelly) is applied as the final step in a routine to seal in hydration and repair the skin barrier, leaving it soft and supple by morning.
GUA SHA
A traditional Chinese facial massage technique using a flat, curved stone tool to stimulate blood circulation, reduce puffiness, relieve tension, and promote lymphatic drainage for a more sculpted and glowing complexion.
DERMAPLANING
A manual exfoliation process that uses a scalpel or blade to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair (peach fuzz), resulting in smoother skin texture and enhanced absorption of skincare products.
SKINCARE STEP
CLEANSER
A product used to wash away dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, creating a clean base for other products. Available in various forms such as gel, cream, or foam to suit different skin types.
TONER
A lightweight liquid that balances the skin’s pH, removes residual impurities, and preps the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively.
EXFOLIATOR
A treatment designed to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote skin renewal. Comes in physical (scrubs) or chemical forms (AHAs/BHAs).
SERUM
A concentrated formula packed with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C to target specific concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging.
MOISTURIZER
A cream, gel, or lotion that hydrates and locks in moisture, helping to maintain the skin’s barrier and protect it from environmental stressors.
SUNSCREEN
A must-have product that shields the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer (SPF 30 or higher recommended).
MASK
A treatment applied for a set time to address targeted concerns, such as clay masks for oil control, hydrating sheet masks, or exfoliating peel masks.
PRODUCT TYPES
GEL CLEANSER
A lightweight, water-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities without leaving the skin feeling stripped, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
FOAMING CLEANSER
A deep-cleaning formula that lathers into a foam to remove dirt and excess oil but may dry out the skin, so it's best for oily or combination skin types.
CREAM CLEANSER
A rich and nourishing cleanser that gently cleanses while hydrating the skin, perfect for dry or sensitive skin types.
ESSENCE
A lightweight, water-based product infused with hydrating and soothing ingredients, often used in Korean skincare routines to prep the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers.
AMPOULE
A highly concentrated treatment product that delivers a potent dose of active ingredients, targeting specific concerns like brightening, anti-aging, or hydration.
OIL CLEANSER
A cleansing oil designed to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, often used as the first step in a double cleansing routine.
MICELLAR WATER
A no-rinse cleansing liquid containing tiny oil molecules (micelles) that trap dirt, oil, and makeup, making it a gentle and convenient option for all skin types.