The Professionals Guide to Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions

As skincare professionals ourselves, we know that getting to the bottom of your client’s skincare challenges is your passion. And as you work to provide your clients with the best possible treatments for their skin, understanding the difference between skin types and skin conditions can make all the difference in ensuring long-term results. This guide is designed to give you some initial guidance in understanding both so you have the foundation you need to deliver effective skincare solutions. 

 

Skin Type: You’re Born with It

Determining the perfect facial treatment and at-home skincare routine for your clients starts with accurate skin analysis. We're talking about the basics—correcting, balancing, and boosting the skin, all beginning with understanding their unique skin type. Think of skin type as their skin’s personality—featuring characteristics they are born with. Forget about gender, ethnicity, or any other external factors, when determining skin type we're looking at things like pore placement and size to categorize it into types like Dry, Combo, Oily, Reactive, and Mature. Accurately determining their skin type will allow you to customize treatments and at home skincare routines to their specific needs for optimal results. 

 

Skin Conditions: The X Factor

In contrast to skin type, skin conditions are dynamic and subject to change throughout life. Various internal and external factors, including climate, pollution, medication, stress, hereditary influences, and skincare choices, contribute to the ever-changing condition of the skin. So when treating clients with skin conditions such as acne, Eczema or Rosacea for example, skincare product selection should align first with skin type and then prevailing skin conditions. When you understand both, you can create personalized treatment plans, while educating your clients on how to care for their skin at home.