For decades, women have been sold endless serums, sprays, lotions, and creams based on the 4 basic skin types: Normal, dry, oily, or sensitive. But as you’re about to find out, this outdated approach to skin care is why so many women spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year on skin care and still don’t see the results they want.
Read on to discover the science-backed secret to flawless skin at any age and how you can put an end to the frustrating trial and error of finding the right product for your skin!
What’s Your Skin Type?
Since the 1800s, cosmetics companies have marketed products promising everything from removing freckles and reversing sunburns to curing pimples and eczema. But while the industry is still offering women products based on a generic skin type and the problem or concern they want to target, the latest science is proving there’s a better, smarter way to get gorgeous, glowing skin at 30 (and beyond)…
You see, there are significant differences in skin among individuals of different ethnic and genetic backgrounds.
For example, individuals with darker skin are more prone to dry skin and pigmentation issues, while fair-skinned individuals are more sensitive to sun damage (or photoageing) which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines earlier in life².
The latest research proves that thickness, water content, structure, pigmentation, and sunlight sensitivity of different skin types all impact how women of different ethnicities age¹.
Therefore, one particular product or ingredient can’t act against the problems related to ALL skin types (despite what marketers and the media may have you believe).
To be truly effective against fighting the ageing process, you need to understand the underlying ethic-genetic background of your skin and select a skin care routine that addresses your specific skin type’s needs².
Here’s how!
How to Identify and Care for the 6 Skin Types
In 1975, Thomas B. Fitzpatrick developed the Fitzpatrick scale to classify 6 different skin types and measure the amount of pigment in skin and determine risk to sun exposure – a major cause of damage in the ageing process.
By determining where you fall in this scale, you can also understand how to best care for your skin and fight the signs of ageing. After all, you deserve skin care that’s as unique as you are.
With that said, let’s dive into the 6 skin types!
skins
Skin Type I:
Women with Skin Type I have very pale, almost translucent ivory skin. While it looks fantastic with bright red lipstick and a little black dress, this skin type tends to burn easily and result in a painful peel. Actresses Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone are two Hollywood examples of Skin Type I who sport ivory skin with a naturally reddish undertone. This skin type is also characterized by striking light-colored eyes and red or light blonde locks.
Is This Your Skin
- Is your natural hair color red or light blonde?
- Do you have light blue, light gray, or light green eyes?
- Do you have ivory skin that ALWAYS freckles, burns, and peels, but never tans?
How to Best Care for Skin Type I:
Wrinkling, sagging, and increased skin cancer risk are predominant problems for women with light skin, so you’ll want to use SPF daily to prevent UV damage and photoageing problems. Because women with fair skin develop wrinkles earlier than other skin types, you should look for retinoids, peptides, and growth factors which can help with fine wrinkling².
- Use sunscreen as part of a daily regimen and preventative tool against skin cancer²
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and moisturize for healthier, better-looking skin³
- Peptides have been shown to stimulate collagen and help fair-skinned women smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles²
- DMAE can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark under-eye circles⁹
Skin Type II:
People with Skin Type II typically originate from northern Europe and have a pale, creamy complexion with beige undertones like Drew Barrymore. Women with this skin type can have dark or light hair color and eyes ranging from hazel-green to blue-grey. Although their trip to the beach typically ends in a sunburn, women with this skin type are occasionally able to tan. Better lotion up!
Is This Your Skin Type:
- Is your natural hair color red, blonde, or light brown?
- Do you have blue, gray, green, or hazel eyes?
- Do you have fair, pale skin that typically burns or freckles in the sun but occasionally tans?
How to Best Care for Skin Type II:
Since you’re sensitive to the sun, always wear sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and of course avoid tanning beds. If you’re starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles from the stress of your modern lifestyle, don’t worry. Continue a gentle twice-daily cleansing routine with a sulphate-free cleanser and look for a topical treatment with DMAE and antioxidants to fight wrinkles without lasers or Botox.
- Use sunscreen as part of a daily regimen and preventative tool against skin cancer²
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and moisturize for healthier, better-looking skin⁴
- Peptides have been shown to stimulate collagen and help fair-skinned women smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles²
- DMAE can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark under-eye circles⁹
- Use botanical extracts in place of harsh chemical synthetics⁴
Skin Type III:
If you start summer with a burn, only to end up with a gorgeous sun-kissed glow by August, then there’s a good chance you have Skin Type III. Women with Skin Type III include actresses Demi Moore and Sandra Bullock, who are often described as having “golden” skin. Women with honey or light olive skin tones both fit this category and may have Mediterranean or Middle Eastern heritage.
Is This Your Skin Type?
- Is your natural hair color dark blonde or light brown?
- Do you have brown, blue, gray, green, or hazel eyes?
- Is your skin fair to beige with golden undertones before sun exposure?
- Do you usually burn first, then tan when exposed to the sun?
How to Best Care for Skin Type III:
Maintain firm, supple skin longer by seeking shade when you’re out in the sun and wearing sunscreen daily. Keep those shades handy outside and never hit the tanning bed. Cleanse skin 2x a day with a creamy cleanser that doesn’t contain sulphates. While women with tan skin types don’t develop wrinkles and pigmentation changes as early as those with Skin Type I or II, growth factors and peptides can still help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time².
- SPF protection, even though your risk of skin cancer from sun exposure is lower than Skin Types I and II²
- Copper peptide, Epidermal growth factor, Insulin growth factor, Fibroblast growth factor, Vit C, Oligopeptide – 34,
- Oligopeptide – 51, Oligopeptide-53 and Pentapeptide – 15 can help improve wrinkles⁵
- Oligopeptide-34, Oligopeptide-51, Oligopeptide-53, Pentapeptide-15, arbutin, bearberry, cucumber extract, hydroquinone, kojic acid, liquorice extract, and vitamin C can help even out skin tone⁵
- Vitamin E to protect against sun damage⁵
- Aloe vera and green tea extract to soothe and hydrate skin⁵
Skin Type IV:
This Skin Type is marked by a luxurious caramel tone that rarely burns and tans easily. Most women with Skin Type IV describe their skin as olive or light-brown, which contrasts beautifully with dark hair and eyes. Actresses Eva Mendez and Jessica Alba both have this skin type.
Is This Your Skin Type?
- Is your natural hair color medium to dark brown?
- Do you have dark eyes that range from hazel to ebony?
- Is your skin olive or light brown before sun exposure?
- Does your skin tan quickly and easily and rarely freckle or burn?
How to Best Care for Skin Type IV:
While that golden skin may look like it was made for sun, it’s best to protect yourself from excessive UV ray exposure to stay looking younger longer. Use SPF 15 daily and avoid tanning beds. Cleanse skin 2x a day with a gentle creamy cleanser. Use a salicylic acid cleanser if you have oily or acne prone skin⁶. Exfoliate only 1-2x a week, less if you have sensitive skin⁶.
- SPF 15 protection, even though your risk of skin cancer from sun exposure is lower than Skin Types I and II⁶
- Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) and Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) can be used long-term to increase collagen and elastin synthesis and improve skin texture and pigmentation⁶
- Oligopeptide-34, Oligopeptide-51, Oligopeptide-53, Pentapeptide-15, arbutin, bearberry, cucumber extract, hydroquinone, kojic acid, liquorice extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, mulberry extract, niacinamide, retinol, resorcinol, beta hydroxyl acid, vitamin c can help even out skin tone in Skin Type IV⁶
- Vitamin C for healthier-looking skin⁶
- Vitamin E to protect against sun damage⁶
- Aloe vera and green tea extract to soothe and hydrate skin⁶
Skin Type IV:
This Skin Type is marked by a luxurious caramel tone that rarely burns and tans easily. Most women with Skin Type IV describe their skin as olive or light-brown, which contrasts beautifully with dark hair and eyes. Actresses Eva Mendez and Jessica Alba both have this skin type.
Is This Your Skin Type?
- Is your natural hair color medium to dark brown?
- Do you have dark eyes that range from hazel to ebony?
- Is your skin olive or light brown before sun exposure?
- Does your skin tan quickly and easily and rarely freckle or burn?
How to Best Care for Skin Type IV:
While that golden skin may look like it was made for sun, it’s best to protect yourself from excessive UV ray exposure to stay looking younger longer. Use SPF 15 daily and avoid tanning beds. Cleanse skin 2x a day with a gentle creamy cleanser. Use a salicylic acid cleanser if you have oily or acne prone skin⁶. Exfoliate only 1-2x a week, less if you have sensitive skin⁶.
- SPF 15 protection, even though your risk of skin cancer from sun exposure is lower than Skin Types I and II⁶
- Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) and Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) can be used long-term to increase collagen and elastin synthesis and improve skin texture and pigmentation⁶
- Oligopeptide-34, Oligopeptide-51, Oligopeptide-53, Pentapeptide-15, arbutin, bearberry, cucumber extract, hydroquinone, kojic acid, liquorice extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, mulberry extract, niacinamide, retinol, resorcinol, beta hydroxyl acid, vitamin c can help even out skin tone in Skin Type IV⁶
- Vitamin C for healthier-looking skin⁶
- Vitamin E to protect against sun damage⁶
- Aloe vera and green tea extract to soothe and hydrate skin⁶
Skin Type V:
People with Skin Type V have a rich skin tone that can range from a radiant bronzed beauty like Beyonce to a deep brown like Barack Obama. Women with Skin Type V tend to have a dark complexion, dark eyes, and dark hair and tan easily. This skin type is common in women of African, Southeast Asian, and sometimes Indian or Latin origin.
Is This Your Skin Type?
- Is your natural hair color dark brown or black?
- Do you have dark brown to ebony-colored eyes?
- Do you have a darker skin tone that tans easily and almost never burns?
How to Best Care for Skin Type V:
Darker skin types are more prone to uneven skin tone. Avoid resorting to aggressive lasers and chemical peels that can aggravate pigmentation issues and instead seek to naturally nourish and care for your skin by cleansing and exfoliating with a sulphate-free cleanser, feeding, hydrating, and protecting your skin². Darker skin types are also vulnerable to trans-epidermal water loss and need to incorporate rich moisturizers to address dry, cracking skin².
- Use SPF 15 protection, even though your risk of skin cancer from sun exposure is lower than Skin Types I and II²
- AHA-based products may help restore hydration²
- Exfoliate regularly²
- Blending skin brighteners with antioxidants may help prevent or delay pigmentation issues in darker skin types²
- Green tea extract can soothe irritated skin and help with mild acne and rosacea⁷
- Aloe vera is great for oily skin, eczema, and rosacea in Skin Type V⁷
- Use natural plant extracts such as Camellia sinensis instead of harsh abrasives⁷
Skin Type VI:
From Michelle Obama to supermodel Naomi Campbell, women with Skin Type VI can have a rich skin tone that ranges from mahogany to espresso. While their skin never burns and is extremely resistant to the sun’s rays, it’s still important to wear some protection from UV rays and moisturize often to fight the ageing process.
Is This Your Skin Type?
- Is your natural hair color black?
- Do you have brownish-black eyes?
- Do you have a deeply pigmented, dark brown skin tone?
- Do you always tan darkly and never freckle or burn in the sun?
How to Best Care for Skin Type VI:
Nourish and protect your skin by gently cleansing and exfoliating. Use a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic sunscreen and avoid sulphates. This will also help prevent acne, dark spots, and scarring that can steal your confidence. To maintain a plump, healthy glow, it’s important to keep skin hydrated with humectants that attract water to the skin and occlusives that bind water to the skin⁸.
- SPF 15 protection, even though your risk of skin cancer from sun exposure is lower than Skin Types I and II⁸
- Vitamin C for smoother pigmentation and healthier-looking skin⁸
- Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid to fight sun damage and free radicals⁸
- Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerides, and colloidal oatmeal keep skin looking smooth and young while adding needed hydration⁸
- Occlusives like coconut and olive oil, avocado, shea butter, and squalane can slow down water loss common in darker skin types that leads to dry skin⁸
Different Skin Types Have Different Needs
For centuries, most cosmetic products were created to target the basic skin types, which are normal, dry, oily, and sensitive. Special formulations were made for specific skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, and other ageing related complications.
But as Dr. Sherine Raveendran writes, “the genetic composition and therefore the ethnic background of an individual largely determine the outcome of the ageing process²”.
The BEST trick to proactively fighting the signs of ageing is to select ingredients based on your underlying skin type and target the specific problems women with your skin type face in a holistic manner.
SkinWit is the world’s first cosmetic producer to target the unique needs of women with Skin Types I, II, and III…
SkinWit was developed by a team of dermatologists who recognized the need for different skin types to receive different skin care treatments. Since skin thickness, structure, water content, and melanin composition all impact how you age, they’ve developed the world’s first skin care system designed to holistically treat specific problems women with Skin Types I, II, and III who are over the age of 30 face.
By targeting your overall skin type, not one specific area of concern, SkinWit’s intelligent ingredients work synergistically to visibly improve the look and feel of your skin in just the first 30 days.
The result is healthier, more radiant, naturally beautiful skin as you age – with ONE easy-to-follow regimen.
Click below to learn more about our specific skin care kits that cater to women 30-50 with Skin Types I, II, and III… and take all the trial and error, guesswork, and frustration out of fighting the signs of ageing!
I Want Radiant Skin the Easy Way!
Citations:
- McKnight, A., Momoh, A., & Bullocks, J. (2009). Variations of Structural Components: Specific Intercultural Differences in Facial Morphology, Skin Type, and Structures. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 23(3), 163–167. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1224794
- Raveendran, Sherine. (2016). Beauty beyond basic skin types – a pragmatic approach. PRIME. January-February. 40-51.
(n.d.). Fitzpatrick Skin Type I: Skin type one: Skin Type 1. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/fitzpatrick-skin-type-i. - (n.d.). Fitzpatrick Skin Type II: Skin Type two: Skin Type 2. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/fitzpatrick-skin-type-ii.
- (n.d.). Fitzpatrick Skin Type III: Skin type three: Skin Type 3. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/fitzpatrick-skin-type-iii.
- (n.d.). Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV: Skin Type 4: Skin Type Four. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/fitzpatrick-skin-type-iv.
- (n.d.). Fitzpatrick Skin Type V: Skin Types 5: Skin Type Five. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/fitzpatrick-skin-type-v.
- (n.d.). Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI: Skin Type six: Skin Type 6. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/fitzpatrick-skin-type-vi.
- Tadini, K. A., & Campos, P. M. (2009). In vivo skin effects of a dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) based formulation. Pharmazie, 818–822. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20095140.