Why Skin Types are a Scam

In the world of skincare, the concept of distinct skin types has long been a cornerstone of beauty routines and product development. However, by understanding the true nature of our skin, we can shift our focus from rigid categorizations to more personalized and effective skincare solutions that prioritize healing and overall health. There is a very good reason why none of our products are categorized by skin types and why I never mention skin types. It is because skin types are not what you think they are. It is because skin is always changing. It is because we focus on healing and skin health, rather than coping. Skin types are actually a way to categorize damaged skin, not to describe “normal” skin. You are not born with a skin type. Your skin can heal and reach its full potential with proper skincare and a healthy lifestyle.

Understanding Skin Types

Skin can is often classified into several types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Normal skin exhibits a balanced texture with minimal imperfections or sensitivities. Dry skin tends to manifest as rough or flaky with visible fine lines due to insufficient sebum production and moisture retention. Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum secretion, leading to shiny appearance and enlarged pores, often prone to acne outbreaks. Combination skin features areas of both dryness and oiliness, commonly presenting a distinctive T-zone sheen with dry cheeks. Sensitive skin easily reacts to external stimuli such as allergens or irritants, frequently showing redness or itching. 

Misconceptions About Skin Types

Yet, skin type classification often leads to confusion and misinterpretation. Many people identify with a particular skin type—such as dry, oily, or sensitive—without realizing that these classifications often mask underlying issues. What we commonly refer to as skin types are often actually symptoms of damaged skin. A compromised skin barrier leads to dryness and sensitivity. Oily skin actually indicates severely dehydrated skin that has been stripped of its natural oils and is overcompensating with excess oil. 

Rethinking Skincare: Repair, rather than Categorize

The aim is to empower you to focus on healing rather than categorizing your skin.

If you have dry, oily, sensitive, reactive skin this means you want to focus on the health of your skin with your skincare and on the health of your body with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Understanding the Skin Barrier: Importance and Function

The skin barrier produces lipids and natural moisturizing factors that keep skin cells plump and hydrated. When healthy, this barrier ensures that moisture stays locked in, while irritants and pollutants stay out. But when the barrier is damaged by the wrong type of cleansers, harsh exfoliation, retinoids, chemicals, excessive heat, etc, this leads to a host of issues that masquerade as distinct skin types.

The health of your skin barrier is like the backbone of your skincare routine. If it’s strong, your skin can thrive, looking radiant and even-toned. If it’s damaged, you might find yourself battling dryness, sensitivity, and breakouts. The skin barrier is not just a protective shield; it’s also a communicator, signaling when something is off balance. Whether it’s through irritation or acne, your skin will let you know when it’s not happy.

Debunking Skin Type Myths

One of the biggest myths around skin types is that they are unchangeable. Skin is never static. I used to be known as the “shiny” girl when I was younger. It was just excessively oily skin because I was using benzoyl peroxide to treat acne, which was severely drying out my skin and my skin was overcompensating by excessively producing the natural oils it needs. I also have had dry skin, combination skin, and extremely sensitive skin that reacted to everything. My skin is no longer any of those “types.” Most “types” result from improper skincare or lifestyle factors.

When your skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to various changes in your skin that mimic different “skin types.” 

Steps to Repair Your Skin Barrier

First Step

Stop the following:

• Cleansing with surfactant based cleansers.

• Excessive or harsh exfoliation.

• Retinoids

• Extreme temperatures like too hot or too cold. Never use hot water on your face. 

• Allergens

• Irritants and toxins

• Chemical based skincare products

• Alcohol-based products

• Excessive sun exposure and burning.

Second Step

Essential Ingredients and Products for Skin Barrier Repair

Ingredients to look for include our Snow Mushroom (Tremella) or Cassia Angustifolia (botanical version of Hyaluronic acid - I do NOT recommend using HA on the skin, but taking it internally can be helpful), Raw Honey, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Sterols, Aloe Vera, Probiotics, and various oils, botanicals, and antioxidants.

Cleansing only with nourishing creams or oils, such as our cleansers. We currently have Golden Sunrise Cleansing Cream and Radiant River Cleansing Oil. 

Exfoliating gently and only once a week (sometimes 2-3 can be okay if treating a skin issue and if the exfoliant is very gentle). Our exfoliants are skin barrier safe.

Using our mists and serums for cellular hydration, antioxidants, humectants, and actives such as ceramides. These bolster the skin’s resilience against oxidative stress while promoting repair at a cellular level. 

After the Rain is the ultimate skin barrier repair and skin condition treatment. It has been clinically proven to regenerate skin and tissue. Studies have shown that it promotes wound healing and modulates the inflammatory phase, which aids in skin barrier repair. Additionally, it stimulates angiogenesis and enhances oxygen metabolism, which are beneficial for wound healing and tissue repair.

We also have a new mask, Vanilla Rose Skin Barrier Repair Mask, which features a glorious array of ingredients all of which repair the skin barrier.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Skin Barrier Health

Conscious Sun Exposure is critical for protecting the skin barrier. See my Sun highlight on my Instagram.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, E will help support overall skin health and reinforce its natural protective mechanisms.

Stress management - ie nervous system regulation will also help prevent damage to the skin barrier, as we know stress breaks down all aspects of our body, including our skin.