Skin Basics
Great makeup starts with understanding the skin it sits on. Get to know yours, what it is, what it needs, and you'll make better choices at every step that follows.
By the end of this part you'll be able to
- Name the three layers of your skin and what each one does
- Work out your own skin type and what it's asking for
- Tell the difference between a skin type and a skin condition
- Choose products that suit your skin instead of guessing
The exact slides from your class. Scroll through anytime for a refresher.
What your skin is made of
You can't look after something you don't understand.
Your skin has three layers, and each one changes how your makeup behaves.
The three layers
Epidermis is the surface layer you see and put makeup on. It contains melanocytes, the cells that make melanin (your natural pigment).
Dermis sits underneath: a fibrous structure of collagen, elastin, hair follicles, glands and nerve endings. This is where your skin's bounce and strength live.
Subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is the bottom layer. As you age it slowly loses firmness and elasticity, which is what makes skin look thinner, softer and a little saggy over time, and slows how quickly your skin renews itself.
Around 80% of premature skin aging comes from sun exposure and UVA/UVB rays. SPF is the single most powerful anti-aging step at any age.
How skin changes through the decades
20s are your golden years of prevention. The first sign of aging is dryness, so hyaluronic acid is your friend.
30s: stress is the enemy and cell turnover slows. Skin can look dehydrated and more prone to fine lines, adding a serum is a great start.
40s: eternal youth is a lie (and that's ok). Skin becomes more sensitised and expression lines show. Reach for antioxidants, peptides and a richer moisturiser.
50+: it is what it is. More changes in texture, pigmentation and sun spots, deep cleansing and a good SPF do a lot of the heavy lifting.
The four skin types
Your skin type is what you're born with. It won't change day to day, but it tells you exactly what to give your skin.
Skin types at a glance
| Type | How it shows up | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Small pores, not too dry or oily, smooth texture | Gentle cleanse, light moisturiser, SPF. Less is more |
| Dry | Flaky or rough, tight or itchy, dull | Hydration, hydration, hydration. Exfoliation + SPF |
| Oily | Large pores, shiny thicker complexion, fewer visible wrinkles | Salicylic / glycolic / lactic acid, a non-oily moisturiser, SPF |
| Combination | Oily T-zone, dry cheeks | Clay mask on the T-zone, hydration mask on the cheeks, SPF |
Your forehead and nose get shiny by lunchtime, but your cheeks feel tight and a little flaky. Which skin type is this?
Skin conditions are different
Your skin type is what you're born with and can't change. Skin conditions are what you develop from external and internal factors, UV exposure, climate, stress, lifestyle and hormonal changes.
Common skin conditions to recognise
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Sensitised skin
- Eczema
You work with your skin type and you manage your skin conditions. Knowing which is which stops you buying the wrong products.
Take it with you
Print these and keep them handy while you practise at home.
- Foundations Workbook (printable)Your full workshop workbook, print-friendlyAdd file URL
- Skin type cheat sheetOne page: type, signs, what to useAdd file URL
Know your skin? Let's care for it.
Next up: a realistic routine you'll actually keep, and the ingredients worth your money.
Next: Skincare That Works