What is my skin type?

If you’re wondering what your skin type is, you’re not alone. Finding out your skin type is essential for knowing what your skin needs – and the type of skincare products that are best suited for your skin. 

The best face cream for dry skin may not be ideal if your skin is actually oily. Your particular skin type can be clouded by many factors, including the kind of skincare products you’re using and whether they’re best for you. 

The popularity of aggressive treatments and serums with high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) can sensitize skin, making you think you have a sensitive skin type when your skin type may be combination. Overuse of BHA’s, on the other hand, can strip skin of oils and cause an overproduction of sebum leading you to believe you’re oilier than you may actually are.

All of this can lead you to use products that aren’t quite right for you and don’t promote the health of your skin.

How to Determine Skin Type

How to find out your skin type is actually not very complicated. To start, take a skincare breather. Over the course of two or three days, tone down the use of potent serums, particularly acids and aggressive treatments with high concentrations of actives like retinol and vitamin C. AHA’s like Glycolic and Lactic Acids are powerful exfoliants that can sensitize the skin. BHA’s, the most common of which is Salicylic Acid, control oil production and loosen hardened sebum that builds up within pores.

After your brief detox period, begin your skincare routine with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and a hydrating toner – without alcohol, AHA’s or BHA’s. Then, wait for about 30 minutes to see how your skin reacts. 

If your skin begins to appear shiny and oily, you have an oily skin type. If it feels dry and uncomfortable, meaning it lacks sufficient oil content, then you have a dry skin type.

If you are oily in some areas, such as the T-zone across the forehead and down the bridge of the nose, but you seem dry on your cheeks, then your skin type is likely combination.

You may even discover that you can’t tell one way or the other! That means your skin type is relatively normal, neither oily nor dry.

If your skin flares up, burns or seems otherwise highly irritated, it’s an indication that your skin may have become sensitized by your routine. Skin can easily become agitated by the overuse of harsh acids and potent actives like retinoids.

What about sensitive skin?

First, what is sensitive skin? Sensitive skin should not be confused with sensitized skin, often a temporary condition. A sensitive skin type shows extreme sensitivity, irritation, redness and a general intolerance for much of what is applied to it. 

Sensitive skin is a broad category than can encompass sensitivity to fragrance in skincare, or a particular ingredient like vitamin c or lavender oil. It can even have a reaction to pollutants in the air, climate and temperature changes, dehydration or a poor diet.

In many ways, all skin is “sensitive” as skin is a delicate organ that is highly reactive to both internal and external influences. Only you can determine what your own skin is sensitive to – and do your best to avoid those irritants.

Another great indicator of your skin type is the appearance of your skin in the morning – after a good night’s sleep. Since your skin has been at rest along with you, you can often tell your skin type with a quick glance in the mirror. Close up, how oily or dry does your skin appear? 

Mario Badescu offers products for oily skin, dry skin, and every skin type in between, including sensitive skin. To shop by your skin type, try our regimen finder with products organized by skin type. 

Originally published as How to Tell What Skin Type You Have and Why it Matters from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

OUR MISSION

We exist to create good skin habits today, tomorrow. For a lifetime. Proven skin solutions formulated in our New York City salon since 1967.  We exist to create good habits today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime because we know, Good Skin is Forever.

OUR BRAND 

Proven skin solutions created, formulated and put to the test daily in our New York salon since 1967

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We are a proud family-owned business, over three-generations we strongly believe in tradition, efficacy, accessibility and absolute transparency. Everything from ideation to distribution, we develop our formulations and formulators in-house at our production facility located in Edison, New Jersey.

OUR VALUES

TRADITION at the forefront of our business, with over three-generations of success, and decades of salon services, we tested and proven skin solutions for every age and type of skin.  

TRANSPARENCY & EFFICACY

• We believe that the most comprehensive way to promise quality is through transparency in our pricing and formulas. 
• Pricing for most of our product line has remained the same since 1967 and we are committed to doing this for now and the future.
• Efficacy of our products is at the forefront of our business and offering problem solving solutions for and long-term improvement.

ACCESSIBILITY  We cater to all skin types, ages and gender; we are 100% inclusive and create GOOD SKINCARE FOR ALL. 

OUR FOOTPRINT

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and environmental impact. We collectively minimize our footprint and safeguard the environment for the sake of future generations.

SUSTAINABILITY Our commitment to sustainability runs through every element of our production process. From our in-house production and distribution facilities, to working with local vendors for product design and responsibly sourcing botanicals and other ingredients to develop our formulas, has been an integral part of our business since 1967.

OUR INGREDIENTS

Our brand history and success started with Badescu’s vision for skincare products formulated with fruit, vegetable and plant-based ingredients and the natural actives they provide. Apart from our modifications over the years to remove phthalates, parabens or synthetic fragrances, our original formulas that have been skin tested and proven to perform remain at the heart of our product line. With decades of success, we believe it is the only way to truly create effective skincare.

We are committed to the responsible use of existing resources and ingredients, without sacrificing quality. Animal testing is not and will never be used in any stage of our product development.

OUR FORMULA

We believe that the most comprehensive way to promise quality is through transparency. Our product labels and packaging include a full ingredient list, visibility on exact concentrations, a full breakdown of natural extracts, active ingredients and their origins, provide skin types claims
best suited for.

OUR STORY: MARIO BADESCU SALON & SPA

IT started in 1967, with Mario Badescu mixing products and giving facials in his one room studio in New York City.

Launching his practice out of a two-room apartment in Midtown Manhattan seeing clients by referral only. Inside his humble, modern apartment – Badescu housed all the ingredients almost any skin type likely needs, including organically grown cucumbers, strawberries, cantaloupe, banana, and lemons. Feeding the skin with the vitamins in bananas and carrots, hormones in honey and the cleansing qualities of cucumber, each vegetable and fruit has a benefit.

ABOUT MARIO BADESCU

A Romanian native, Mario Badescu a chemist and pharmacist who had his own skin laboratory in Vienna before he moved to New York City in 1966. He understood the uniqueness of skin and strongly believed in the importance of a skin analysis and knowing what type of skin each client has before treating the skin. Finding an untapped synergy between beauty and skin care, Badescu was committed to helping clients realize and value their inner beauty rather than cosmetic. His facial treatments and formulas he created featured a blend of organic fruits and vegetables to feed, nourish and revitalize the skin. Offering by appointment only facials out of his NYC apartment and developing a line of handmade products to suit client’s individual skin types and needs.

For over 40 years, Mario Badescu has been relied upon as a source for quality skin care. Today our products and services are one of New York’s best kept secrets. Our valued clientele includes models and actors as well as everyday men and women who understand the importance of good skin care. 

The brand’s enduring success and loyal following are the result of the late Mario Badescu’s timeless philosophy that skin care should be simple, gentle and effective. We continue our founder’s tradition by using fresh fruits, botanicals and other natural ingredients as the basis for our products and salon services. 

Now with over three generations and countless faces later, the Mario Badescu salon has expanded to a 24-room signature salon filled with Badescu-trained facialists and a line of 200 products available around the world.

OUR PRODUCTS SINCE 1967

1960’S1967, BOTH THE ICONIC SPOT TREATMENT AND WORLD-RENOWNED SALON ARE BORN. Mario Badescu launches his facial studio out of his two-room Manhattan apartment. He makes all his products by hand—and it’s in his home where the Drying Lotion first came to be.

1970’S BUTTERMILK MOISTURIZER IS INTRODUCED AND QUICKLY BECOMES A CELEBRITY FAVORITE Clients are seen by recommendation only, but as news of his practice and loyal following (which includes a star-studded roster of in-the-know New Yorkers) spreads, Badescu’s home-turned-studio flourishes. .

1980’S FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, HERBS AND ROSEWATER IS LAUNCHED  One Facial Spray sold every 20 seconds – it quickly earns its place as a cult-favorite and medicine cabinet staple  Mario Badescu simultaneously publishes his second book.

1990’SENZYME CLEANSING GEL IS ADDED INTO THE LINE AND EMERGES AS OUR #1 BEST-SELLING FACE WASH.

2000’sTHE LUXE, RADIANCE-BOOSTING VITAMIN C SERUM IS INTRODUCED in 2010 Mario Badescu products launch in Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue, the first of many successful retail partnerships.

Why is Mario Badescu bad?

Why is Mario Badescu bad?

Well, we might just make your boyfriend jealous! 

As crazy as it sounds, our uber popular Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater came between a fan and her man. After apparently professing her love for Mario Badescu to the world, the fan of the brand found herself in hot water when her boyfriend thought she was, well, seeing someone else. 

We’re honored that passion for the brand runs so deep. We love our iconic Facial Sprays, too! 

So what’s all the buzz about?

Mario Badescu Facial Sprays are formulated to enhance hydration and elevate your skincare regimen with unique blends of complexion boosting botanicals. 

Among the best hydrating treatments, Facial Sprays do the most when used after a toner to weightlessly boost the moisturizing properties of the hydrating serum and anti-aging moisturizer that follow in your daily regimen. Our original rejuvenating Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater has built a cult following decades after its NYC launch.

Today, we offer four variations of our Facial Sprays to meet your every mood and instantly refresh, rejuvenate and rehydrate skin – anytime, anywhere. 

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, HERBS AND ROSEWATER

What it is: The OG cult favorite! A floral infusion of Rose and Gardenia Extracts hydrates and boosts your complexion to reveal radiant, re-energized skin.

What it does: Revives dehydrated skin with a healthy, dewy glow.

Key ingredients: Rose Extract, Gardenia Extract, Aloe Vera, Thyme Extract, Bladderwrack Extract

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, CUCUMBER AND GREEN TEA

What it is: An invigorating, hydrating facial mist infused with nutrient-rich botanicals and cooling Peppermint Essential Water.

What it does: Wakes up dull, tired skin with a refreshing, antioxidant-enriched boost.

Key ingredients: Green Tea Extract, Cucumber Extract, Cucumber Essential Water, Peppermint Essential Water, Aloe Vera

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, CHAMOMILE AND LAVENDER

What it is: A soothing mist infused with calming botanicals, Lavender Essential Water, and antioxidant Vitamin C to replenish skin and defend against skin-aging free radicals.

What it does: Balances, brightens, and de-stresses skin.

Key ingredients: Lavender Essential Water, Lavender Oil, Chamomile Extract, Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Bladderwrack Extract

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, SAGE AND ORANGE BLOSSOM

What it is: Our newest facial mist! An uplifting blend of purifying botanical extracts and Sage and Orange Blossom Essential Waters combine to re-energize and refresh skin.

What it does: Hydrates, tones, and boosts clarity.

Key ingredients: Orange Blossom Essential Water, Sage Essential Water, Thyme Extract, Aloe Vera, Bladderwrack Extract

Originally published as All About Mario Badescu from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.