Getting to know your skin

Updated 01/09/2025

Our skin, the real interface between our body and the outside world, deserves special attention. Made up of several layers and influenced by factors such as age, seasons or lifestyle, it is constantly evolving. However, knowing it well is essential to choose suitable treatments and enhance its natural radiance. Whether you have normal, combination, dry or oily skin, or a particular skin condition such as sensitivity or dehydration, Centifolia helps you discover the specific needs of your skin.

Understanding the constitution of the skin

The skin is a complex organ composed of three layers with distinct but complementary roles:

• The epidermis : the protective shield. This is the outer layer, the one we see. It acts as a barrier against external aggressions (pollution, UV, microbes) and ensures the evacuation of sweat. Devoid of blood vessels, it rests on an intercellular cement which holds the cells together. Taking care of the epidermis means guaranteeing radiant and resilient skin in the face of everyday challenges.
• THE dermis : the heart of skin vitality. Beneath the epidermis, the dermis contains blood vessels, sweat and sebaceous glands, and collagen and elastin fibers. This is where the firmness and elasticity of the skin come into play. Good hydration and appropriate nutrition help preserve these essential elements, thus delaying the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• The hypodermis : the protective layer. Made up of fat cells, the hypodermis acts like a cushioning mattress, protecting deep tissues against shock. In connection with hair follicles, it also participates in thermal regulation and the overall structure of the skin.

Identify your skin type and specific needs

Each skin type has unique characteristics, influencing its daily needs.

• Normal skin : Comfortable and uniform, it presents no tightness or excessive shine. However, it requires daily hydration to preserve its natural balance.
• Combination skin : It combines oily areas (often the T zone: forehead, nose, chin) and drier areas. Targeted treatments, like a gentle gel cleanser for oily areas and a light moisturizer for the cheeks, help restore balance.
• Oily skin : Excess sebum causes general shine and can clog pores. Purifying cleansers and mattifying treatments are essential to regulate sebum production while avoiding dehydrating the skin.
• Dry skin : It lacks water and lipids, leading to tightness and scales. Nourishing treatments rich in lipid active ingredients repair the skin barrier and soothe feelings of discomfort.

Centifolia has developed a questionnaire that will allow you to discover your skin type and benefit from a skincare routine adapted to your skin type. Before starting your test, we advise you to position yourself in front of a mirror so that you can carefully observe your skin. Find out your skin diagnosis.

Skin conditions and their evolution

The skin changes depending on various factors: seasons, stress, diet or even pollution. Here are the most common skin conditions and their needs.

• Dehydrated skin : Even oily skin can lack water. The signs: tightness, dull appearance, peeling. Hydration is key: choose moisturizing creams, lotions and oils based on aloe vera, shea butter, hyaluronic acid or even argan oil. Our blog article dedicated to skin hydration. will give you all the keys to properly moisturizing your skin every day.
• Sensitive skin : Redness, tingling, increased reactivity to hot and cold, sensitive skin requires ultra-gentle and soothing care. Use soap-free cleansers and creams rich in calming active ingredients, without perfume. Centifolia has dedicated a complete article to the beauty of sensitive skin, don’t hesitate to reread it!
• Mature skin : With age, the skin loses elasticity and hydration. It becomes thinner and prone to wrinkles. Treatments rich in antioxidants, retinol-like or nourishing oils promote regeneration and restore radiance and suppleness. Your first wrinkles appear, what to do? Discover our solutions in this article.

Knowing your skin is the first step to taking care of it effectively. By identifying its characteristics and meeting its specific needs, you optimize not only the effectiveness of your cosmetic products, but also the overall health of your skin. To do this, adopt a tailor-made routine and choose suitable organic treatments, like those offered by Centifolia, formulated to respect all skin types and conditions.