Understanding Skin Types: How We Customize Facials and Treatments

Every face is different—and so is every skin type. That’s why truly effective skincare starts with understanding what your skin needs, not just what’s trending. At Ageless Aesthetics, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Whether you’re oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between, we customize every facial and skincare plan to match your unique skin profile.

If you’ve ever wondered why some treatments work wonders for others but not for you, your skin type may hold the answer. This guide breaks down the most common skin types and how we tailor our approach to deliver real results for each one.

Why Skin Type Matters

Skin type affects everything from the products you use to the way your skin responds to treatment. Using the wrong ingredients or protocols can lead to irritation, breakouts, or lackluster results. That’s why identifying your skin type is the foundation of any customized skincare or facial plan.

At Ageless Aesthetics, we assess your skin during every consultation—not just once. Skin changes with seasons, hormones, age, and stress levels. A routine that worked for you last year might not be right today. That’s why personalization is built into everything we do.

The Five Main Skin Types

Understanding your skin type can help you make smarter choices about facials, products, and maintenance treatments. While skin conditions (like acne or rosacea) can affect any type, these are the five general categories we use to guide your care:

1. Oily Skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum, often leading to shine, enlarged pores, and clogged hair follicles. You might struggle with blackheads, congestion, or acne breakouts—especially in the T-zone.

Our approach: We use lightweight, non-comedogenic products that help regulate oil production without stripping the skin. Treatments like clarifying facials, salicylic acid peels, or LED therapy can target bacteria and calm inflammation. We avoid heavy creams or pore-clogging ingredients.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks oil or natural lipids, which can lead to flakiness, tightness, and visible dullness. You may notice your makeup clings to dry patches, or that your skin feels uncomfortable after cleansing.

Our approach: Hydration is key. We focus on barrier-repairing facials, hyaluronic acid-rich serums, and gentle exfoliation to remove buildup without irritation. Dry skin often needs more nourishment and a simplified product routine that prioritizes moisture retention.

3. Combination Skin

Combination skin includes both oily and dry areas—typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and drier cheeks. It can be tricky to manage since different areas of your face may have different needs.

Our approach: We use multi-masking, targeted treatments, and customized product layering to balance the skin without overwhelming it. Combination skin often benefits from regular facials that help recalibrate hydration and oil production.

4. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts easily to temperature, products, or touch. It may feel itchy, sting, flush red, or develop rashes. It’s also more prone to flare-ups from common active ingredients like acids or retinoids.

Our approach: We focus on strengthening the skin barrier. Treatments are gentle, fragrance-free, and anti-inflammatory. We avoid over-exfoliating and use calming ingredients like niacinamide, oat extract, or hyaluronic acid to keep skin soothed and supported.

5. Normal Skin

Normal skin is well-balanced—neither too oily nor too dry. Pores are generally small, texture is even, and breakouts are infrequent. That said, even “normal” skin needs consistent care.

Our approach: We keep it simple and maintain the skin’s natural balance. Regular hydrating facials, exfoliation, and sun protection help preserve healthy function and prevent premature aging.

Skin Type vs. Skin Condition: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to separate your skin type (your skin’s baseline characteristics) from your skin condition (a temporary or ongoing issue). Conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, or dehydration can affect any skin type.

That’s why our team doesn’t stop at labeling your skin—we look at how it’s behaving now and what underlying factors may be affecting it. Your treatment plan is based on this holistic view, not just a surface-level evaluation.

How We Customize Facials at Ageless Aesthetics

We don’t offer “basic” facials—every skin treatment is tailored in-office based on your skin type, goals, and concerns. Our providers analyze your skin under proper lighting and ask the right questions about your routine, sensitivities, and lifestyle.

Customizations may include:

• Selecting the right exfoliant (enzyme, lactic, salicylic, or glycolic)
• Choosing between cooling or warming masks
• Adjusting product pH and ingredient concentrations
• Using LED light therapy for acne or inflammation
• Hydration layering based on skin type and barrier health

We also time your facials based on your skin cycle and seasonal changes. For example, oily or acne-prone patients may benefit from monthly treatments, while sensitive skin may need more spacing in between.

What to Expect During Your Skin Assessment

Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation. We’ll:

• Examine your skin texture, pore size, oil distribution, and sensitivity
• Discuss any medications, hormonal changes, or environmental triggers
• Review your current skincare products
• Create a customized plan for facials, at-home skincare, and any complementary treatments (like microneedling or light chemical peels)

This process ensures that you’re not just getting a facial—you’re getting an integrated treatment strategy tailored to your skin’s biology.

Why Personalized Skincare Matters

Trendy products and viral routines might not be helping your skin—and in some cases, they can do more harm than good. We see many patients who come to us after self-treating with harsh actives, stripping their barrier, or mixing incompatible ingredients.

That’s why we start with education. We want you to understand why we choose certain treatments, what each step does, and how it supports your skin type and long-term goals. The right facial should leave your skin calmer, not confused.

Let’s Treat Your Skin the Way It Deserves

No matter your skin type, you deserve a treatment plan that’s based on real science and professional care—not guesswork. At Ageless Aesthetics, we make it simple to understand your skin and give it what it truly needs.

Call or text 317.855.9100 to schedule your skin consultation in Greenwood or Indianapolis.
Let us help you stop chasing trends—and start getting results that last.