One of the most common questions we hear from patients is: “What’s my skin type?” But knowing your skin concerns—the specific issues you want to address, like acne, discoloration, or signs of aging—is just as important. While these two categories often get mixed up, they actually serve different purposes when it comes to building the right skincare routine and choosing the best treatments.
At our physician-led Colorado Springs medspa, we know that understanding your skin from both angles is the first step toward healthy, glowing skin. Here’s how to tell the difference and how to identify what you’re really dealing with.
What is a Skin Type?
Your skin type is determined by genetics and refers to your skin’s natural baseline state. It can shift slightly over time, but it tends to stay consistent and forms the foundation of how your skin behaves day-to-day.
The five main skin types are:
- Normal: Balanced moisture and oil, minimal sensitivity or breakouts
- Oily: Overproduction of sebum (oil), larger pores, prone to shine and acne
- Dry: Lacks moisture, feels tight or flaky, may be more prone to irritation
- Combination: Oily in some areas (usually T-zone), dry or normal elsewhere
- Sensitive: Easily irritated by products or environmental factors, often causes redness or discomfort
Knowing your skin type helps our expert providers choose the right cleansers, moisturizers, and treatment settings to maintain your skin’s overall health and comfort.
“Kenya is wonderful! She’s very knowledgeable, helpful and kind. She took a great deal of time with myself and my daughter in helping us choose the right products and I felt confident in other facial care she gave me. I would highly recommend Kenya and Purelee.”
—5-star Google review
What is a Skin Concern?
Your skin concern refers to a specific condition or goal you want to treat or improve. Unlike skin type, concerns can come and go depending on lifestyle, environment, and hormones.
Common skin concerns we treat include:
- Acne or clogged pores
- Hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or melasma
- Rosacea or redness
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of elasticity or firmness
- Uneven skin tone or rough texture
- Post-inflammatory discoloration or scarring
Identifying your top concerns helps us target them more effectively with professional skin treatments like Aerolase laser, chemical peels, AquaGold + exosome solution, or a customized medical-grade skincare regimen.
Why It’s Important to Know Both
Let’s say you have oily skin (skin type) but are also experiencing hyperpigmentation (skin concern) from past breakouts. Your treatment plan will need to account for both—choosing products that balance oil without stripping your skin, while also incorporating brightening and resurfacing treatments to fade discoloration.
Identifying both your type and concerns helps ensure you get a personalized treatment plan that works with your skin rather than against it. It also helps prevent wasting time and money on products that aren’t right for your skin.
Not sure where to start? Come see us!
It’s not always easy to self-diagnose your skin’s needs—but that’s where our team comes in! During your skin consultation, our team of experienced providers will closely evaluate your skin, talk through your concerns and goals, and help you get a clear understanding of your unique skin profile.
Whether you’re looking for a customized facial, high-tech skin treatment, or a medical-grade skincare routine, we’ll build a plan that’s tailored to both your skin type and your skin concerns, so you can feel confident in your glow.
Schedule your consultation today at PureLee Redefined in Colorado Springs! Call us at 719-452-8541 or book online now.
