Are you having trouble finding the right foundation, blush, bronzer, or concealer? Do you struggle with identifying your skin tone, which makes it difficult to choose the right makeup? It’s important to learn about the different skin tone names if you want your makeup to match your complexion.
Your skin tone can also play a role in the way you do your skincare routine. The goal is to add products that are tailored to your specific needs. That way, you can enjoy a radiant and fresh-looking skin.
What Is Skin Tone?
Skin tone is the surface color of your skin. According to studies, the natural shade or color is determined by how much your body creates melanin.
Melanocytes in the skin's outer layer produce two kinds of melanin - eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin gives us a darker skin tone, while pheomelanin produces lighter skin tones, giving us different skin tone names.
What Are the Main Types of Skin Tones?
Experts have found 110 distinct skin tones. But, most of the time, they are classified into four main types. Here are the skin tone names you should be familiar with.
1. Fair
Fair tone has a pale, porcelain look because it contains very little melanin. It is prone to sunburn and doesn’t tan.
Light
A light skin complexion looks neutral and even because it has less melanin. Although people can get sunburnt easily, it is possible to develop a slight tan.
2. Medium
A medium tone has a warm look because it has moderate melanin levels. People with this tone are less likely to get sunburned and tan with ease.
3. Deep Dark
A dark tone looks deep because it has lots of melanin. People hardly get sunburned but can tan effortlessly.
What Factors Can Impact Our Skin Tone?
Based on 2021 reports, your skin tone is affected by the kind of melanin (eumelanin or pheomelanin), genetic makeup, sunlight exposure, pigment cells, and other molecules in the skin.
Sunlight makes the skin produce extra melanin, which darkens it and gives it a tan. As fresh cells appear on the skin's surface, the tanned cells peel off, and the tan goes away. As a result, we get various skin tone names.
Your genes determine the quality and quantity of melanin in your system. For this reason, people’s skin tone has been classified based on their ancestry. The major groups include South Asian, East Asian, European, Native American, and African.
How to Know Your Skin Tone?
If your foundation looks cakey, gray, or a couple of shades too dark or too light, then it doesn’t suit your skin tone. To figure out your skin tone, clean your skin and observe it under natural light.
Use a small mirror and sit down near a window that gets a lot of natural sunlight. Look at your jawline. Remember, the jawline color is what you match for a perfect blend. Some foundations also include skin tone names that they go well with.
Another option is to do a silver/gold test. This can come in handy when you are picking out the perfect jewelry. For instance, if a silver necklace feels more comfortable, then you probably have a cool undertone. But, if gold suits you better, then you might have a warmer skin tone.
If you need some extra help, you can do a skin type test. A personalized skin analysis can identify your skin type in no time.
Understanding the Ideal Skincare Routine
Choosing the right skincare products and creating an effective skincare routine can depend on several factors, including your skin tone, skin type, and any specific skin concerns you may have. For instance, some people may ask, “What is combination skin?” Combination skin is a skin type that features both oily and dry areas.
Just as some skincare products and routines accommodate all skin types, some produce effective results no matter what your skin tone is. Here is a routine that can work for you.
1. Face Cleanser
A face cleanser is the ultimate product for removing dirt and grime from your skin. Not only does it boost circulation, but it also gives you a natural glow. It is great for cleaning normal pores and getting fabulous skin.
The Dermpura Skin Balancing Cleanser is a great help in getting rid of impurities on the skin. The foam feels gentle on the skin and leaves a smooth, firm look. It’s packed with antioxidant compounds and can calm irritated skin.
2. Face Toner
For a double cleansing effect, check out the Maxatone Clarifying Toner. The formula contains a mix of natural antiseptics and botanical astringents, making it an excellent choice for treating irritation, avoiding breakouts, and restoring the ideal pH balance to your skin.
Regardless if you have a normal type of skin, combination, or dry skin, a toner can be a great option for cleaning whatever the cleanser might have left behind.
3. Face Gel
Forget about those heavy, greasy creams that leave an oily residue. With a face gel, you get an instant matte finish. It is the best-kept secret to a fresh and dewy complexion.
4. Face Moisturizer
After the face gel absorbs into the skin, it is time to move on to a face moisturizer. There is a common misconception that only people with dry skin need to moisturize. In reality, every skin type can benefit from adding a moisturizer to their skincare routine.
The Infusoderm Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer is a perfect example of a product that can refresh and revitalize the skin. It is very moisturizing and leaves a silky-smooth finish.
5. Face Cream
Whether you have normal type skin, sensitive, dry, or combination skin, a face cream can deliver nutrients and hydration to your skin. So, if you want to keep your face looking fresh, then add a face cream to your routine.
Difference Between Skin Tone and Undertones?
Skin tone is the color you see on the surface of your skin. The undertone is the subtle shade beneath. People with similar skin tones can have distinct undertones, which is why we have so many skin tone names such as ivory, sand, porcelain, rose blige, honey, etc. Although the skin tone can change, like when you get a tan, the undertone stays the same. Here is a trick for you to find your undertone. Check your wrist in natural light.
- Blue veins with a hint of green mean you have neutral undertones.
- Green veins with a hint of brown means you have warm undertones.
- Purple veins with a hint of blue means you have cool undertones.
FAQs
Which skin tone is most attractive?
Every skin complexion, tone, and undertone is beautiful in its unique way. The perception of beauty is subjective and varies from person to person. While some individuals find darker or moderate skin tones attractive, others prefer porcelain skin. For instance, in East Asia, pale skin is considered a symbol of beauty.
Does skin tone matter?
Skin tone holds personal, social, and cultural significance. In some cultures, there could be a preference for specific skin tones, often favoring fair skin. This can lead to bias and discrimination against people with darker skin tones.
What skin tone is cool?
Cool tones make the skin look rosy or pink. When someone with a cool skin tone wears colors that complement their skin, like greens and blues, it can create a contrast and enhance their natural undertones.
Are skin tones unique?
Different factors affect the color of your skin. This uniqueness can be seen in various demographic populations.
Conclusion
Skin color is diverse among humans. It ranges from the lightest shade of white to the darkest shade of brown, and there are many variations in between. Skin can have different pigments such as pink, yellow, and black, which can also have their undertones. As a result, many skin tone names exist. By following the tips outlined above, you can determine your skin tone and how you can take care of your skin regardless of color or skin type.
References
1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10304091/
2] https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/deciphering-genetic-link-between-skin-tone-and-ancestral-origins/
3] https://www.ancestry.com/c/traits-learning-hub/skin-pigmentation
4] https://karger.com/spp/article/35/2/65/826910/Influence-of-Ethnicities-and-Skin-Color-Variations
5] https://www.colorescience.com/blogs/blog/how-to-determine-your-skin-tone-before-buying-face-products#5
6] https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Skin-Tone
Amr
Amr Adel Helmy is a 29-year-old pharmacist who has established himself as an experienced medical content writer. He holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the esteemed Faculty of Pharmacy at Alexandria University. Amr's passion for writing stemmed from his interest in healthcare, and he combined his knowledge of the medical field with his creative flair to become a proficient content writer. Throughout his career, Amr has worked on various projects, including medical articles, research papers, and informative blog posts for clients in the healthcare industry. He has a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and can translate complex medical jargon into easily understandable language for the general public. Amr's dedication to his craft is reflected in the quality of his work, and his attention to detail ensures that each piece of content he writes is accurate, informative, and engaging. When he's not working, Amr enjoys reading about the latest advancements in healthcare and spending time with his loved ones.
