Your Skin Type Might Be In Your Genes (But That Doesn't Mean You're Stuck With It)

Have you ever wondered why your best friend can go to bed without washing her face and still wake up glowing, while you follow a 5-step routine and still feel dry, oily, or irritated? The answer might be in your DNA.

That's right—your genes have much to do with your skin type. Just like you inherit your eye color or hair texture, you also inherit certain skin traits from your family. But don't worry—just because your skin tendencies may be passed down, doesn't mean you're powerless to care for your skin in a way that makes it look and feel its best.

At Source Vitál Apothecary, we believe in understanding your skin from the inside out and that personal skincare works better.

First, What Exactly Is Skin Type?

You've probably heard the basics: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or "normal." But how do these types show up in real life?

• Oily skin tends to get shiny quickly, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). It might come with blackheads or breakouts.
• Dry skin can feel tight, rough, or flaky, especially after washing or in cooler weather.
• Combination skin is a little of both: you're oily in some areas and dry in others.
• Sensitive skin reacts easily to products, weather changes, or stress, often displaying redness, itching, or breakouts.
• Normal skin (if you're one of the lucky few) stays balanced with minimal issues.

These skin types are primarily shaped by genetics, meaning they're traits you can thank (or blame) your parents for.

What Does Genetics Have to Do With It?

Your genes help determine things like:

• How much oil your skin naturally produces
• Your pore size
• How your skin responds to inflammation
• Whether you're prone to things like acne, rosacea, or eczema
• How your skin ages over time

If your mom has sensitive skin and your dad always had oily skin, you might notice both in your routine. Or maybe everyone in your family has that same youthful glow well into their 50s—lucky you! Understanding your skin's natural tendencies gives you a significant advantage when choosing the right products.

Is My Skin Type Permanent?

Here's the good news: you're not stuck with one skin type forever. Although your genes influence your skin, they are also affected by your environment and habits. Stress, diet, climate,  sleep, and even hormone changes (hello, puberty, pregnancy, or menopause) can shift how your skin behaves.

While genetics might give you a starting point, what you do daily can make a huge difference. That's why creating a consistent, supportive skincare routine matters—and why we love gentle, effective, and natural ingredients to help bring out your skin's best.

Tips Based on Your Skin Type

No matter what kind of skin you were born with, there's a Source Vitál solution to help you care for it. Here's where to start:

If you're oily:

Your skin might be overproducing oil to try to balance itself. The trick is not to strip it dry (that can make it worse!). Instead, try gentle cleansing and lightweight hydration. Look for natural oils like that mimic your skin's oils and help regulate production. Our Clear Skin Cream is a great option to soothe and balance.

If you're dry:

Hydration is your best friend. Rich creams, nourishing facial oils, and gentle exfoliation can help your skin retain moisture. Ingredients like Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Algae Extracts are all deeply soothing for thirsty skin. Try our Maximum Moisture Cream or Algae Deep Cleanse to hydrate and support your skin barrier.

If you're combination:

Treat each area of your face according to its needs. For example, you might need a balancing mask in your T-zone and a rich moisturizer on your cheeks. Our Charcoal Clay Mask is great for oilier zones, while 23 Phytoserum adds luxe nourishment where you need extra love.

If you're sensitive:

Look for calming, non-irritating ingredients—no synthetic fragrances or harsh exfoliants. We recommend Sea Tonic, our mineral-rich facial mist that soothes and refreshes, or Soothing Cream, a calming daily moisturizer made with Aloe, Lavender, and Vitamin E.

What About Aging? Is That Genetic Too?

To a degree, yes. Some of us naturally produce more collagen or show fewer signs of aging because of our genes. But lifestyle plays a significant role here too. Sun exposure, smoking, diet, and sleep can all accelerate (or slow down) how your skin ages.

Using antioxidant-rich products, protecting your skin from UV damage, and maintaining a nourishing skincare routine can help keep your skin feeling firm and radiant, regardless of your genetics.

Your skin is unique, and your genes are a big part of what makes it that way. But they're not the whole story. By understanding your skin's natural tendencies and responding with the proper care, you can support your skin's health in a way that feels good and works long-term.

At Source Vitál Apothecary, we help you understand your skin and treat it with clean, holistic, practical ingredients. Whether you're dealing with dryness or breakouts or just want a glow-up that doesn't depend on your DNA, we've got your back (and your face).