63% of women are damaging their skin by using unsuitable beauty products

63% of women don’t know or understand their skin type, which is leading to them damaging their skin by using unsuitable beauty products, a study by Skin Trust Club has revealed.

The results of the world’s first genome sequence skin test study, which studied women’s skin microbiomes, analysed a data set of 1,446 women living in the UK aged between 27 and 47 who used its consumer skin health tracking service between January–March 2022. 

Almost two thirds of women incorrectly identified their skin type before undergoing the genome sequence test, which analysed a skin swab, the report found. 

Oily skin types were the most misidentified, with 19% of women with oily complexions believing it was balanced, and 18% thinking their skin was dry before they received their results.

Plus, 10% of women who believed they had balanced skin actually had dry skin, with 5% of women with dry skin believing their skin was oily.

By purchasing products for the incorrect skin type women could be damaging their skin, causing issues such as acne, over-producing oil, and dryness, which can promote conditions such as dermatitis.

Dr David Caballero-Lima, chief scientist at Skin Trust Club, said: “The majority are buying – much of it very expensive – skincare products that are not suitable for their skin type. 

“Those with dry skin who believe they have oily skin buy products that make the skin more oily, creating an environment that promotes acne. If a person believes they have dry skin when it is actually oily then they create skincare routines with products that make their skin drier.”

The data comes as it is revealed the average woman spends £1,000 per month on beauty, hair and aesthetics treatments.

What do you make of the results of the study? Tell us your thoughts below.