How to Determine Your Skin Type
If you want to take proper care of your skin, it is essential to determine its type. Knowing your skin type will help you pick the right skincare products that will keep your skin healthy and flawless. The four basic skin types are normal, oily, dry and combination skin. Let’s figure out how they differ from one another and how to determine your skin type.Normal Skin
Normal skin has the optimum hydro-lipid (moisture/oil) balance, meaning that’s its neither too oily nor too dry. It is characterized by fine, almost invisible pores, a soft and smooth texture, a healthy and fresh complexion, and little to no blemishes. Generally, normal skin is not prone to sensitivity and breakouts.
Check this out: How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Normal Skin
Dry Skin
Dry skin produces less sebum (skin oil) than normal skin. As a result, it has problems retaining moisture and protecting itself from external influences. Mildly dry skin can feel tight and have a dull appearance. It is also characterized by low elasticity. Very dry skin is prone to flakiness, scaling, roughness, redness, and itchiness. If not hydrated properly, it can begin to chap. This skin type is most prone to sensitivity.
Check this out: 6 Homemade Face Masks With Avocado Oil for Dry Skin
Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by overactive sebum production. It has enlarged pores that are clearly visible and can get clogged, which results in comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). Oily skin usually has a glossy shine and can look dull if not exfoliated often enough. This skin type is more prone to acne breakouts and inflammation than other types.
Check this out: 8 Effective Ingredients for Oily Skin
Combination Skin
People with combination skin basically have two skin types: oily skin in the so-called T-zone and normal or dry skin on the cheeks. It is typically shiny on the forehead, nose and chin, and can become flaky on the cheeks. This skin type is prone both to breakouts and sensitivity, depending on the area, skincare regimen, and other factors.
Check this out: How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Combination Skin
How to Determine Your Skin Type
If these descriptions haven’t helped you figure out your skin type, you can try a simple test. Remove any makeup your have on your face, wash it with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Don’t apply any products and wait for an hour. Then, press a clean tissue on various spots of your face and check how much oil it has absorbed. If there is little to no oil on the tissue, your skin is probably dry. If there is a moderate amount of oil, you most likely have normal skin. If there is much oil and your forehead looks shiny, you have oily or combination skin.
Still not sure what your skin type is? Consult a beautician who will help you determine your skin type and choose the right skincare products.