How to Figure Out Your Skin Type?

Our skin is the most important body organ as it protects the whole body from outside factors. We need to take care of our skin throughout the year, whether the season is dry or warm. There are various skin types and every skin type needs a different kind of skincare. It means that the process remains the same but it’s the products that need to be picked as per the skin type.

The market is filled with ample products which are tailored for specific skin types and choosing the wrong product may cause certain skin irritation. Skincare is not rocket science but what’s important is choosing the right product and applying it correctly. So, it is quite essential to know your skin type.

The Various Types of Skin

There are normally 5 types of skin, namely dry, oily, combination, normal, and sensitive. You need to perform a simple test or an observation to know what your skin type is!

1. Dry skin

Dry skin is easily recognized as rough, tight, and less elastic. People with dry skin are more prone to fine lines and wrinkles and can feel a little crisp and itchy sometimes. This can be due to a number of reasons like genes, lifestyle, hormones, climate, etc. Due to lesser production of oil in the body, skin pores become smaller and the body becomes least prone to acne and breakouts.

2. Oily skin

Oily skin is characterized by the excess production of sebum that makes the skin greasier throughout the face but especially on the neck and T-Zone of the face, i.e., forehead, nose, and chin, pores get visibly enlarged, and quite often acne breakouts. People with oily skin generally have blackheads and whiteheads due to the accumulated dirt, oil, and dead cells.

3. Combination

This type of skin has combined features of both dry and oily skin, i.e., the oily T-Zone with dry or normal cheeks and jawline. The areas where sebum is overly produced get oilier whereas the areas that are devoid of sebum and fats tend to be drier. People with such skin types get benefits and problems of both dry and oily skin. Hence, it is a little difficult and takes effort to handle such a skin type and maintain a proper balance within.

4. Normal skin

People with normal skin are truly blessed because they feel neither oily nor dry and their skin is perfectly balanced. They have all the Pros of both skin types. For example, they have smooth skin, small pores, and even skin tone and are far away from acne, breakouts, oily glow, and sensitivity. In short, it is the perfect skin one can have. Even if they feel oiliness or dryness, it is just momentarily.

5. Sensitive skin

Any of the above skin types can be sensitive also, doesn’t matter if your skin is oily, dry, or normal. People with sensitive skin generally face redness and itching either due to dryness or burning. Such skin is highly vulnerable to external factors, which can be anything. It is up to you to determine what those factors are for you so that you can keep yourself at bay with them to avoid any irritation or any such issue.

Tests to Determine Your Skin Type

If you are unable to determine your skin type based on the aforementioned features, there are a couple of tests that you can do to check the same.

1. Doing nothing but wait

This is the simplest form of checking skin type at home because you simply don’t have to do anything other than ‘wait and watch. Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Pat it dry. Check what happens after 30-40 minutes.

A. If your skin starts glowing or feels greasiness, your skin is oily type,

B. If your skin feels cracky or tight, you have dry skin,

C. If you don’t feel anything but normal and are comfortable, your skin is normal,

D. If your T-Zone is oily and the remaining face just as normal, you have combination skin.

2. Using blotting sheets

Blotting sheets have the quality to absorb oil and hence, are very helpful in understanding your skin type. You just have to wash your face and pat it dry. After 30 minutes, press and hold blotting sheets to your face and observe.

A. If the sheets get oilier throughout and show oil in huge amounts, your skin is oily,

B. If the sheets turn out to be nominally oily, your skin is dry,

C. If the sheets get oilier only on the T-Zone, you have combination skin,

D. If the sheets don’t show any oil or show the least oil, you are blessed with normal skin.

In either of the above tests, if you feel redness or itchiness, you have sensitive skin.

Skincare Tips for Different Types of Skin

Whatever skin type you have, skincare is a must. So, here are a few tips to be followed for better skin.

1. Dry skin

A. Go for oil-based products to fill the lack of oil in the body.

B. Use products high in Oleic Acid coupled with regular moisturizer to nourish your skin more.

2. Oily skin

A. Cleanse your face twice a day.

B. Go for oil-free, water-based, or gel-based skin products.

C. Don’t use comedogenic products as these may clog your pores and further deteriorate your condition.

3. Combination skin

A. Use oil-free and light products for the oily areas of your face.

B. Take oil-based and heavy moisturizers for the dry parts of your face.

4. Normal skin

A. Keep hydrating your body as much as you can.

B. Add anti-aging products to your skincare regime earliest possible.

5. Sensitive skin

A. Use micellar water to cleanse your face.

B. Avoid going out in sun.

C. Moisturizers are a must application.

D. Use soothing face masks for skin nourishment.