Has your skin ever reacted poorly to a new skincare product that you thought was fantastic but turned out to be ineffective? It's possible that the product was not suitable for your skin type.
If you're interested in beauty and skincare, use skincare routine that are appropriate for your skin type.
It's important to understand your skin type so you can make the most of your skincare routine. Skincare products aren't one-size-fits-all magic potions (wasn't it easier if it were? ), but they're helpful nonetheless.
Here are some tips and suggestions to help you identify your skin type and take care of your wonderful skin today!
What is the purpose of knowing my skin type?
You must know your skin type in order to practice the most effective skincare. Our skincare options were limited in the past. Nowadays, there are countless formulas customized for our specific skin types, but they work best when you use the one that's right for you!
When you use the wrong products and misdiagnose your skin type, it can exacerbate skin conditions and result in irritation, excess oil, breakouts or drying of the skin, making wrinkles more visible.
Skin Type vs. Skin Conditions
When it comes to skin care and treatment, it's crucial to consider the difference between skin type and skin concerns. Wrinkles, signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and temporary dryness can all be causes for concern among various skin types. Many people think acne-prone skin is a type; however, people of all types of skin can struggle with acne.
Changing skin conditions can also be affected by age, environment, and hormones. In summer, your skin may become oilier, while in winter you may need to apply lotion. If you are a teenager or go through certain periods, you may experience more acne or oily skin. During these times, you may have changed skin concerns, but your skin type remains the same.
When choosing skincare products, keep this in mind. To address temporary concerns, you may need to find some separate products, but you should get a good skincare routine that matches your skin type.
The factors that determine skin type
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Simple Genetics - It is genetics that determines whether you will have dry or oily skin or sensitive skin. And you might inherit a certain skin type or a certain problem from your parents.
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Hormones - Throughout our lives, our hormone levels fluctuate - including during pregnancy - which may affect our skin's behavior.
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Climate - If you move to a different environment, you may have a different skin type!
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Medications - You might experience an adverse reaction to your prescription, such as drier skin or sensitivity to light.
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Diet/Allergies - There is no doubt that your daily noshes can affect your skin in either positive or negative ways. Consult your doctor if you suspect you might have a food allergy.
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Skin Care - The wrong formula can disrupt the balance of your skin, as I mentioned previously. Put yourself on the right path to healthy skin!
How do I determine my skin type?
Identifying your skin type is easy with a simple test. You just need to follow these steps!
Step 1: Remove all makeup, oil, and dirt from your face by cleansing it with a gentle cleanser.
Step 2: After using a gentle towel, pat your face dry so that your skin will remain bare. Don't apply any serums or moisturizers. Give your skin a chance to act naturally.
Step 3: Let's wait for an hour. Avoid touching your face during this time (resist temptation!). Take a close look at your skin after an hour and note the quality.
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After washing my face and waiting 1 hour, my skin: |
Skin Type |
| Feels itchy and tight. has some flakey patches | Dry |
| Is shiny and feels greasy especially in my T-zone | Oily |
| Is oily in my T-zone. but dry or normal on my cheeks and jawline | Combination |
| Feels good and even. Not too oily or dry | Normal |
| Sometimes gets red, irritated, itchy or inflamed | Sensetive |
You now know what your skin type is. Let's dive into the characteristics of each one and what you can do to maintain good skin!
While it isn't a hard and fast rule, skin types can typically be categorised by age groups. The acne-prone skin of teenagers and young adults tends to be oilier due to the active sebaceous glands at this stage of their life. Combination skin is most common in people in their late 20s and early thirties. In addition, those in their mid-30s and older are more likely to have dry skin because our skin loses its ability to produce oil and retain moisture as we age.
Dry Skin
How to Identify:
You have dry skin if your skin feels tight or itchy after cleansing or if you never seem to be able to get enough moisture. Flakiness or scaling may also occur (it looks like a snowstorm when you lightly drag your nails across the skin).
Dehydrated skin differs from dry skin, and there's a difference between the two. Dry skin: is a skin type that produces less oil causes this condition. Dehydrated skin: This condition results from a lack of water. It's caused by climatic conditions, environmental factors, or not drinking enough water.
Causes: Genetic predisposition to produce less oil (or sebum), hormonal imbalance, dry climate, heaters in cold weather, hot showers and baths, medication, and age (older people generally have thinner and drier skin).
What to Avoid:
Products with alcohol and sulfates, which can strip the natural oils from your skin. When showering or bathing, use warm water instead of super hot water since it dries the skin. In case you use a heater or live in a dry climate, consider getting a humidifier for your home and repetedly apply humectant and moisturizer.
Oily Skin
How to Identify:
Excess oil is accumulating in your face, neck, shoulders, and back, or your skin is shiny. When oil production peaks in the middle of the day, you may want to wash your face again. You may find that your pores are larger. You may also get clogged easily, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. The good news is, studies have shown that oily skin prevents wrinkles due to its moisture.
Causes:
Due to genetics, the skin's sebaceous glands produce excessive oil (sebum). In addition to hormones and humid climates, your skin may produce more oil due to overdrying.
What to Avoid:
Cleaning products, moisturizers, and makeup that are oil-based. Moisture can only be absorbed to a certain point, the remaining moisture becomes a residue on the face. In addition, choose products with no alcohol or sulfates, which can irritate the skin. Contrary to popular belief, many products used to treat oily skin actually rob the skin of its natural oils that provide moisture and protection. When your skin senses that it is dry, it actually produces “More Oil as a defense mechanism”, the result of which is worsening the situation!
Combination Skin
How to Identify:
You have oily skin, larger pores, or break out in your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), but your cheeks and jawline are dry or normal. Combination skin can be difficult to treat since it involves two different issues. You're aiming for balance.
Causes:
There is an overproduction of oil in the T-zone due to genes. Maybe you're also causing skin imbalance with your products. The oily areas could become dry if you try to treat them, and vice versa.
What to Avoid:
Alcohol-based products that are too drying. Additionally, you shouldn't use products formulated for oil control or ultra hydration on your entire face. Either use separate products to target oily T-zones and dry areas, or find a product that will moisturize both.
Normal Skin
How to Identify:
It's generally dry, without a lot of oil or breakouts and not too oily, either. The products you use don't really cause you problems, and your complexion is generally balanced.
Causes:
You lucky duck, Gene!
What to Avoid:
Normal skin is one of the easiest types to care for, but it is also one of the first skin types to show signs of aging. Include anti-aging and hydrating products in your skincare routine. Don't wait to act! Preventive measures can be taken as early as your 20s. Don't use any product that causes your skin to become oily or dry.
Sensetive Skin
How to Identify:
You probably have sensitive skin if it gets inflamed or irritated easily, itchy, dry or red easily. When you use a new product, your skin may react, flush easily, or you have razor bumps every time you shave. A person with sensitive skin may also experience conditions such as eczema or rosacea.
Causes:
Skin sensitivity can be caused by a variety of conditions, and pinpointing a single cause can prove challenging. Of course, there are genetics and hormonal fluctuations. Generally, weather (cold and hot), dry climates, and hard water affect the skin. In addition, the products you use (makeup, lotions, soap, laundry detergent, etc.) may contain fragrances or harsh chemicals that can aggravate skin sensitivities.
What to Avoid:
Products with heavy chemical additives, synthetic fragrances, or dyes. Any product containing ingredients that may trigger allergies or irritations. You are best off sticking to basics, which means yes, there are days when a little Squalane will suffice as a moisturizer. You should always test a new product on a patch of skin for 24 hours before applying it to your entire face.