Everyone’s skin is different. Some people are plagued by dry, flaky skin while others struggle to keep their face from looking like an oil slick. Some people are prone to acne and blemishes while others have skin so flawless it looks like it was airbrushed. These days, “perfect skin” is only a filter away, at least in the social media realm. However, in the real world, skin care takes a lot more effort.
You are probably aware that skin can be grouped into several types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and “normal.” Knowing your skin type is important, because different skin types require different care. So if you’ve never asked, “what is my skin type?”, now is the time to learn!
First things first, let’s talk a bit about what each of the different skin types looks like.
Oily Skin Type
If you have this skin type, it is likely that your face often looks shiny, even when you haven’t been sweating. Your pores may be enlarged and clog easily, and you are prone to blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cystic zits.
Dry Skin Type
This skin type is characterized by red and/or flaky patches and your skin may feel rough, tight, or dry, even after using moisturizer. Your skin may also feel less elastic to the touch and may develop lines (wrinkles) more easily.
Sensitive Skin Type
If you have sensitive skin, you know it! Your skin becomes irritated easily and you may have breakouts, rashes, or experience general irritation when using a variety of skin care products. Even touching your face too much may cause redness or irritation.
Normal Skin Type
If you’re blessed with this skin type, then you probably have very few or no blemishes, your pores are not enlarged and are barely visible to the naked eye, and your complexion is smooth and glowing. You probably don’t have trouble with breakouts and your skin is neither too dry nor too oily (lucky!).
Combination Skin Type
People with combination skin (which is many of us!) may have areas of skin that are oily (usually in the T-zone) while other areas are dry. You may experience breakouts in the oily zones, such as the forehead, nose, and chin, and may experience dryness and flakiness in your cheeks or around the eyes.
Ok. So now that we’ve looked at the different skin types, here’s a quick guide to determining which type of skin you have.
Step 1: Remove all makeup and wash your face (don’t use any toner, moisturizer, or other products afterwards)
Step 2: Wait at least an hour to allow your skin to return to normal (make sure you don’t touch your face!)
Step 3: Examine your face in the mirror, observe whether there are areas of your complexion that seem shiny or dry and pay attention to where these areas are (your whole face? Certain areas?)
Step 4: Use a tissue to gently blot your face, particular in the T-zone
Step 5: Examine the tissue to see if there is oily residue or flakes of dead skin (yuck, but it’s all in the name of beauty, right?)
It is important to know that your skin type can change over time, especially as you age. Pay attention to your skin so you are able to choose the right skincare regimen to keep your skin healthy, happy, and radiant. That way you can show off your skin and let your natural beauty shine through by posting a lot more of those #nofilter and #nomakeup photos on social media!