Just as there are different hair types, there are different skin types. Knowing what your skin type is can help you take better care of your skin. While your skin type is mostly a result of genetics, other external factors do play a role. Diet, stress and sun exposure can affect your skin. Contrary to popular belief, your skin changes over time especially with age. Depending on your skin type, you may be more prone to skin issues such as acne and dark spots. And yes, the skin type on your face can be different from the type on your scalp and body.
These types are broken into 5 different categories; normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Normal skin is the baseline for all skin types. Dry skin indicates a lack of moisture, while oily skin is an overproduction of natural oils. Combination is a mix of both oily and normal to dry areas, while sensitive skin is due to a reduced epidermal barrier. We’ll explain each in detail to help you find out which type you have.
1. Normal Skin
Normal skin is balanced. It’s neither too oily nor too dry. Your skin won’t be prone to breakouts, flakiness or other imperfections. Generally, the skin will have small pores with an even skin tone and texture. Your skin won’t feel greasy or tight. It’s considered the ideal skin type. While not prone to blemishes or sensitivity, you’ll still need the proper skin routine to keep your skin looking it’s best.
Cleanse your skin daily with a cleanser that helps restore and maintain the skin’s barrier. The goal is to prevent irritants from entering your skin. These include the buildup of dirt, pollutants and other bacteria which can lead to acne. Follow up with a broad spectrum sunscreen daily to protect skin from photoaging. Exfoliate as needed. If you are older or in a dry climate apply an oil-free moisturizer to maintain your normal skin.
2. Dry Skin
Dry skin produces less natural oil than any of the other skin types. Genetics, environmental factors, over washing and other factors can cause dry skin. Depending on the severity dryness, it may flake, peel or even crack. The texture of your skin may be rough, appear dull with some redness and itchy. Fine lines may be more visible on your face. On a positive note, pores are usually small which means you usually won’t break out.
Your daily routine should include products which contain ingredients are non-abrasive, hydrating and soothing. Since your skin’s protective barrier is weaken, you’ll need these to maintain the barrier. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a good option that won’t clog your pores. The Mayo Clinic advises to avoid excessively long hot showers and moisturize multiple times a day. If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier.
3. Oily Skin
Oily skin produces excess sebum which causes the skin to look shiny and feel greasy, especially throughout your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). As a result, the skin tends to have less wrinkles. On the other hand, you will have enlarged pores, acne, blackheads and whiteheads. It may even be hard for makeup to adhere to your skin.
To remedy, you’ll need to reduce the oil on your skin and control your acne. It comes down to choosing the right products that will nourish and hydrate your skin without clogging your pores or triggering breakouts. A gentle form cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil is ideal. Cerave Foaming Facial Cleaner is a great option with ingredients that won’t dry your skin out too much. Even though your skin is oily, you don’t want to use anything that will dry out your skin. Use cleaners and moisturizers to hold on to hydration and keeps irritants out. Wash your face twice a day and after working out or physical activity. If you wear makeup, use oil-free makeup. Additionally, if your skin is severely oily, use skin-blotting papers throughout the day.
4. Combination Skin
With combination skin, generally your T-zone is oily while your cheeks are dry or normal. It can vary during different seasons of the year. Even though you can have dry or oily patches of skin on occasion, you skin will experience the same dryness and oiliness with combination skin. Factors such as stress and/or hormone fluctuation may be the cause.
Your daily routine can be tricky since you have to care for skin that’s both oily and dry. Don’t apply one cleaner on your entire place. For you T-zone use a foam cleaners. For the other areas use a cleaner for normal or dry skin. After cleansing, use an astringent on the oily areas and a toner on the other areas. Follow up with an oil-free moisturizer and sunscreen for oily areas. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day. This can irritate both skin types.
5. Sensitive Skin
Usually sensitive skin isn’t considered a skin type. It’s possible to have oily sensitive skin, dry sensitive skin, etc. The skin barrier has become impaired or you have an overactive immune system caused by a genetic predisposition such as rosacea or eczema. Allergens and other environmental irritants can trigger or make it worse. Your skin may appear red, blotchy, patchy or peeling. Additionally, it may feel like it’s burning, itching or dry.
Try to determine what triggers your sensitivity. Avoid cleaners and products with those specific ingredients. Use cleansers that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. Also, include products that are formulated to soothe and cool your skin. Look for cleaners with a low concentration of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and retinol. Avoid products that contain fragrances, simple alcohols, sulfates, citrus and essential oils. Additionally, use gentle anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile.
How Can I Accurately Identify My Skin Type?
There are two ways you can accurately identify your skin type at home; the “watch and wait” method and blotting sheet method. Let’s start with the “watch and wait” method.
The “Watch and Wait” Method
The “watch and wait” method allows you to determine your skin type by seeing what it looks like after cleansing. Follow the steps below:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry
- Wait 30 minutes
- If you skin appear shiny, you probably have oily skin
- If it feels tight and is flaky or scaly, you probably have dry skin
- If the shine is only in your T-zone, you probably have combination skin
- If it feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you probably have normal skin
The Blotting Sheet Method
To help you understand what type of skin you have use blotting paper. When pressed to the skin, the paper will absorb the oil. Follow the directions below:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry
- Wait 30 minutes
- Press the blotting paper on different areas on your face and hold the sheets up to the light to see the oil markings
- If the papers are mostly soaked with oil from all areas of your have, you have oily skin
- If it has little to no oil, you may have dry skin
- If the papers are only oily from your T-zone, you have combination skin
- If the papers have little oil from around your face, you most likely have normal skin
It’s important to note that the different skin types can be sensitive. Finding the right products to care for your skin while addressing the concerns is the best way to take care of your skin.
