To ensure that your skin is properly cared for, it is important to understand your specific skin type. This will allow you to select the right products and follow a skincare regimen that specifically caters to your skin.
As there are several different skin types, you may be wondering what type of skin you have. You can easily review and determine your skin type yourself.
The first method involves the use of blotting paper. This is a fast method that can make it easier to differentiate between dry and oily skin types. First, you will need to wash your skin and then allow it to dry.
Then take the sheet of paper and press it against different areas of your skin. Once you have done so, hold the sheet up to the light to see whether there are visible oil markings.
If there doesn’t appear to be any oil on the blotting paper, this is an indicator that you are likely to have dry skin. If the sheet appears to have blotches of oil after patting it onto your T zone, you may have combination skin.
Furthermore, if the blotting sheet is full of oil, this is an indicator that you have oily skin.
The second method is more time consuming and requires you to assess your skin when you are bare faced. You will need to cleanse your face first to remove any product build-up or makeup before patting it dry gently.
Wait 30 minutes and then examine your skin, checking your chin, nose, cheeks, and forehead for any signs of shininess. After evaluating your skin, wait another 30 minutes before assessing it again.
If your entire face appears shiny, you likely have oily skin. If it looks a little flaky and feels quite tight you likely have dry skin. If your t-zone is the only area on your face that looks shiny, you may have combination skin.
Furthermore, you likely have normal skin if it looks hydrated but not oily.
This method allows you to assess the behavior of your skin and pulling facial expressions as you evaluate your skin’s appearance will make it easier for you to determine what type of skin you have.
Sometimes, you may be able to tell what type of skin you have by simply looking in the mirror. Patches of flakiness or signs of dry skin whilst redness is a sign of sensitive skin.
Can a dermatologist tell me my skin type?
If you are struggling to determine your skin type, you may wish to visit your dermatologist. As professionals in this field, they will be able to improve your understanding of your skin.
They can also assist you with any questions that you may have regarding your skin and how you should look after it.
Often they will prescribe over-the-counter medication to treat problematic skin. They may also be able to carry out minor procedures to help your skin if other methods and treatments have proved unsuccessful.
Many people experience difficulties when trying to find skincare products that are suitable for their skin type. If this is your case, your dermatologist will be able to provide you with advice on the products that they recommend you use.
Aside from this, they will likely be able to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that specifically caters to your skin type.
Several factors can affect the condition of your skin and your dermatologist will likely inform you of each of these. This includes your diet, exercise routine, emotional health, and general well-being.
What are the 4 types of skin?
There are 4 different types of healthy skin. These include combination skin, normal skin, oily skin, and dry skin.
Although these are the four main types of skin, they can each be broken down into further categories as some people will have dry skin that is slightly dry and showing signs of aging, etc, other people may have sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts of redness.
Oily skin – individuals that have oily skin are likely to experience more acne breakouts due to the production of excess sebum which can cause your pores to become clogged.
You will also likely find that your skin looks greasy, particularly around the T zone region. Oily skin is manageable. Ensure that you wash your face daily and if possible try and use products that do not contain a lot of oil, this includes makeup and cosmetic products too.
Dry skin – If you have dry skin, you will likely find that it feels dry due to a lack of moisture. You may also notice areas where your skin seems to be quite flaky.
Dry skin can also be aggravated by too much exposure to the sun or strong winds. You may also find that it is rather itchy. To manage your dry skin, you must make sure that you keep hydrated.
Furthermore, you should also introduce products to your skincare routine that will add a layer of moisture to your skin. Exfoliate daily and use a moisturizer.
Combination Skin – as implied, combination skin refers to a combination of dry and oily skin. Most people tend to have an oily t-zone and dry or normal cheeks.
Caring for combination skin can seem like a challenge, however, there are products available that are specifically intended for use on combination skin.
Normal Skin – This skin type is the most balanced as it isn’t too oily or too dry. Normal skin will typically appear smooth and free of blemishes. It is also less susceptible to breakouts, redness, feelings of tightness, and blemishes.
Normal skin tends to be the easiest to care for as it is less likely to react to the products that you apply. To maintain the state of your normal skin, it is important to follow a skincare routine using products that do not trigger any sort of reactions.
Also, make sure that you enjoy a balanced and nutritious diet. I mean, that’s just generally good advice anyway.
