We live in an era where the dimensions of beauty are changing fast. People are becoming more and more conscious regarding beautification methods and procedures. A very basic step towards that is choosing right skincare product which you can only do when you are well versed with the types of skin. So, here we provide you with a guide to identifying your skin type and also how to care the best way possible for your specific skin type. We firmly believe that you should love the skin you are in. Identification of your skin type is thus very important before you learn to boost your skin health.
Before you begin
You must be wondering, “Is my skin dry or oily”, but before you look for answers you should ensure the following. Remove any makeup from your face if any has been applied. Then wash the face thoroughly, preferably with a familiar cleanser. Thereafter dry your face and wait for an hour before you follow our guide to identifying your skin type.
A guide to identifying your skin type based on the feel of the skin
The feel of the skin can potentially leak a lot of information about the nature of the skin and the skin type. It is thus important to observe if you often wonder, “is my skin dry or oily”.
Combination skin: This skin type feels oily in the T-zone which the region between the forehead, nose and chin. However it is noticeably dry elsewhere. If you are facing this situation of two or more different textures on your skin then you most probably have combination skin type.
Sensitive skin: Those with sensitive skin usually have an itchy sensation. Discomfort is experienced at the slightest of change in conditions or products. It often feels itchy, patchy dry and on odd occasions even gives the feel of being stung.
Normal Skin: As the name suggests this type of skin is pretty evenly balanced. Owners of this skin type might notice a texture that is neither too oily nor too dry.
Oily skin: Oily skin types are moderately easy to spot. They are characterised by greasy and shiny appearance all over the face. A lot of oil secretion takes place and it is pretty evident to spot the excessive secretion and would help a lot in choosing right skincare product.
Dry skin: This skin type usually feels tight and dry. People with this skin condition can experience dry and flaky skin in winter. They are also vulnerable to cracks developing in winter due to lack of moisture.
Identify based on pores
Pores are like the story-tellers of skin. The size of pores and their tendency to get clogged can provide a good deal of information about the skin and its oil producing tendencies.
Combination Skin: Combination skin can be identified by large pores around the nose often clogging. But these pores are unnoticeable on the cheeks and other areas of the face. This condition can be a clear indicator that you have combination skin type.
Normal Skin: This is usually characterised by unnoticeable pores.
Oily skin: For those with oily skin it is a constant struggle in choosing the right skincare product as they have large pores that easily get clogged. Constant oil secretion combines with sweat and clogs up these pores often leading to pimples and acne.
Dry Skin: Dry skin people too have small and unnoticeable pores. However, unlike their normal skin counterparts, their pores feel too tight.
Sensitive skin: Pores on a sensitive skin can vary greatly depending on any recent reaction to a particular product. So they have normal to large pores.
Identifying based on how skin feels after cleansing
Combination skin: This type of skin feels clear and refreshed and oil free around the nose after it is cleansed. But around the cheeks there is a feeling of dryness and tightness.
Normal skin: They will fell perfectly clean and clear after cleansing and will fell no discomfort.
Oily skin: The feeling of clean and oil free skin is short lived after cleansing. Oil soon returns to trouble you and clog the pores.
Dry skin: Cleansing dries out dry skin further and they feel more tight and dehydrated.
Sensitive skin: Although it might feel clean and a bit dry after wash, it can trigger itching or irritations on the skin. Due to high sensitivity this is experienced with a range of products.
Guide to identify your skin type, based on the usage of moisturizer
While every skin type needs moisturizer to stay healthy and hydrated, the quantity and frequency of usage does vary greatly. It can be a good determinant of the types of skin one has.
Combination skin: People with this skin type may need to apply moisturizer frequently in some areas, whereas on other areas they would rarely need it.
Sensitive skin: They do need moisturizer frequently but the task at hand for those with sensitive skin is to find one that does not irritate their skin.
Dry skin: Due to the excessive dryness this type of skin requires frequent moisturizing.
Oily skin: They seldom require moisturizer as it only makes their skin oilier.
Normal skin: their skin stays naturally moisturised and so they do not have the need to use moisturizer on a frequent basis.
Skin care regime
A discussion on a guide to identify your skin type cannot be complete without a briefing on how to care for your skin, now that you have identified it.
Combination skin: They need to use a wide range of products. Due to difference in skin consistency the best way ahead for them is to use different products for different areas.
Dry skin: Moisturiser holds the key for such people. All they need is to find their ideal lotion and rich cream to nourish their dry skin.
Sensitive Skin: Since they have such delicate skin it is advisable to do a patch test before the application of any product. Also they must take care to use mild products without harsh ingredients like alcohol and avoid harsh scrubs to protect their skin from damage.
Normal Skin: They do not require heavy products and lighter lotions and serums can do the trick for them.
Oily skin: They have to stay clear of heavy cream. It is advisable to use emollients for minimising oil appearance in their skin.
Final Words:
We sincerely hope that a guide to identify your skin type supplemented with a through skincare regime will help you enjoy healthy skin. So let your beauty be at your skin and love the skin you are in.
