Understanding Your Skin Type

A Part of the Face Care Essentials Series

Understanding your skin type is the first and most crucial step in establishing an effective skincare routine. This section aims to guide you through the process of identifying your unique skin type. Delve into the characteristics of different skin types – be it dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal – and how they respond to various environmental factors and skincare products. By gaining a deeper understanding of your skin type, you can make informed decisions about the products you use, ultimately leading to healthier and more radiant skin.

The different skin types

1. Normal Skin

This type of skin is not too dry or too oily. It has a balanced level of moisture, pigment, and elasticity. It’s the easiest to care for. For normal skin, a basic skincare routine, including cleansing, toning, and moisturising, is usually sufficient.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks moisture, can often feel tight, and may also flake. It requires products that can help restore its natural barrier, such as those containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Moisturising is particularly important for this skin type.

3. Oily Skin

This type of skin has overactive sebaceous glands, leading to a shiny appearance and larger pores. It’s prone to acne and other blemishes. Products with salicylic acid can help unclog pores and control oil production.

4. Combination Skin

This skin type has both dry and oily zones. The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily, while the cheeks may be dry. Care for combination skin often involves using different products or routines for the different areas of the face.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is easily irritated and may frequently experience redness, itching, or other signs of irritation. It requires gentle, hypoallergenic products. Avoiding harsh chemicals and fragrances can help prevent irritation.

Remember, everyone’s skin is unique and may not fit perfectly into one category. It’s important to pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Consultation with a dermatologist can also be beneficial for personalised advice.

Identifying your skin type

1. Normal Skin

This type of skin is smooth, clear, and not sensitive. It’s well-balanced, neither too oily nor too dry.

2. Oily Skin

Oily skin produces an excess of sebum that causes the skin to appear shiny and feel greasy—especially throughout the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). People with oily skin may tend to have fewer wrinkles, but they may also be more prone to enlarged pores, acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads.

3. Dry Skin

Dry skin is flaky, rough, and itchy. It needs regular moisturising to keep it supple.

4. Combination Skin

This type of skin is oily in some areas (like the T-zone) and dry in others. It requires different care for each area.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin tends to get easily irritated after washing or applying products. It needs gentle products formulated to avoid irritation.

Two tests you can perform at home to help you understand what kind of skin you have are the blotting sheet method and the “watch and wait” method.

The simplest way to determine your type of skin is to use a mild cleanser in the morning, gently pat your skin dry, and leave it bare for the rest of the day. At the end of the day, examine the appearance and texture of your skin.

Remember, your skin type can change over time and may also be influenced by factors such as stress, genetics, hormones, humidity, and the natural aging process. If you’re unsure, a dermatologist can provide a professional assessment.

Read the next article in the Face Care Essentials Series: Facial Cleansing.