How to Figure Out Your Skin Type
Before you can enjoy the full benefits of a skincare regime, you need to understand what type of skin you have. Understanding your skin type helps you find the best products and treatments to keep it healthy.
Too often, we use products that we like or are familiar with, all the while not using what would best suit our skin. You may be using a cleanser that is too harsh or a moisturizer that is too rich.
What is My Skin Type?
If you are not sure, ask your aesthetician.
Normal
Normal skin types don’t have much problem with breaking out or blemishes. They can use most products without much problem and you don’t feel the need to moisturize or clean your face throughout the day.
You won’t have problems when you change cosmetics or skin products. You won’t likely experience a bad reaction to different lotions, makeup, or treatments.
Caring for normal skin is pretty simple. You can use what products you like and maybe keep trying different ones to see what you like best. That doesn’t mean you are not in danger from the sun or harsh weather.
Dry
Dry skin will feel tight and itchy. There may be flaky skin, dry patches, sensitivity to light and products, and small lines or even cracks. This may be because you don’t hydrate yourself with enough fluids, weather issues, or just your natural state.
You will likely react to certain products, like harsh cleansers, soaps, the sun, dry air, and this is made worse if you smoke.
Start treating your dry skin by making sure you drink enough water every day. Look for water-based products to use to help keep your face moist and sealed in. Avoid astringents, soaps, or cleansers that are harsh or contain dye or scents.
Read more: Skin Care Tips for Dry Skin
Oily
Oily skin may have you reaching for a tissue throughout the day to blot off the excess oil. It often affects the forehead, nose, and chin, but not always. Oily skin can look shiny and you may have trouble using certain makeup or face products.
Avoid washing your face too much, however tempting it may be. Your pores need the oil, so if you keep removing it, they will make more. Find products that don’t contain any oil, and try cleansing lotions, masks, and products that won’t clog your pores.
Read more: Beauty Secrets: Dealing With Oily Skin
Combination
A lot of people might have combination skin. You may have trouble with oily skin on your nose or forehead while your cheeks are often dry or chapped. The biggest problem is trying to solve both issues with one product.
It can make wearing makeup a problem, as certain things won’t work as well for other areas.
Avoid oil-based products and products that contain alcohol. Use a mild cleanser for your whole face and then find the best products to add after, like a moisturizer for the dry areas, and a different one for your oily spots.
Acne
By no fault of your own, you may have acne. This can be mild to severe and a real problem for many people. Blemishes that may not be acne may also be present. You may have oily skin, dry skin, or a combination.
It’s important not to irritate the blemishes, as they can be painful and leave scars. Find cleansers specifically for acne and exfoliants and moisturizers that will help minimize breakouts.
Use mild cleansers to wash your face gently, and use topical gel to treat and lighten acne scarring. Look for acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, clay, benzoyl peroxide, or retinol.
Sensitive
If you have sensitive skin, you may experience issues in several different ways. You may have a stinging or burning sensation from many different products, be prone to spots, blemishes, or dry patches. Unable to use many products that contain scents or dyes.
Caring for your sensitive skin will require mild products with very few additives in them. Look for products that have natural ingredients that won’t cause flare-ups, rashes, or pain.
Mature Skin
Not all skin matures at the same rate, yet all skin matures. It therefore needs different treatments and products as it chances. More lines appear, there may be more dryness than before, and there may even be discoloration due to aging spots.
You may want to find a richer moisturizer that you were using. Include products with collagen enhancement, anti-aging properties, and will provide protection from the sun. Consider using an exfoliant, as well.
Love The Skin You Have
We can’t change our skin but we can certainly help it along. Once you understand what type of skin you have, you will be able to take better care of it. Consider regular treatments from a professional esthetician to get the best skin care treatments and the best advice.