Knowing your skin type is essential for choosing the right skincare products. It can help you avoid irritation, breakouts, and other skin problems. But how do you determine your skin type? Here’s a handy guide to help you figure it out:
The Four Main Skin Types
There are four primary skin types:
- Oily: This skin type produces excess sebum (oil), leading to a shiny appearance and frequent breakouts.
- Dry: Dry skin lacks moisture, feeling tight and flaky.
- Combination: This type has both oily and dry areas, typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks.
- Sensitive: Sensitive skin is prone to redness, irritation, and allergic reactions.
Determining Your Skin Type
To identify your skin type, you can perform a simple test at home:
- Wash your face: Gently cleanse your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
- Wait: Avoid applying any skincare products for at least an hour.
- Observe: Pay attention to how your skin feels and looks throughout the day.
Signs of Oily Skin
- Shiny appearance, especially in the T-zone
- Frequent breakouts
- Large pores
- Makeup can appear greasy or slide off easily
Our Package for Oily Skin
Dermalogica Oily Skincare Simplified Package
Signs of Dry Skin
- Flaky or patchy skin
- Tightness, especially after washing
- Redness or irritation
- Difficulty absorbing moisturisers
Our Package for Dry Skin
Murad Dry Skincare Simplified Package
Signs of Combination Skin
- Oily T-zone with dry cheeks
- Enlarged pores in the T-zone
- Flaky patches on the cheeks
- Breakouts in the T-zone
Our Package for Combination Skin
Elemis Combination Skincare Simplified Package
Signs of Sensitive Skin
- Redness or flushing
- Itching or burning
- Stinging after applying products
- Allergic reactions to certain ingredients
Our Package for Sensitive Skin
Dermalogica Sensitive Skin Rescue Kit
Additional Factors to Consider
- Your environment: Factors like humidity, temperature, and pollution can affect your skin’s appearance and behaviour.
- Hormonal changes: Hormones can influence sebum production and skin sensitivity.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause skin dryness, sensitivity, or breakouts.
Tips for Identifying Your Skin Type
- Keep a skin journal: Note your skin’s condition, the products you use, and any changes you observe.
- Patch test new products: Before using a new product, apply a small amount to your inner wrist or behind your ear to check for any reactions.
Remember that your skin type can change over time due to various factors. It’s essential to reassess your skin type periodically and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.