How to Determine Your Skin Type, And Products That Suit It

Figuring out how to take care of your skin can be a little complex, there are so many recommended routines out there and a million products to choose from.

But before you start thinking about products , routines and ways to take care of the skin , you need to know and understand your skin type. It will help you pick out the best products.

Here’s what you need to know about skin types.

Generally, there are five skin types and at times our skin may be too complicated to fit in just one category, but don’t worry read on to get a better idea of what your skin type really is.

Combination skin

It is the commonest skin type. People with combination skin usually feel oily in the T-zone (which is the area around the forehead, nose and chin) but dry everywhere else.

They also tend to have large pores that are often clogged with oils and sweat. On the other hand, the cheeks and other areas of the face have smaller pores . They also tend to have two or more different textures on the face. After cleansing , people with combination skin will feel clean and refreshed . They’ll feel oil free around the T-zone but dry around the cheeks.

When it comes to moisturizing , people with combination skin frequently need to apply moisturizer to some parts of the face that might be drying out like the cheeks but might not need it in the oilier parts like the T-zone.

How to take care of Combination skin

Consider using different products for different parts of the face in order to keep the skin balanced . You could opt for a mild cleanser and moisturizer on your cheeks because that’s the part of your face that tends to feel dry, and then use a more stringent product on your T-zone to cut through the oil.

Also avoid alcohol based products which leave the skin so dry . You also might want to stay away from products formulated for oil control or ultra hydration to treat your entire face. If you can find a product that restores the skin’s balance, that’s better . Or you can also use separate products on the oily T-zone and dry areas.

Oily Skin

People with oily skin feel greasy and oily all over . They tend to have a desire to wash their face again during the course of the day like at midday when oil production is at its highest.

One of the benefits of having oily skin is that the moisture from the skin prevents wrinkle, that’s according to certain studies!

These people have got large pores that get easily clogged with the oils the body produces and sweat which at times leads to formation of blackheads /whiteheads and even pimples at times.

After cleansing it, oily skin tends to feel clean and oil free – literally the only time it feels that way. A little while after cleansing, the oil returns . You almost can’t fight it!

How To Take Care Of Oily Skin

Cleansing the face regularly while avoiding heavy creams, emollients, oil based cleansers and moisturizers helps minimize the appearance of oil.

Also use products that aren’t alcohol based and don’t contain sulfates which could dry up the skin . Avoid going in for products that rid the skin of it’s oil completely because as much as it seems wise to do that given the fact that you are dealing with oily skin, the skin will sense it’s dryness and instead produce more oil which will take you back to square one.

Try and search for oil free sunscreens and lotions so that you don’t inadvertently add more oil to your skin!

Dry Skin

Dry skin feels tight and dry of course. It also tends to get flaky and crack especially in cold weather. People with dry skin tend to have small pores that often feel tight. Cleansing usually dries out their skin and makes it feel taunt and dehydrated. It demands lots of moisturizer throughout the day especially after cleansing the face or waking up.

How To Take Care Of Dry Skin

You need to know that dry skin is not the same as dehydrated skin.

Dry skin is a skin type which is caused by lack of oil production while dehydrated skin is a condition that isn’t permanent and is usually caused by climate or the environment and the absence of enough water in one’s body as well.

Moisturizing is the key to taking care of dry skin. Get yourself lotions and rich creams to nourish the skin.

Remember to avoid alcohol and sulfate based products which can strip the skin of its essential natural oils . Also avoid using very warm water while bathing because it takes out a lot of moisture from your skin.

Sensitive Skin

This is the most delicate skin type. People with sensitive tend to have skin that feels itchy, patchy and is at times stingy. Many people tend to think they have sensitive skin after having a bad reaction to a product because the product wasn’t right for them but sensitive skin can’t stand a wide range of products not just one or two products.

This skin has normal to large pores but it can differ based on a possible reaction to a product or an irritant . It usually experiences discomfort most of the time.

After cleansing, sensitive skin will often feel clean and a bit dry. It also often requires moisturizer but the right one should be used given the fact that the skin is sensitive.

How To Take Care Of Sensitive Skin

Go in for mild products without fragrances or harsh ingredients like alcohol and menthol .

Also stay away from harsh scrubs that have got crushed walnuts , pumice or aluminum oxide crystals.

Preferably use lukewarm water when cleaning the face , not too hot and too cold either.

Normal Skin

If you’ve got normal skin you really are lucky! Normal skin feels even and balanced, neither too dry nor too oily or sensitive.

After cleansing, the skin feels clean and clearer . You might still need a moisturizer but over all the skin isn’t too parched or sensitive.

On the other hand , normal skin is one of the first skin types to show signs of aging!

How To Take Care Of Normal Skin

Lighter lotions and serums should be your go to in order to keep your skin in balance! As simple as that!

Also don’t forget to avoid products that cause a change in the skin to become too oily or too dry.

And there you have it , all the five skin types and how to take care of them!

I hope you found your skin type and now know how to take better care of it!

Truly,

Humura Ruth

Photo credit: Blush Media