5 Skin Types and How to Find out Which is Yours

Just a few women take care of according to their skin type. Are you one of them? If you’re here you probably need a guide on how to take proper care, you’re your skin. But first and the most important question is do you know your type of skin?

There are 5 different skin types and each of them needs specific care. Each skin type reacts differently to each product regarding the ingredients it consists of. Before you start to use any product, you have to know if it’s good for your skin type.

Main Characteristics of Any Type of Skin

The main factor that determines the skin type is the sebum. This is an oily substance that the skin produces. Even if your skin is too oily for a period of time it doesn’t mean it will remain like this. There are many factors that influence the skin and it can change its texture over time. Some of them are stress, hormones, generics, and the natural aging process.

There are 5 main skin types. Each has different characteristics and once you know them you will be able to determine your skin type.

• Oily skin

The oily skin produces a high level of sebum. The skin feels greasy and looks shiny which is most obvious in the T-zone. According to some studies, people with oily skin have fewer wrinkles, but they are more prone to acne and blackheads. Even thought your skin is oily it also needs to be moisture and hydrated.

• Dry skin

The dry skin feels less elastic because it produces less sebum. That’s why it becomes rough and scaly. The dry skin is less hydrated and more prone to wrinkles. People with dry skin start having fine lines earlier than others. If you have dry skin type your skin care should include gentle products for better hydration. This type of skin is more prone to irritation.

• Normal skin

A balance between oily and dry skin – it doesn’t feel tight or greasy.

People with normal skin have small pores and smooth skin texture.

You have to use products that will support your skin’s protective barriers and will make your skin hydrated.

• Combination skin

People with a combination skin type feel their skin differently every season. The skin of the face shows signs of oily and dry skin at the same time. You can easily recognize these sings – the T-zone usually looks oily, but the chicks look dry. The combination skin type is more prone to vary according to the influence of hormones or stress.

• Sensitive skin

There are 3 types of sensitive skin: normal, dry, or oily. You have to take care of your sensitive skin very carefully because it tends to become red or irritating. This skin type is more vulnerable to weather conditions and some ingredients in skin care products.

How to Determine Your Skin Type at Home

Many people find it difficult to determine their skin type, even though they know the most common characteristic of each type. If this is your case, the best you can do is to visit a dermatologist and ask about skin type tests. But let’s be honest, there are easier ways.

There are two simple methods you can apply at home. Both don’t require much time and are easy to perform.

• Observe how your skin behaves after cleaning

In other words, this is the “watch and wait” method that is very easy to apply. The best time to do it is after you gently clean your face and leave it dry. Then you have to wait 30 minutes before you start to observe.

This is enough time for the skin to take its normal state. Then you can notice the signs of your skin type. For example, if your skin is becoming shinning you probably have an oily skin type. It you feel your skin tight or scaly – you have a dry skin type.

The signs of combination skin are oily T-zone and dry chicks. And last but not least, if you feel your skin hydrated and comfortable – congrats! Your skin type is normal.

• Use blotting sheets

This is another easy-breezy method that you can apply at home as well. Again, before you start it wash your face. Then take blotting sheets and press them to your face. If the sheets absorbed oil it means this area of the skin is oily.

By pressing the blotting sheets to different areas of your face you will find which of them are oily and which are dry. Then do the math – normal, combination, dry or oily skin?

These tests will help you to find out what is your type of skin and to choose your skin products according to the needs of your skin. If you don’t feel comfortable in your skin, it might mean you don’t apply proper care.