How well do you really know your skin? Although the topic of skin type is often discussed, it remains an enigma in the skincare world. Most people don’t know which skin type they have. If you’re one of those people, you’ve come to the right place. Here we breakdown the characteristics of each skin type and highlight the signs to look for.
What are the Skin Types?
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you’ll notice flaking and peeling. Also, it may feel tight throughout the day. Dry skin is mainly caused by genetics, diet, lifestyle, climate, and hormonal changes.
Dehydration can also result in dry skin. Things like excess caffeine and alcohol can also worsen dry skin.
Oily Skin
Oily is usually caused by both genetic and hormonal factors. People predisposed to active oil glands produce too much sebum.
While sebum helps protect the skin and keep it hydrated, too much expands the pores and results in acne breakouts.
Those with oily skin will typically notice that they have a shiny t-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Oily skin also results in large and congested pores.
Normal/Combination Skin
People with normal/combination skin experience both oily and dry skin in different areas of the face. Usually, they will experience dryness on their cheeks and excess oil on their t-zone.
Those with normal/combination skin may also experience dry patches and breakouts at the same time.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is prone to inflammation and irritation. Therefore, people with sensitive skin may have conditions like rosacea, contact dermatitis, or eczema.
Those with sensitive skin often experience stinging, burning, itching, or redness. Sensitive skin tends to be reactive to environmental triggers like stress, the sun, spicy food, cosmetic chemicals, and fragrances.
Normal Skin
Those with normal skin don’t experience dryness or oiliness. Normal skin can be defined as healthy skin, it produces just enough oil to keep the skin hydrated.
Normal skin typically lacks excessive shine, and the skin’s complexion tends to be even. Also, with normal skin, there are no visible pores or fine lines.
Mature Skin
Mature skin is characterized by sunspots, dryness, and fine lines. This skin type typically associated with age, but it is also related to smoking and sun exposure. Therefore, anyone of any age can have a mature skin type. Those with mature skin have fine lines, sunspots, and broken blood vessels.
Still Not Sure of Your Skin Type? Test It.
There are a few ways to determine your skin type. You could take a trip to your dermatologist, or you can try these at-home techniques:
The Bare-Faced Method
First, cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Leave your skin bare for at least 30 minutes — don’t apply moisturizers or other products. After the 30 minutes, examine your skin’s condition.
If your skin feels dehydrated and tight, you most likely have dry skin. Are your nose, forehead, and chin shiny? Then you probably have combination skin. If there is increased oiliness on your cheeks along with your t-zone, you most likely have oily skin.
The Blotting Sheet Method
Another way to differentiate between oily and dry skin is with the blotting test. Start with freshly washed skin. Next, pat a sheet of blotting paper on different areas of your face.
If the blotting sheet picks up oil from your t-zone, you have combination skin. If the sheet reveals oil from every area of your face, you have oily skin. Finally, if the blotting sheet doesn’t show any oil, then you most likely have dry skin.
Want to learn more ways to determine your skin type? Take our skin type quiz!
Ashley Austin
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