Knowing your skin type can help you customize a skincare routine that is right for you. Different skin types need different combinations of products in order to look and feel their best. Here are some tips on how to determine your unique skin type.
Skin Types: Dry Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin, Combination Skin, And More
Four of the most common skin types are dry, oily, sensitive, and combination.
Here’s a skin type quiz of sorts.
- Do you see oil when you dab your forehead and nose with a tissue? This means you probably have either combination or oily skin.
- Does your skin feel tight after you use a cleanser? You may have dry skin.
- If your skin is sensitive, you might notice redness or itchiness after you clean your face.
- If you’re lucky and you don’t experience any of the above, then you likely have normal skin.1
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Dry Skin
If your skin is dry you may notice flakes on your skin due to a lack of moisture, and this can occur even if you drink plenty of water. It may also feel tight, especially after washing. One of the main characteristics of dry skin is small pores. Fine lines and wrinkles may also be more noticeable.
Moisturizers are essential for all skin types, and they are extremely important for people with dry skin. These products help keep skin cells nourished, and help you avoid dehydrated skin. A good moisturizer will contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Dryness may occur if you are using skin care products that contain harsh ingredients and chemicals. You might need a more gentle facial cleanser or face wash. Look for products containing natural ingredients like fruit enzymes.2
Oily Skin
Is your skin oily? You’re not alone. If your skin is oily, that means your pores are producing too much sebum. Now, sebum production is important, because it helps make sure your skin is moisturized. But an excess of sebum in your pores can lead to a shiny complexion and a greater chance of breakouts and other skin conditions.3
Moisturizing is still important for those with oily skin. Look for lightweight moisturizers or hydrating facial sprays. Make sure to wash your face twice daily and use toner. Witch hazel or toners specially-formulated with witch hazel are great for those with oily skin.
Sensitive Skin
This type of skin may be more prone to redness. Rashes could be a problem, too. If your skin turns red when exposed to wind or the sun, or if it stings regularly, then you may have a sensitive skin type. A mild cleanser with gentle ingredients can help.4
Combination Skin
If you have a combination skin type, that means you might notice dryness, oiliness, and sensitivity on different areas of your face. For example, you might have excess sebum production near your nose, making it appear oily, but dry patches on your cheeks and chin. Or you might experience redness on your cheeks because the skin in this area is sensitive.
This is actually a very common skin type. If you have skin dry in one area and oily in another, use different products for different areas of your face. You may, for instance, want to consider using gentle cleanser and face wash for sensitive areas. Use a moisturizer on dry areas.5
Address Skin Concerns: Know When To See A Dermatologist
Whether your pores are clogged with dead skin cells or oil, causing breakouts, or you have any other skin concerns, you might want to consider seeing a dermatologist. They will examine your skin and be able to get to the root of any issues you might be experiencing.
A dermatologist can also recommend the right combination of skin care products for your skin tone and skin type.
Learn More:
What is Skin Purging and is it Real?
Types of Scars – What Causes Them and How to Get Rid of Them
How to Get Healthy, Glowing Skin with Exercise
Disclosure: The Beverly Hills MD team creates these articles as a way to provide you with the latest information on health and nutrition. Unfortunately, we cannot make specific product recommendations for our website visitors, such as “Beverly Hills MD Dark Spot Corrector” or “BHMD Thick and Full Brow Enhancing Serum” Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best products for you.
Sources
1 https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Skin-Type
2 https://www.skinvision.com/articles/different-skin-types-the-complete-overview
3 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sebum
4 https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/saving-face-101-how-to-customize-your-skin-care-routine-with-your-skin-type
5 https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/blog/top-dermatologist-recommendations-for-daily-skin-care-based-on-skin-type/