How to Identify Your Skin Type
 

In addition to your skin type, determining the tone of your skin is important when considering skin care.  Lighter skin is more sensitive to sunlight and will require more protection against sun damage; darker skin tones will also need to take certain precautions.  

 

What is your skin type?

 

• Normal

• Sensitive

• Oily

• Dry

• Combination

 

Normal Skin Type

 

Normal skin is essentially skin that is well balanced; it is not too dry or oily, not too sensitive and has very few imperfections. Characterized by small pores, an even skin tone and soft texture, normal skin is what many would consider to be the ideal skin type.  

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Skin care tips for normal skin

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Normal skin has the lowest maintenance of the five types, but still requires daily attention to keep skin looking its best. Those with normal skin should take precautions to avoid the development of blemishes and other skin issues. 

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• Cleanse daily to avoid buildup of dirt, pollutants and other bacteria which can lead to acne

• Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily to protect skin from photoaging 

• Exfoliate as needed for ideal skin texture 

• In dry conditions, or for mature skin, moisturize daily or as needed, to maintain normal skin conditions. 
   

Sensitive Skin

 

Skin sensitivity is often attributed to impaired skin barrier function or an overactive immune system. It can be caused by a genetic predisposition, such as rosacea or eczema, and certain allergies. Those with dry skin often have increased sensitivity because dryness does harm to the skin’s natural protective barrier. Sensitivity can also be triggered or worsened by environmental irritants and allergens such as animal dander, pollen and makeup. 

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Skin can have minor or severe sensitivity, identified by blotchiness, patches of redness, peeling, itching or burning. If you find that skin care products or certain fabrics irritate your skin, or if you develop contact dermatitis easily, you likely have sensitive skin. 

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Dry Skin Type
 

Dry skin can be caused by issues with the skin’s natural moisture barrier, or by external factors such as cold weather and excessive washing. 

 

Dry skin exists on a scale. While it is universally characterized by its rough texture, it may begin to flake, peel or even crack depending on the severity. If your skin is constantly dry, and shows signs of cracking or bleeding, you have severely dry skin and may want to consult a dermatologist.   

In addition to texture, this skin type often appears dull with some redness and itching. On a positive note, dry skin is characterized by small pores and is usually not acne-prone. 

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Skin care tips for dry skin
 

As harsh cleansers and astringents can exacerbate the symptoms of dry skin, choose gentle products and rich moisturizers instead. 

• Use nonabrasive cleansers and cleansing techniques

• Use rich moisturizingproducts as needed 

• Stay hydrated 

• Use a humidifier in dry climates 

• Protect skin from the drying effects of cold weather with physical barriers such as scarves

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Oily Skin Type
 

Oily Skin -  is typically the result of excess sebum production. This is most widely attributed to internal rather than external biological factors. For instance, some people have a genetic predisposition to producing more sebum than others; hormonal changes can cause an increase in sebum production, which commonly occurs in adolescence. 
 

Oily skin is characterized by:

• Shiny appearance

• Slick or greasy feel 

• Visible or enlarged pores

• Makeup that won’t adhere to skin 

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If your skin shows only one or two signs, you have slightly to moderately oily skin; if your skin shows all of these signs, you have very oily skin. Additionally, because excess sebum blocks pores and leads to acne, those with oily skin are prone to blemishes such as whiteheads and blackheads.

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Combination Skin Type

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Combination skin - is characterized by two areas: oily and normal or dry skin. Typically, combination skin presents as an oily T-zone—the forehead, nose and chin—with dry skin elsewhere on the face. The T-zone is typically oilier because it has a higher concentration of oil glands.  

 

While anyone can have dry or oily patches of skin on occasion, those with combination skin will consistently or recurrently experience the same dryness and oiliness. Often, the T-zone will feel greasy and appear shiny; elsewhere it will feel rough and appear dull. 

 

Different degrees of combination skin also exist – the T-zone may be slightly oily, while the rest of the face will fall within the normal to dry range. 

 

Skin care tips for combination skin

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To care for their combination skin, most people use separate products to address the two distinct needs. While some experimentation is often required to find the right products, there are some general tips to keep in mind.

• Apply an oil-free moisturizer to the oily areas 

• Choose heavier moisturizers, such as occlusives, for dry areas

• Use blotting papers throughout the day to control oily skin

• Don’t apply one cleanser or exfoliator to the entire face; use astringent options on oily areas and gentler options on dry areas

• Use oil-free sun protection to avoid clogged pores

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The frequency with which you use these products will depend on the severity of your dry and oily skin. Generally, avoid cleansing more than twice per day, as this can irritate the skin types.

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Skin Care 
 

No matter what type of skin you have, there are several do’s and don’ts that are universal to skin care best practices. 

• Follow a skin care regimen suited to your skin type

• Remove all makeup before bed

• Drink adequate amounts of water to remain hydrated 

• Avoid using tobacco products and the excessive use of alcohol 

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, with an SPF of 15 or 30 depending on skin tone.

• Wear a hat and sunglasses when in direct sunlight