Skincare has been a hot topic over the past few years. And yet, much of it remains a mystery. What is my skin type specifically? How do I know my skin type? What products or routines are best for my skin type?
There are four main categories of skin types and each has its own special needs. To help you take the first step towards glowing, beautiful skin, this guide will help you determine your skin type and give you directions on how to care for it.
Dry Skin
How to know: Dry skin is characterized by a lack of natural oils and moisture within the skin. Lightly dry skin may be noticeable due to tightness and dullness of the skin whereas individuals with more heavily dry skin may experience flaking, redness, and/or irritation.
If you notice any of these conditions, your skin type may be dry.
What to do: Hydration is key! Dry skin is lacking moisture, so the most basic skincare would include a serum and moisturizer.
Oily Skin
How to know: If your skin type is oily, it is the opposite of dry skin. If your skin produces an excess of oil, it may appear shiny on the forehead and nose, be prone to acne or pimples, or you may notice larger pores.
Skin that has these conditions can be considered oily. An easy way to test for oily skin is to use a blotting sheet on the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks about ten minutes after washing the face.
What to do: Revitalize your routine! Exfoliation and skin toner are key aspects of balancing oily skin.
Combination Skin
How to know: Sometimes, it can be difficult to discern your particular skin type. You may ask, “How do I know my skin type if different parts of my face seem so different?” and it might be because you have combination skin. Typically, a face with combination skin will have dry cheeks but an oily T-zone. The T-zone includes the forehead, nose, and chin.
If both dry and oily characteristics are present, it may indicate combination skin.
What to do: This skin type is a bit trickier than others. With careful balancing of products such as gel-based moisturizers and non-drying toners, combination skin can be healthy.
Normal Skin
How to Know: If you do not fit into any of the above categories, and your skin is overall clear, smooth, and does not react negatively to new products, you likely have normal skin. Normal skin usually only needs brightening to achieve a glow and most individuals with this skin type focus on anti-aging.
What to do: A medium weight moisturizer is best for normal skin. Maintaining collagen will help with anti-aging, so any product focused on collagen will be beneficial.
Just a reminder — all skin types need daily sunscreen! To protect skin from premature aging, dark spots, and general wear, always finish your skincare routine with a layer of sunscreen.
Hopefully, this short and sweet guide has helped you jumpstart your skincare journey by answering the most important question: what is my skin type?
Related Article: How to Tighten Sagging Skin On Your Face
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