Identify Your Skin Type: A Simple Guide
Let me tell a short story from a few years ago when I was just starting my skincare journey. I bought some good skincare products, which were also quite expensive, at least for me. After using them for a few months, I saw some good changes in my skin, but it was not as much as I wanted. Then I thought that maybe these products were not that good. So I replaced my skincare products with some other products. This time also, I did not get the desired result I wanted. In fact, I experienced some reactions on my skin. At that moment, I did not know why this was happening and why I was not getting the best possible results.
Then, after talking with some skincare enthusiasts, dermatologists, and conducting long research, I found some elements that were preventing me from getting the results and causing reactions on my skin. One element was that the products I was using did not match my skin type.
Following this, I understood the value of knowing one’s skin type. Though nowadays most of you may already know your skin type, for those who still don’t, I published this article so that you don’t fall into the same trap as I did and can easily determine your skin type at home.
Why is it important to know your skin type?
If you’ve read my story, you probably have an idea of why it’s important to know your skin type. But let’s dive deeper.
The first thing you should know before starting your skincare journey is to understand your skin type. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five primary types of skin: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive1. Within these categories, there are subcategories such as dry-sensitive, oily-sensitive, and acne-prone. If you don’t know which skin type you have, you can’t tailor your skincare routine, and trust me, it’s very important. One wrong product can have a negative effect on your skin. When you choose skincare products according to your skin type, you prevent your skin from harmful reactions and other side effects. So, it’s crucial to know your skin type before you invest your hard-earned money in skincare products.
Now that you understand how important it is to know your skin type and you want to identify yours, continue reading the rest of the article. Here, I share the simplest method to understand your skin type, which I also used to identify mine.
Here’s a simple method to identify your skin type at home:
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. Pat your face dry with a towel.
3. Wait for at least half an hour without applying any products or turning on the AC or fan for accurate results.
4. Divide your face into two parts: the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and the U-zone (cheeks, jawline, and temples).
5. Take two tissue papers and gently press them onto your face, covering the T-zone and U-zone separately.
Here’s what to look for:
- Oily skin: If both tissue papers show oil and your skin looks shiny, you probably have oily skin.
- Dry skin:If there’s no oil on either tissue paper and your skin feels tight, you likely have dry skin.
- Normal skin: If there’s no oil on either tissue paper and your skin feels balanced without any tightness or shine, you likely have normal skin.
- Combination skin: If there’s oil only on the T-zone tissue paper and not on the U-zone tissue paper or if you feel normal or tightness in the area, you may have combination skin.
- Sensitive skin: If you experience redness or irritation during or after the test, you may have sensitive skin.
Is skin type permanent?
No, don’t assume that you have to live with only one skin type for the rest of your life. It can change for various reasons such as changing seasons, aging, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, and environmental factors like dust, pollution, and sun exposure. Everyone faces this. Even a few weeks ago, my skin type also changed from combination to oily due to the change of season in the country where I live. During winter, my skin type also changes to dry skin. Your skin type can also change like that. For this, I recommend keeping 2-3 types of products, especially moisturizers and sunscreen, as our skin can react differently for various reasons.
What to know about your skin type:
Now that you know your skin type, here are some key factors about your skin type:
Oily skin: It produces an excess amount of sebum (oil), which is not needed for your skin, resulting in a shiny and greasy look, especially on your T-zone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people with oily skin get fewer wrinkles than others2. However, they also have to face more acne due to enlarged pores.
Oily skin produces more oil, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need to moisturize your skin. There is a difference between skin oil and skin hydration. Therefore, the ideal skincare routine would be to use a gentle cleanser with a foaming formulation, a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen that won’t feel heavy on your skin. Lastly, try using products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide, as they unclog pores and control oil production.
Dry skin: Like the terms “oily” and “dry,” their roles are also opposite. Dry skin generally produces less oil than any other skin type. People with dry skin often feel tight and rough. Sometimes it may lead to itchiness or irritation. People with dry skin often show more wrinkles.
A perfect skincare routine for dry skin includes a good cream cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer with a rich formulation. A good moisturizer can be your best friend if you have dry skin. Lastly, try using anti-aging products like retinol if you are in your early to mid-20s.
Normal skin: Congratulations if you have normal skin. Normal skin is balanced, neither too oily nor too dry. People with normal skin typically have small pores, smooth skin texture, and are less prone to sensitivity or blemishes. However, normal skin requires a proper skincare routine to look and feel nice. Using a gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer that is neither too heavy nor too light, and sunscreen for overall effectiveness is ideal. You can also use a serum based on your needs.
Combination skin: If your T-zone is shiny and your cheeks are dry or normal, then you have combination skin like me. This skin type often changes depending on different factors such as seasons, hormonal changes, and environmental factors. Since this skin type varies for several reasons, it’s important to have 2-3 types of products. There will be days when you need something more hydrating, typically in winter, while in summer you might need products that are lighter and tinted. From personal experience, I can say that gel-based products are more suitable for combination skin.
Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin can be categorized into three types: dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and combination sensitive. Regardless of the type, sensitive skin may appear red and feel like it’s burning, itching, or dry. If you have sensitive skin, you need to take more care than other skin types.
For sensitive skin, use a minimal skincare routine including cleansing, moisturizing, protecting, and optionally using a serum if needed. Avoid a complicated skincare routine, as it may cause irritation and itchiness instead of benefits. Don’t apply a new product directly to your face without patch testing first. Lastly, try to use products without fragrance, parabens, and other harmful ingredients. Following these steps can greatly reduce the risk of redness, itchiness, and irritation.
Now that you have a clear understanding of skin types and their characteristics, you can make informed decisions before purchasing products. Lastly, don’t worry if you have sensitive, combination, or any other skin type, as all skin types can benefit from the right and regular skincare routine