How to know your skin type

Have you been having issues finding the right products that perfectly fit your skin?

So many people complain of products not working effectively on their skin compared to their effect on other people’s skin.

The question you should be asking yourself is, “What is my skin type”? You need to identify your skin type to make getting the right products for your skin easier. Knowing your skin type will help you make smart decisions and give your skin the necessary care.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are five primary types of skin: dry, oily, sensitive, normal, and combination. Each skin type has unique characteristics and needs that can affect how it looks and the kind of products you use. 

If you are not sure what your skin type is, keep reading as I will be covering the basics of identifying your skin type below:

1. Dry skin

Dry skin generally produces fewer natural oils than any other type of skin. It is usually rough and appears dull. People with dry skin should avoid long, hot showers and include gentle and hydrating ingredients in their skincare routine.

READ ALSO: 5 toxic chemicals that can damage the skin

2. Oily skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum (oil) that causes the skin to appear shiny and feel greasy. However, it does not mean that oily skin requires less moisture than any other kind of skin. 

People with oily skin tend to have fewer wrinkles but are more prone to acne and enlarged pores. People with oily skin should choose the right products that hydrate and nourish without clogging their pores or triggering breakouts.

3. Normal skin

Normal skin is balanced. It is both too oily and too dry. It is not prone to breakouts or flakiness. People with normal skin have small pores and a smooth skin texture. It also requires proper skincare to look and feel its best.

4. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is often referred to as a skin type. It is possible to have oily, dry, sensitive, or normal-sensitive skin. Because sensitive skin is more prone to irritation from the outside, it looks red and feels itchy or burns. 

If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid moisturizers or cleansers containing specific ingredients that determine what triggers your sensitivity. 

READ ALSO: 6 simple ways to protect your skin from dryness

5. Combination skin

Combination skin includes areas that are dry as well as oily. The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is often oily, while the cheeks are either dry or normal. This kind of skin can result from the year’s season or factors such as stress or hormone fluctuation. 

Hydration and effective cleansing are ways to care for either dry or normal skin in some places and oily in others.