Identifying your skin type can be a daunting task as several factors can affect it. You may have to consider various aspects such as oiliness, dryness, sensitivity, and the presence or absence of blemishes or acne. If you’re unsure about your skin type, it can be helpful to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional. They can analyze your skin thoroughly and provide you with personalized recommendations for a skincare routine that caters to your skin’s specific needs.
There are five basic skin types: combination, sensitive, normal, dry, and oily. However, determining your skin type is not as simple as changing your skincare routine or the product you use. Instead, it is influenced by various factors such as genetics, stress levels, hormones, lifestyle habits, seasons, and humidity levels. Moreover, your skin type will naturally change as you age.
Although I am still in my late twenties, I have noticed a change in my skin type over the years. As a young child between the age of 10-13, I would consider my skin type to be normal, but during my teenage years, it became oily and acne-prone. In my early twenties, it transformed into a combination skin type. Now that I am approaching my thirties, I have started to notice that my skin is becoming drier and requires moisturizer before applying makeup.
Knowing what your skin type is will allow you to make informed decisions regarding what skincare products to use and which to skip, meaning your skin will receive tailored products to its specific needs.- resulting in your skin goals more quickly.
Determining what your skin type is, requires a little detective work and it is fairly easy to do. First, you’ll need to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then pat dry with a towel. [Remember to resist the urge to apply any other products for the next 20-30 minutes]. By not putting any other product on your skin, you get to see what your skin looks like naturally and can inspect it better. When inspecting your skin, really think about how your face looks and feels – Does your skin look shiny/oily? Is your skin quite textured? Are there any areas that have flaky patches of skin? Do you suffer from acne/blemishes?
If are looking for what products are best suited for your skin, then carry on reading this blog post and I might be able to answer your question(s).
Small pores, flaky patches and dull skin?
If your skin is flaky and dry, it means that there isn’t a lot of oil present which makes it a lot harder to retain moisture. Also, having dryness more likely to age faster can be often linked to an impaired moisture barrier. But don’t worry, as there are plenty of products that are specifically for hydrating, nurturing and smoothing your skin and contain ingredients such as; hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which can help to improve the texture of the skin while also strengthening its natural barrier.
Coarse texture, clogged pores and shiny skin?
If you have shiny, overly oily skin that is prone to acne and blemishes, the good news is that you are less likely to experience premature ageing. However, it is important to choose skincare products that support your skin’s moisture barrier instead of adding more moisture to already overloaded skin. A good deep pore cleanser is also recommended. To keep your skin healthy, be sure to include a good cleanser and toner, a lightweight moisturizer, a detoxifying face mask, and regular exfoliation in your beauty routine.
Blotchy, itchy, inflamed skin that feels stressed?
If you notice that your skin often appears blotchy, inflamed, and sometimes itchy, it is best to avoid using skincare products that contain harsh ingredients. Instead, opt for a product that relieves redness and discomfort, such as a calming mask. Skincare products that are formulated to soothe and calm the skin usually contain ingredients like rose water, which helps to strengthen the moisture barrier and is a great starting point. These products also do not strip the skin of its natural oils, which is essential to maintaining healthy and balanced skin.
Smooth skin that is neither too shiny nor too dry?
If your skin is not too oily or dry, then it is considered to be a normal skin type. It is comparatively easier to take care of normal skin, but it is still important to maintain a consistent skincare routine to keep your skin’s moisture barrier healthy and well-protected.
