How To Know Your Skin Type: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re wondering how to know your skin type, then this article is for you. Continue reading till the end to learn more about your skin type and the different skin type tests that can be used to determine it.

You’d tried some “absolutely incredible” new skincare product only to find out it didn’t work or made your skin worse? This could be because it was inappropriate for your skin type. It is therefore important to understand where your skin falls on the skin type spectrum.

Whilst also understanding it, you can begin to make informed decisions that will provide your skin with the care and protection it requires now and in the future.

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How To Know Your Skin Type: The Ultimate Guide

There are five types of skin: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive. Each skin type has its own unique benefits and setbacks.

Besides, many people usually get confused between the terms “skin concern” and “skin type.”Both skin concerns and skin types are distinct.

Wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and temporary dryness are just a few examples of skin concerns that can affect people of all skin types.

Also, some might tends to mistake acne-prone skin for a specific skin type. However, acne or breakout can affect people of all skin types.

What Are the Different Skin Types

Let’s go over the five basic skincare types and see where you fall!

1. Oily Skin

Oily skin is identified by its greasy appearance. It is caused by an above-average production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil; so hydration isn’t an issue. Excess oiliness can cause the skin to appear shiny.

People with oily skin commonly experience different skin issues such as blackheads, enlarged pores, blemishes, or even breakouts.

2. Dry Skin

The signs and symptoms of dry skin can vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and the cause. Dry Skin is usually characterized by a sense of tightness and roughness. It can feel flaky and irritated at times. It lacks hydration and is susceptible to product sensitivity.

Note: There is a significant difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is caused by a decrease in oil production in the skin.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is caused by a lack of water and is a temporary skin condition affected by environmental factors.

3. Normal Skin

Normal skin is neither excessively oily nor too dry. It has normal sebum production and blood circulation. This skin type does not have a negative reaction to new products or weather changes. Also, those with normal skin do not have a lot of breakouts.

Those with normal skin may not feel the need to moisturize their faces constantly throughout the day. Their skin is firm and has very few fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Combination Skin

The combination skin exhibits characteristics of both dry and oily skin, because the distribution of sebaceous and sweat glands is not uniform. In some areas, your skin may be dry or normal, while in others, it may be oily.

The T-zone that is forehead, nose, and chin usually has more oil, whereas the skin on the cheeks is normal or dry. As a result, it may require slightly different care in different areas.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is identified by its constant triggers to certain skincare products, foods, environmental factors, etc.

The degree of sensitivity varies: some individuals only experience mild irritation when exposed to stressors, while others suffer from redness, itching, and discomfort on a regular basis.

However, sensitivity isn’t always visible; it’s all about how the skin feels.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the different types of skin, let us look at how to determine each skin type.

You might also want to check out related articles:

• 6 Best Skin Care Tips for Oily Skin To Stay Fresh All Day
• 5 Effective Skin Care Tips for Dry Skin To Achieve Smooth and Glowing Skin
• 5 Simple Skin Care Tips for Normal Skin Type
• 5 Skin Care Tips for Combination Skin Type: The Ultimate Skin Care Guide
• 5 Gentle Skin Care Tips for Sensitive Skin That Won’t Harm

Different Skin Type Test

In most cases, skin type can be determined by simply looking at it. Even so, there are two simple tests that can tell us what skin type you have.

Following are the two simple skin type tests that you can try while relaxing at home.

1. The Face Cleanser Test

You can identify your skin type by simply following the steps given below:

Step 1: Use a gentle cleanser to remove all makeup, oil, and dirt from your face.

Step 2: Pat dry your face with a soft towel and leave your skin bare. Don’t apply any moisturizers or serums. Allow your skin to act naturally.

Step 3: Next, wait for half an hour and make sure you don’t touch your face during this time. After another half-hour, take a close look at your skin and take note of its condition.

How To Interpret From the Result?

• If your skin looks shiny all over, you most likely have oily skin.
•  If your skin becomes parched with any facial movement or if your smile feels tight, you have dry skin.
• If the shine is limited to your T-zone (nose or forehead), you have combination skin.
• Lastly, if your skin feels moisturized and comfortable but not oily, you have normal skin.

Moving on to the next method, let us look at how you can identify your skin type in yet another easy way.

2. The Blotting Sheet Test

Blotting sheets are required for this method. When pressed against the skin, these sheets soak up oil in an instant, leaving your skin with a fresh, matte finish. You can use them to check out what type of skin you have.

Step 1: Wash your face gently with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Apply blotting sheets to different parts of your face.

Step 3: Finally, hold the sheets up to a bright light to reveal the oil markings.

How To Interpret From the Result?

• If the sheets reveal an excess of oil in all areas of your face, you have oily skin.
• If they absorb almost no oil, you probably have dry skin.
• If the sheets show only a little amount of oil from your T-Zone, you have combination skin.
• If you only see a bit of oil from every area of your face, you most probably have normal skin.
•  If you have sensitive skin, it may sting, burn, or itch a bit after cleansing.

These are the two easy tests that can help you better understand your skin type.

Wrapping Up: How to Know Your Skin Type

That brings us to the end! There are no good or bad skin types; instead, it’s just our skin behaves differently.

Fortunately, now that you know your skin type, you can purchase the correct formulated products and customize a skincare regimen based on your specific needs.

Our skin’s needs can change over time, and taking steps to best identify those needs is essential for it to function and look its best. However, avoid changing your skincare product frequently as it can result in damaging your skin.

Let us know what your skincare type is in the comments, and be sure to check out our next blog for skincare tips tailored to each type.

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