Dry, Oily, or Combination? Figuring Out Your Skin Type
The number one secret for a flawless complexion? Knowing your skin type. From dry, normal, oily or combination, there’s a huge chance you might not know your true skin type. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and is as complex as all of your other vital organs. Using cleansers and treatments that are too harsh may send the signal to your skin that more oil is needed, leading to more oily skin than normal. At the opposite end of the spectrum, applying moisturizers that are too rich may result in decreased natural oil production - causing even drier skin. Taking the time to learn your skin’s unique needs will help you to choose the right options that will balance skin resulting in a healthier and more radiant complexion. Every person’s skin is unique, but there are a few common skin types that may help you to identify where your skin fits in the most. Here are two easy ways to determine your skin type at home:
The Bare Skin Method
Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat dry. Leave skin bare , and after 30 minutes, examine your skin for any shine. After another 30 minutes, evaluate whether your skin feels tight, especially if you make any facial expressions. If your skin feels tight, your skin is likely dry. If there is noticeable shine on your nose and forehead, your skin is mostly likely normal/combination. If there is shine on your cheeks in addition to your forehead and nose, you most likely have oily skin.
The Blotting Method
Gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face. Hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. If the sheet picked up little to no oil, you most likely have dry skin. If the blotting sheet reveals oil from the forehead and nose areas, your skin is normal/combination. If the blotting paper is saturated with oil, it is likely that you have oily skin.
Dry Skin Type
Dry skin can feel tight throughout the day, and may experience noticeable flaking. Dry skin is largely due to genetics, environmental factors such as lifestyle & diet, hormonal changes, and climate. Dehydration is also a leading cause of dry skin, so drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can make a significant difference in your skin. The best moisturizers for dry skin are those containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and marine actives such as algae.
Normal/Combination Skin Type
People with normal/combination skin often experience dryness on the cheeks, making it important to find a moisturizer that is not too rich but one substantial enough to retain moisture. Those with normal skin are not prone to breakouts on their cheeks, and tend to have a more oily t-zone. Moisturizers with a gel-like texture are absorbed more quickly and less likely to cause breakouts.
Oily Skin Type
Excess oil can leave pores congested and clogged. Don’t fret if you have oily skin - oily skin ages well because it has more natural moisture and is less prone to wrinkle. Oilier skin is also prone to hyperpigmentation, which are dark spots on the skin after an active breakout has healed. Exfoliation will also help lighten these dark spots by polishing away the uppermost layers of skin and revealing new cells. If you have acne breakouts, you should consider using a cleanser with salicylic acid.
Sensitive Skin Type
Having sensitive skin can be challenging, as it takes trial and error to figure out which ingredients cause irritation. To make this process easier, introduce only one new formula or product at a time. This rule applies to both skincare and makeup. Patch testing a new formula on your inner forearm is an excellent way to minimize potential reactions on the face. Look for labels that identify formulas as non-irritating and non-sensitizing and free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA or TEA, as these ingredients can result in redness and itchiness. For a list of ingredients you should be avoiding in your skincare products, check out our blog here.
The Bottom Line
Our skin changes throughout our lifetime, and taking steps to best identify its needs is essential for it to function and look its best. Keeping the health of your skin in mind and determining whether any adjustments to your current routine are needed will keep it balanced. Having a facial every 4-6 weeks is a great way to maintain your complexion, and it can give you a chance to figure out what works best for your skin.At Sculpt CosMedics, we offer a wide range of services to keep your skin looking its absolute best - such as facials, laser treatments, chemical peels and more.