Before you know which skin care product will suit you best, it is far more important to know about your skin type. Knowing your skin type helps you find the right skin care product.
So in this article, we will explain in detail all the different skin types along with some additional information that would help you keep your skin healthy. Let’s get started.
What Skin Types Exist?
Broadly, there are five major skin types. Almost all of us have skin types that either come under one or two of these skin types.
- Normal skin
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Sensitive skin
- Combination skin
The reason we said that some people might have two skin types will be explained later. But yes, it is possible to have two skin types. Now let’s get to the details of these skin types.
Normal Skin
As the name suggests, normal skin type has all the levels at a balance; it is neither too oily nor too dry. This type of skin is also not as sensitive to pollutants, chemicals, or ingredients. The texture is smooth, the moisture level remains normal, and the natural skin barrier remains intact.
That does not mean that you should not take care of normal skin. Exposure to harsh chemicals, sun damage, etc can damage the skin and make it sensitive. Take proper care of your skin, even if it is of normal type.
Dry Skin
People who wake up with rough, flakey skin and get a skincare nightmare during winter will understand the pain of having dry skin. In the dry skin type, the skin cannot properly retain moisture.
As a result, the skin becomes flakey, dry, and rough in texture. While in many cases the dry condition of the skin is mostly exaggerated by external factors such as dry weather, and exposure to harsh chemicals and pollutants, some people might have dry skin throughout the year.
What to Do? For dry skin, it is very important to keep the skin properly moisturized. Use mild face cleansers, moisturizers, and humectants regularly. Avoid putting on too much of makeup and keep your skin protected from the sun.
Oily Skin
At the exact polar opposite of dry skin type, you get oily skin type. When the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, your face is constantly covered with a layer of sebum. As a result, you get that shiny look on your face.
It may sound good that people with oily skin have a glistening faces, but in reality, things are not at all good. Constant production of sebum on the face can block pores, give the feeling of heaviness on the skin, and worst; make your skin prone to acne and other skin conditions.
When there is sebum always on your skin, your skin is very likely to catch pollutants in the air. This exposure to pollutants can create skin rash, irritation, redness, acne, and even some infections.
What to Do? People with oily skin need strong face cleansers, preferably with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Make sure that you wash your face two times a day with lukewarm water. Follow face washing with moisturizing and routine skin care.
Avoid putting on heavy makeup, especially on hot days. People with oily skin should go for chemical sunscreen rather than physical sunscreen.
Sensitive Skin
The sensitive skin type is a very complicated skin type. Some people have it, some people develop it. No matter what skin type you have, there is always a chance that you might develop some level of skin sensitivity.
For example, people with oily skin types must pay attention to washing their faces properly. Constant exposure to pollutants can lead to skin irritation and since the skin is already covered with sebum, the trapped pollutants can make the skin sensitive.
People with sensitive skin are prone to rashes, itching, redness, acne, scaliness, etc. Do note that if your skin is sensitive, it is better to contact a dermatologist and find out the best face cleanser for the skin, along with the skincare product to use.
Combination Skin
For many people, the sebaceous glands are hyperactive in some areas while normal in others. This leads to a combination skin type, where some areas of the face feel oily while others feel dry.
People with combination skin types might commonly find that the area around their forehead, nose, and chin tends to be more oily compared to other areas. This area is called the “T-zone”
What to Do? For combination skin types, it is better to use mild skin care products such as a gentle face cleanser rather than going for something too light or too strong.
For example, rather than going for something like Neutrogena Salicylic face wash (too strong) or Cetaphil gentle cleanser (too light), it would be better to choose SebaMed face cleanser.
Things to Remember
Here are some very important tips for people with different skin types to keep in mind.
Sensitive Skin
Identify your triggers: Pay close attention to the products, ingredients, and environmental factors that may cause your skin to react negatively. Common triggers include harsh chemicals, fragrances, certain fabrics, and extreme temperatures. By identifying your triggers, you can avoid them and minimize potential irritations.
Patch test new products: Before applying a new skincare or cosmetic product to your face or body, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on a small area of your skin (such as your inner arm) and observe for any adverse reactions over 24-48 hours. If no irritation occurs, it’s generally safe to use the product.
Use gentle, fragrance-free products: Look for skincare and cosmetic products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Opt for gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Avoid products with harsh chemicals, alcohol, or excessive exfoliating agents.
Avoid over-exfoliation: Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, but overdoing it can cause irritation. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week and use gentle exfoliants with soft beads or enzymes instead of harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants.
Maintain a consistent skincare routine: Consistency is key when it comes to sensitive skin. Avoid frequent changes in skincare products or routines, as it can disrupt your skin’s balance and trigger reactions. Stick to a gentle routine and introduce new products slowly, one at a time, to monitor their effects on your skin.
Keep it simple: Sometimes, less is more for sensitive skin. Simplify your skincare routine by using a minimal number of products with gentle formulations. This can help reduce the risk of irritation and allow you to pinpoint any potential triggers more easily.
Oily Skin Type
Use oil-free and non-comedogenic products: Look for skincare and cosmetic products specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin. These products are typically oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores or contribute to excess oil production.
Use oil-absorbing products: Incorporate oil-absorbing products into your routine, such as blotting papers or oil-control primers. These can help reduce shine and absorb excess oil throughout the day, keeping your skin looking matte and fresh.
Avoid over-drying your skin: While it may be tempting to use harsh products or excessive washing to remove oil, it can actually backfire. Over-drying your skin can trigger the production of even more oil, leading to a vicious cycle. Instead, focus on balancing your skin by using gentle, oil-control products and maintaining a consistent skincare routine.
Combination Skin Type
Moisturize appropriately: Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to the drier areas of your face to provide hydration and nourishment. For the oily areas, consider using oil-free or gel-based moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and won’t contribute to excess oiliness.
Spot treat oily areas: If you experience breakouts or excessive oiliness in certain areas, consider using targeted treatments or products designed for oily or acne-prone skin. These can help control oil production and keep breakouts at bay without overly drying the rest of your face.
Sun protection is essential: Regardless of skin type, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) daily, ensuring to cover all exposed areas of your face. Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that won’t further exacerbate oiliness in the T-zone.
Consider multi-masking: Multi-masking is a technique where you apply different masks or treatments to different areas of your face based on their specific needs. For example, you can use a clay mask on the oily areas to help control oil and draw out impurities, while applying a hydrating mask to the drier areas to replenish moisture.
Normal Skin
Use oil-free and non-comedogenic products: When selecting skincare and cosmetic products, look for those that are specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin. These products are typically oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores or contribute to excess oil production.
Don’t skip moisturizer: Contrary to popular belief, oily skin still needs moisture. Skipping moisturizer can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil as a protective mechanism. Opt for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizers that provide hydration without adding extra oil to your skin.
Exfoliate regularly but gently: Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, but be careful not to overdo it. Excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin and lead to increased oil production. Choose gentle exfoliants with soft beads or enzymes, and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
Now that you know your skin type, take care of your skin.
See Also
- 5 Wonderful Benefits of Vitamin B5 for Skin You Did Not Know
- Chemical Exfoliators (AHA & BHA) – All You Need
- Every Type of Acne, Explained – Worst Type of Acne You Can Get!
