Skin types are a classification of genetically determined characteristics of the skin. The main factor in identifying the skin type is the level of sebum(oil) produced by the skin. Considering this factor there are 4 skin types: oily, combination, normal and dry.
For a further analysis there are many criterias used to determine the skin type. Status of skin barrier, level of hydration, age, hormonal and climate changes, exposure to pollution. These result in concerns like sensitivity, dehydration, acne prone, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Another important factor is Fitzpatrick’s scale. Is based on skin color and its response to sun exposure. Used among others to predict the risk of skin cancer.
Knowing your skin type helps you choose the most efficient products(some ingredients are better for some skin types than others, as well as the consistency of a product)
There are four main skin types: oily, combination, normal and dry, each having different characteristics.
Oily Skin Type
- Excessive shine
- Enlarged pores
- Blackheads and/or acne-prone
Combination Skin Type
Combination skin includes oily, normal, and dry skin areas.
Based on which areas are oily and dry, combination skin has two subcategories:
Combination Oily
Excessive shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and some acne on the T zone forehead, nose, chin, and normal on the rest of the face
Combination Dry
Combination dry can have different degrees;
- Enlarged pores, excessive shine, and blackheads on the forehead, nose, cheeks and dry on the rest of the face in a U shape form
- Slightly oily and visible pores in a butterfly-shaped (nose and cheeks) and dry on the other areas of the face
Normal Skin Type
Normal refers specifically to skin that’s well-balanced- not too oily and not too dry (lucky you!)
- Barely visible pores
- Smooth and even skin tone
- Little to no imperfections
Dry Skin Type
Dry skin type feels tight due to the lack of sebum produced by the skin.
- Dull complexion(often dealing with red, itchy patches)
- Almost invisible pores
- More visible lines
- Susceptible to sensitivity and dehydration(lack of water in the skin)
How to find out what is your skin type?
The Bare-Skin Method
A simple way to determine your skin type is by observing your skin.
1:Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
2:Gentle pad dry your skin and wait one hour without applying any products
3:Observe your skin, how it looks and feels
- If your face feels tight and uncomfortable, you most likely have dry skin;
- Shiny all over, your skin type is oily;
- Noticeable shine only on the T zone, but the rest of the face looks okay, you have combination skin;
- If your face feels comfortable, with no excess shine, you have normal skin type
The Blotting Sheet Method
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait for 30 minutes:
Take 5 blotting sheets and firmly pat(no swipe) them on different areas of your face (forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks). Then hold them up and analyze if:
- all sheets have a lot of oil absorbed, your skin type is obviously oily;
- only the sheets from the forehead, nose, and possibly chin have oil, then your skin is combination;
- all the sheets have little oils, then your skin is normal
- there is no oil, well you guessed right, it’s dry
Skin Type Quiz
Still not sure? You can take a quiz and find out your skin type in minutes.
Factors affecting your skin type
When trying to determine your skin type is essential to consider the factors affecting your skin. Some can be permanent (aging), while others are temporary (seasonal changes, stress, hormonal unbalance, etc.) The results may vary slightly, for instance, from summer to winter.
Here are the factors influencing your skin type: age, seasonal changes, hard water, exposure to pollution, UV index, hormonal unbalance, medication, stress, lifestyle, diet.
Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-types-5088964
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/whats-your-skin-type
Did I miss anything? I would like to hear from you:
What is your skin type?
What are the issues you have trying to identify your skin type?
Have you found an online quiz that really works ?
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe to newsletter!
