How to know your skin type

Different Skin Types And How To Identify Yours

Do you know your skin type? Do you know how to take care of your skin type? If not, continue reading, we got you covered! 

    types of skin

    You might have already heard that there are different types of skin. When you know the fact there are different skin types, the next question on the plate is how to know skin type so you can understand how to follow a proper skin care routine. There are different factors that determine your skin type, and understanding these factors will help you to choose the right skincare products and regime for yourself.

    Some of the factors that determine your skin type are your skin tone, skin health, sensitivity to products, environmental factors, etc. Today, we will be discussing everything from skin types’ names to “how to find my skin type”. So let's dive right into it, shall we?

    What are different types of skin?

    It might interest you to know that there are different types of skin and every skin type requires a personalised skincare regimen. Moreover, while you and your friend might have the same skin type, the conditions can still differ as some products that suit you might not suit the other person. 

    This is  to say that it is essential to determine your skin type and take care of it in ways that are best suited for that particular skin type to achieve quick and desired results. Generally, there are five different types of skin, and these skin types names are - Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin and Sensitive Skin. 

    All different skin types have different characteristics. Let's take a quick look at these characteristics:

    Normal Skin

    Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily and has a balanced production of sebum (natural skin oils) and surplus blood circulation. Normal skin is called normal skin as it has the desired amount of sebum and does not generally suffer from problems such as acne or sensitivity. 

    Oily Skin

    Oily skin produces a greasy experience as your skin is producing more sebum than average levels and that oil creates a layer on your face. People with oily skin tend to suffer from skin problems such as acne breakouts and require extra care. 

    Dry Skin

    Dry skin is one of the different skin types and is very common in people living in dry environmental conditions. If you have dry skin, your skin can become flaky and acquire a rough texture. Due to dryness, your skin might even become tight and irritate you.

    Combination Skin

    One of the most challenging types of skin to take care of is combination skin. A combination skin type is a mix of dry skin and oily skin. While your T-zone (the area from the middle of your eyebrows to the arches of the nose) can become oily, your cheeks and forehead might be dry in this skin type.

    Sensitive Skin

    Sensitive skin type is difficult to characterise from visual characteristics. However, if you are allergic and prone to redness and inflammation on your skin, especially when using new skincare products or eating spicy food, you might have a sensitive skin type. 

    How to know your skin type?

    types of skin

    Now that you know the different types of skin, the next step is to answer your question 'How to know my skin type?' There are different ways to get a rough idea of your skin type by observing the overall health and sebum production. However, to become absolutely sure, you can try these methods:

    Blotting Sheet Method

    Take a thin sheet of blotting paper and pat your dry face gently with it to let it absorb the facial oils. Hold the paper against bright white light. If you see little or no oil, you are likely to have dry skin. However, if the sheet picks up traces of oil from your T-zone, you have either normal skin or combination skin. If the sheet picks up oil from all parts of your face, you are most likely to have oily skin. 

    While using this method, ensure that you do not wash your face before, as the paper must absorb the natural production of sebum from your face. This method will help you understand your skin type by your oil production. However, this test cannot determine if you have sensitive skin. 

    The Bare-Faced Method

    To prepare for this test,  cleanse your skin using a mild cleanser and gently pat dry your face. Do not apply any product for half an hour and check your face in the light. Observe your nose, forehead and cheeks for any shine. Wait another half an hour and notice if your skin feels parched when doing any facial movements such as smiling. 

    If your skin has a shine on the nose but feels tight around your lips, you have combination skin. If there is no shine and your face feels dry, you have dry skin. You have oily skin if the skin looks oily but is not parched. However, if there is no shine and no dryness, you have normal skin.

    Note - Both of these tests help you determine if your skin type is oily, dry, normal or a combination. These tests cannot determine if you have sensitive skin, which is only possible by observing your skin's reaction to stimuli such as face care products or dust and allergens. 

    How To Identify Each Skin Type And Take Care Of Them? 

    Now that you have an answer to the question 'What is my skin type?' Let's figure out the best skincare routine for your skin type. 

    Normal skin type

    If you are blessed with a normal skin type, you should not take it for granted. Normal skin type means that your skin's oil production and pH are balanced, and you are not prone to skin problems such as acne. Generally, a normal skin type does not require a detailed skincare routine, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of it. Here are normal and easy-to-follow tips that you can perform every day. 

    • Use sunscreens both indoors and outdoors as you can be exposed to UV light even in your home through windows and gadgets. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 to maintain a natural balance. 
    • Moisturise your skin regularly and keep it hydrated by drinking water and using toners.
    • Make use of beneficial ingredients such as vitamin C and E, natural extracts, etc., to maintain your natural glow.
    • Remove your makeup every day before going to sleep to unclog your pores.

    Oily skin type

    Oily skin can happen due to several reasons, which include genetic issues, hormonal changes, climatic changes, etc. As oily skin is more prone to acne, you have to take care of it more. Follow these steps if you have an oily skin type.

    • Wash your skin with cleaners that absorb oil and follow with a light moisturiser.
    • Use products with ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, if you have acne. 
    • Use water-based, silicone-based and gel-based products to maintain your oily skin.
    • Do not overwash your skin or skip moisturiser, as it can lead to more sebum production. 
    • To degrease your face instantly, use rice papers or blotting papers. 

    Dry skin type

    how to know skin type

    Dry skin is one of the most problematic skin types as it can cause itching, irritation, inflammation and bleeding. If you have a dry skin type, you can follow these tips to take care of your skin. 

    • The most important thing is to moisturise your skin twice a day.
    • Avoid taking long and hot showers as they can strip natural oils from your face.
    • Use a humidifier if you live in a dry area to keep your skin hydrated.
    • Look for products with ingredients such as mineral oil, zinc oxide, glycerin, squalene, olive oil, coconut oil, etc. 

    Combination skin type

    Having a combination skin type can be frustrating as some regions of your face are oily and others dry. If you have a combination skin type, these tips can help you out. 

    • Use a gentle cleanser to avoid over-stimulating larger skin pores in T-zone.
    • Try using two skincare routines, one suited for oily skin on T-zone and one suited for dry skin on cheeks and forehead. 
    • Generally, do not use products with oil as it might cause excess sebum secretion from your T-zone. 

    Sensitive skin type

    Sensitive skin generally happens due to the over-sensitivity of nerve endings present beneath your skin. It can be painful to have sensitive skin as it is easily stimulated by external factors. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

    • Consult a dermatologist to figure out the right skincare products for your skin's pH balance.
    • Use a thin and lightweight moisturiser.
    • Do not use products with artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, etc. 
    • Do not use alcoholic toners and astringents.
    • Keep your body's vitamin and mineral levels at subpar with your body's requirement to provide immunity against irritants. 

    Another important thing to remember if you have a sensitive skin type or any other skin type is only to make use of natural skin care products that do not contain any chemicals, parabens, or sulphates. You can rely on brands such as Pure Sense, which offer a range of skincare products made from natural extracts without any chemicals or toxins. 

    You can use Pure Sense Grapefruit Reviving Day Cream, which is suited for all skin types as it is enriched with vitamin C from grapefruit. This day cream will nourish and moisturise your skin while providing SPF 20 PA +++ protection from sun damage. 

    Grapefruit Day Cream

    Conclusion

    Knowing your skin type to smartly curate your skincare regime is very important. We hope that you now have a better understanding of your skin type and the steps you need to follow to take care of your face.

    FAQ on different types of skin 

    • What are the five skin types?

      If you are wondering 'what is my skin type', there are five different skin types - Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin and Sensitive Skin. All of these skin types have different problems and require a tailored skincare routine for a healthy look and feel.

    • How can I identify my skin type?

      You can identify your skin type by observing the feel and look of your skin without applying any skincare products. After cleansing your face, check your face after 30 minutes. If your entire face is oily, you have oily skin; if your face is dry, you have dry skin; if you have oily T-zone but dry cheeks, you have a combination skin type, and if your skin is neither oily or dry, you have normal skin.

    • What's the best skin type to have?

      The normal skin type is the ideal skin type to have as it has a balanced pH and sebum production. However, every skin type happens because of different reasons and can be taken care of by following a targeted skincare routine.