How Do I Figure Out My Skin Type

Before you decide on a definite skincare routine, it is essential that you know what your skin type is. This is a relatively easy process and should not take time.   Some people have skin that is constantly flaking, some have skin that shines all day long while others have skin that itches and is always red. A rare group of people suffers from all their problems while others don’t complain about any. Basically, the sensitivity level of skin is directly related to how the skin will react to a particular environment and its tolerance level. The level of its lipid content implies how soft and healthy the skin is. Last but not the least, the amount of water in the skin determines its moisture content which in turn implies the comfort level. 

Related: Natural Skincare For Dull Skin

In brief, the following skin types exist: 

1. Normal skin is one that boasts of overall health. The pores on the skin are not visible and no major imperfections can be seen. Naturally, the water, as well as lipid content, is at a balance and the skin is not too sensitive. The overall texture of the skin is smooth without any visible bumps.
2. Dry skin has a dull appearance and is often red. It tends to flake and show visible signs of roughness. Even though the pores are hardly visible, the skin oscillates between being normal and overly oily. Dry skin is extremely sensitive and has zero tolerance for extreme weather. 
3. The T-zone is that part of the face that consists of the chin, nose, and forehead. This area of the face tends to get shiny if one has oily skin. The appearance of blemishes and blackheads is also common. The pores on the skin are large. The amount of oil secreted by the pores changes if the weather changes. Oiliness may also increase due to hormonal changes. Naturally, due to excess oil, the skin tends to look waxy. 
4. Combination skin combines a little bit of all the above-mentioned skin types. While the cheeks may be dry and rough, the forehead will be oil or vice versa. This type of skin fluctuates between dry and oily skin.
5. Sensitive skin is one that has no tolerance to environmental changes and reacts badly to a majority of skin products. Those with sensitive skin often complain of excessive redness, painful stinging, and itchiness caused by dryness. Those with extremely sensitive skin may also suffer from eczema. 

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Therefore, based on the above factors, figuring out one’s skin type is easy due to visible indication. For example, if you have an oily T-zone, your skin type is oily and if you have flaky skin, your skin type is dry, and so on. However, to be completely sure, one can carry out a test at home.

First, wash your face with lukewarm water. Then apply a cleanser with mild properties.

Once your skin is dry, press rice paper onto your cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. 

Now, if the paper has to be pulled off with some effort, your skin is oily. It will stick to the above-mentioned areas of your face and will have a transparent quality. 

On the other hand, if the rice paper comes off without any effort and remains as it is, without getting transparent, your skin is dry.

Last but not the least, if you have normal or combination skin, the paper will stick to parts of your skin and not to other parts. 

This home test will not show results if you have sensitive skin. However, if your skin tends to show no tolerance for extreme weather and breaks out after applying any skin product, you can be sure that you have sensitive skin. Those with sensitive skin find it hard to figure out what skin product to use as mild products produce extreme results as well. Artificial chemicals like alpha hydroxy acid, alcohol, retinoids and those added for fragrance generally irritate sensitive skin. Therefore, organic ingredients are recommended if you have sensitive skin. 

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In most cases, some people are sensitive to a few ingredients and not to others. It is recommended to try the product onto a patch on the arm or leg before applying it to the face.