There are many different ways how to determine your skin type. In this article, I will outline the basics for each skin type so you can easily figure out what your type is. I will also explain what the differences are between each one. In doing so, you will know how to care for your skin type so you can stay healthy and beautiful for a long time. There are many different factors that make up your skin type.
Three main skin types
The first step on how to determine your skin type is learning about the different factors that make up your type. There are three main skin types: oily, dry, or combination. Your type can also include a combination of these. The characteristics of each type are the following.
Oily skin type
Your oily skin type is characterized by the overproduction of sebum or oil. This is usually caused by hormones, diet, genetics, or stress. This oil production tends to cause your pores to be larger than normal, which can lead to whiteheads and blackheads. To reduce this, consider eating foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, spinach, kale, or citrus. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the day.
If you have a very oily skin type, you may be experiencing excess oil secretion at the surface of your face. Unfortunately, most solutions do not address this issue, so it is best to find an acne product that does. Look for acne treatment with salicylic acid, which exfoliates and gets rid of excess oil. However, you may still experience some flakiness around the forehead from the exfoliation.
Dry skin type
Your dry skin type is characterized by little or no oil production. Generally, this is caused by aging or the natural process of shedding off dead cells. The good news is that there are products available that can help you. The most popular ingredients are honey, lemon juice, orange juice, tomato paste, cucumber, and aloe vera.
Your sensitive skin type has very little oil production and has low levels of sebum. For this type, you need to focus on the ingredients in your cleansers and moisturizers. You don’t want to use anything that can cause your face to become dry. In addition, be wary of those with fragrance ingredients. They can cause flakiness and even cause your face to develop blemishes. Instead, opt for cleansers and moisturizers that contain natural ingredients such as honey, olive oil, avocado, cucumber, or glycerin.
Combination skin type
Your combination skin type has a moderate amount of oil production and moderates to the high amount of moisture. This is usually brought about by genes, age, pregnancy, or the natural process of shedding off dead cells. Those with this type experience no issues with acne or breakouts. You will need to use extra caution with products containing alcohol because they can actually dry out your complexion.
Choose a healthy skincare routine for your skin type
After learning how to determine your skin type, you will need to choose a healthy skincare routine. You may want to start out with a gentle cleanser that is formulated to treat all different kinds of skin. The best cleansers usually contain salicylic acid, which exfoliates without drying out your skin. Look for an acne treatment that contains active manuka honey or tea tree oil, which will balance sebum production.
When you are looking for the right skincare products, make sure you know your individual characteristics. Determine what areas you most frequently develop outbreaks on and then look for the ingredients that address these issues. For instance, if you feel that your forehead is the worst place to develop blemishes, look for an acne medication that contains benzoyl peroxide. If you have excessive dryness in your skin, find a moisturizer that contains witch hazel or other soothing ingredients. You may also want to consider buying skincare products that prevent or reduce inflammation. These ingredients can reduce irritation and dryness to help prevent the development of new blemishes.
Pay attention to any reactions on skincare products
Next, keep in mind the specific reason that you are having a reaction to the skincare product. Some individuals have sensitive skin and cannot use some ingredients, such as alcohol or witch hazel. Others have dry skin and need natural plant-based ingredients that will balance the production of sebum, the oil produced by the sebaceous glands. This can cause a dry flaky complexion that is almost unbearable unless it is addressed.
To sum up
Once you understand how to determine your skin type, it will be easier to choose an effective skincare routine. Using gentle cleansers and an effective moisturizer will improve the appearance of your skin. It is important to use products that will not cause further irritation, such as those with fragrances or colorants. You may also want to look for an effective anti-aging ingredient, such as antioxidants or vitamin E. Remember, however, that no single ingredient is going to make a complete routine finder. It takes several different ingredients to work together to ensure that you get the results that you want.