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Writer's pictureCoolala P.

Skin 101 What Is Your Skin Type

Updated: Dec 4

So let's talk about skin. What type of skin do you have?



According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five primary skin types:

  • Oily

  • Dry

  • Normal

  • Combination

  • Sensitive


Each of these types have different characteristics and needs. They can also change during different seasons, places, because of hormones, and for many other reasons. They take a look at what each type looks and feels like.


 

Oily Skin Type
  • Enlarged pores

  • Excess sebum

  • Dull, shiny (greasy), thick complexion

  • Blackheads/whiteheads, acne (clogged pores)


Dry Skin Type
  • Dull, rough complexion

  • Less elasticity

  • More visible lines

  • Peeling, flakey complexion

  • Tight, itchy complexion


Normal Skin Type
  • Not too dry, not too oily

  • No or few imperfections

  • No severe sensitivity

  • Barely visiable pores

  • Radiant complexion


Combination Skin Type
  • Normal/dry certain areas and oily on certain areas (T-zone)

  • Pores look larger

  • Blackheads/whiteheads, acne (clogged pores)

  • Shiny complexion (T-zone)

  • Dryness on cheeks and other areas


Sensitive Skin Type
  • Broken skin barrier

  • Redness, itchy, dry

  • Can have oily areas (T-zone)

  • Blackheads/whiteheads, acne (clogged pores)

  • Eczema, rosacea


 

Why is it important to know what type of skin you have?


Once you have identified your skin type, you will be well-prepared to care for it effectively. Your skin undergoes various changes due to factors such as aging, environmental conditions, and irritants. During adolescence, you may observe an increase in oiliness, which could persist into adulthood. Hormonal fluctuations, aging, medication, diet, and lifestyle choices can all impact the condition of your skin.


 

How to identify your skin type.


If you are not sure what skin type you are, you can try this quick test to find out.


  1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.

  2. Do not put anything on your face after.

  3. Go about your day for about 30 mins to an hour. Resist the urge to touch your face.

  4. After the appropriate time, dab your face using a blotting sheet or a tissue.

  5. Now check the blotting sheet or tissue.


  • Normal skin No flakes or grease on the sheet, no redness or irritation on skin

  • Dry skin No grease on sheet, but skin feels tight/rough/flakey/itchy

  • Oily skin Sheet is greasy and face looks shiny

  • Combination skin Sheet is greasy along the T-zone and shiny. The other parts of the face is dry or normal

  • Sensitive skin Sheet may or may not be greasey, but skin feels irritanted/itchy/red


 

How to care for you skin type


Oily Skin

Oily skin types need to keep their face clean without overdoing it. Balance is what this skin needs. Double cleanse, with a gentle oil cleanser and then wash with a gentle foaming/gel cleanser. Use a cleanser with salicylic acid two to three times a week in the evenings to get rid of excess sebum and dirt that may have accumulated up. When washing face, do not scrub or rub hard, but gentle massage motions expecially around the nose area. Pat dry and use a gentle toner and then a moisturizer that is noncomedogenic. Using a toner with salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree, or willow bark a couple times a week can also help. And always finish off with a noncomedogenic sunscreen in the morning.


Dry Skin

Dry skin craves hydration, but you should still double cleanse when you have makeup on, with micellular water and then wash with a gentle milk or lotion cleanser. Use a gentle foam cleanser when you need a total cleanse, but with dry skin we want to make sure that we help add moisture back and not strip too much of it off. Apply a soothing and moisturizing toner/serum and then a thick cream or oil-based moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides and glycerin help. Lastly use a moisture rich suncreen in the morning.


Normal Skin

Even if you have normal skin, you still need to cleanse, moisturize and protect. Since you don't have any issue with dryness or oiliness, you can do a simple routine of a gentle cleanser of your choice and a moisturizer. Then finish off a sunscreen in the morning.


Combination Skin

Caring for combination skin is balancing the oily areas and dry areas. It can be a bit of a challenge by applying different products for different areas. But if you use gentle products you can use a "one item fits all kind of product." Double cleanse with a an oil cleanser on days with make-up and then use a gentle foam/gel cleanser. On days with just sunscreen, micellular water is the choice to help make sure you don't irritate your skin too much. Apply a gentle toner/serum with healing ingredients which really helps with the soothing process as well as adding hydration where you need it. And finish off with a noncomedogenic sunscreen.


Senstive Skin

Sensitive skin can get really irritated, especially when the skin barrier has been compromised. Products that are fragrance free and have a smaller ingredient list is what is best. Opt for products with natural ingredients. Using micellular water to double cleanse when needed and a gentle cleanser will also help the skin barrier. If you want to use an oil cleanser, try ones with oils that have less irritants. Use toner/serum with healing properties. End the process with a nonirritating sunscreen.


 

Conclusion


Understanding your skin type is essential for creating a personalized skincare routine tailored to your needs. There is no universal solution for skincare, as factors such as aging, climate, lifestyle, and health can impact your skin type. While genetics play a significant role in determining your skin type, educating yourself about it can be beneficial. Consulting a dermatologist can provide further insights and help identify any underlying conditions contributing to your skin concerns. By being patient and being well-informed, you can work towards achieving your desired skin goals.


 

Sources:

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. Skincare tips

  2. Carley Millhone. Health.com. What Skin Type Do You Have, December 30, 2023





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