DETERMINING YOUR SKIN TYPE AND THE BEST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR YOU
To take the best care of your skin possible, you’ll first need to figure out what skin type you have. Different products and treatments are best depending on what kind of skin you have. In fact, you could be worsening your skin with the products you use just because you don’t understand your skin.
Typically, most have been taught that oily, dry and combination are the only types of skin you can have, but there are many more types out there. You can also have more than one skin type, such as dry skin and acne.
Once you understand the type of skin you have, you can better take care of it and make it feel and look as normal as possible. Let’s take a look at how to identify your skin type now.
Steps to Figuring Out Your Skin Type
Before you start examining your skin, you should clean your face to have a fresh look at it. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Then, tenderly pat your face dry with a clean facial towel. Make sure you don’t over-wash or scrub your face too hard with the towel. This could cause abnormally dry skin. Then, wait two hours for your skin to return to its normal state. Don’t touch your face during this time.
After the time is up, return to the bathroom and take a good look at your face in the mirror. Inspect your skin for the following behaviors to determine your skin type.
Normal Skin Type
If your skin doesn’t show any signs of being dry or oil, you probably have normal skin. Now that’s something to feel grateful about!
Oily Skin Type
If your skin has excess oil after the two hours have passed, you may have oily skin. Oily skin also usually shines and has large pores.
Dry Skin Type
If most areas of your skin are dry, flaky and feel tight, you probably have naturally dry skin. You may also notice that you have small pores and matte skin.
Combination Skin Type
If some areas of your skin are oily and others are dry, you probably have combination skin. Usually, excess oil can be found around the T-zone (the skin on your forehead and nose) and dryness and normal skin is present elsewhere. Combination skin type is the most common of all of the types.
Acne-Prone Skin Type
If you have acne-prone skin, you probably experience moderate breakouts around your hormone cycles and/or you break out on a regular basis. You may also notice acne scars on your face.
Wrinkled Skin Type
If you notice deep or superficial lines around your eyes, cheeks and/or mouth, you probably have a wrinkles skin type. Most people develop wrinkles as they age, so it is likely that you will grow into this skin type eventually.
Sensitive Skin Type
If you experience regular redness on your skin, then you may have sensitive skin or rosacea. Along with redness, you may or may not see bumps.
Sun-Damaged Skin Type
If you notice some fine lines on your face and/or any skin discoloration, you may have sun-damaged skin.
Factors that Can Cover Up Your True Skin Type
Though your skin may show the behavior of some of the skin types above, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have that skin type. This behavior could be present as a result of external and internal elements. Because of this, it’s important to take note of factors that may cover up your true skin type before you try to identify what type of skin you have.
Ingredients in your skin care products could be creating skin problems that you might not otherwise have. Try to stop using products with the following problem-making ingredients before identifying your skin type: waxes that clog pores, alcohol, fragrances, irritants, menthol, abrasive scrubbing agents, thick emollients, harsh or drying cleansing agents.
A number of other factors can influence your skin type as well. These factors include climate, stress, medications, diet, hormones, smoking, medicine, your skin-care routine, sun exposure, skin disorders and skin illnesses. If you alter any of these factors, your skin type may change.
We hope this information helps you identify your skin and take better care of it. If you’re looking for medical-grade skin care products that will help keep your skin feeling and looking the best it possibly can, take a look at the products we offer at True Skin Care Center. We offer the highest quality skin care products for every skin type!
Until next time… Gigi – Licensed Esthetician