What is My Skin Type & How to Determine It

Have you ever tried a viral skincare product only to make your wrinkles even worse? Maybe that's because it was never meant to be used on your skin type. 

Having learned our lessons, the first step to establishing a perfect skincare routine is to know your skin type. So, If you've ever wondered, what is my skin type? You’re spot on – It is crucial to find the right products and ingredients for your face and body.

In this guide to knowing your skin type, we will explore all major skin types, how to distinguish among them, and finally, how to manage them the easy way. 

The Science Behind The Skin Types

Your skin type is a result of how your body regulates oil, water, and barrier function. 

Moreover, your skin type is predominantly determined by genetics – whether oily, combination or dry. Other factors like environmental conditions, diet, and skincare habits can make a substantial difference, from temporary to permanent. 

The skin consists of multiple layers; the epidermis being the outermost one. Skin's protective barrier called stratum corneum lies within this layer. The health and maintenance of this skin's barrier matter more than you think. 

It's responsible for trapping moisture and natural oils and keeping away bacteria, irritants, and UV rays. Skin barrier plays a crucial role as when it's compromised, you may have to face that extra grease or very tight and dry skin. 

5 Major Skin Types 

If you're struggling to determine your skin type, learn to observe how it reacts to external aggressors like sun exposure, stress, and even sudden weather changes. 

Let’s explore the most prevalent types of skin; learning about different skin types can help you assess yours. 

Oily 

Some of us have hyperactive oil glands responsible for the overproduction of sebum, your skin’s natural oil. It can make your skin look and feel greasy and may lead to several concerns, including back and body acne and breakouts. Sebum favours the skin by strengthening its barrier, keeping it hydrated, and providing natural antimicrobial protection. However, excessive oil can congest your pores and make them look enlarged.

People with oily skin types are more likely to have blemishes and blackheads, which happen due to oil flow through clogged pores. This can cause a bumpy texture on your skin. A study reveals people with oily skin types may experience fewer wrinkles than the other ones. 

Dry

Skin types that experience roughness and flakiness are considered as dry. This happens due to a lack of sebum production in their skin. When there is underproduction of sebum, dead skin cells can lie on the skin for a long time, causing dryness and itching. People with dry skin can experience more fine lines, redness in a few cases and a sense of tightness, especially after washing their face. 

Dry skin tends to lose hydration abruptly and it becomes necessary to moisturise it thoroughly after certain intervals. Hot showers can worsen the condition.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Red, Irritated Skin: Skincare Routine

Sensitive 

Sensitive skin types can struggle to use products with alcohol, fragrances, and other external triggers. Usage of these products can irritate this skin type and even harm in certain conditions. This skin type is reactive and can be vulnerable to sensations and sudden changes in temperatures as well. 

In some cases, sensitive skin types can be challenging to diagnose as they can exhibit properties of oily, dry, or even combination skin type. This skin type is more susceptible to skin allergies and reactions, including eczema and psoriasis. Strengthening the skin's barrier can be worthwhile. 

Combination 

People with combination skin can experience a multitude of skin behaviours, including both greasiness and dryness. This skin type may feel different in different areas. It is one of the most common skin types that exhibit an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) combined with roughness on the other areas of the face. 

Combination skin types can feature open and visible pores on the cheeks and occasional breakouts too. But it is not necessary to have a dry cheek region, it can occur as normal too. Genetics to hormonal fluctuations are responsible for this skin type. 

Balanced 

As the name suggests, a balanced skin type does not have any extreme behaviour but shows a balanced tendency. Neither too dry nor oily, it is commonly referred to as normal skin type. 

Those who belong to this group do not encounter excessive dryness or oiliness on their face. We would consider them blessed with no congestion, reactiveness, or enlarged pores to deal with. 

How to Know What My Skin Type Is

Determining your skin type is fundamental for optimal care. Once you are sure of the category your skin type falls in, you can start a perfect skincare routine tailored for your skin, addressing its concerns. This can yield better results, avoid harmful reactions, and can resolve your skin concerns faster. 

You can try a couple of strategies to identify your skin type on the spectrum;

The Blotting Paper Technique

Blotting sheets can help you measure the levels of oil in your skin. To try this method, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Be patient for at least half an hour. Then, take blotting sheets and press them against the different areas of your face. Then, position them towards the light. It can help you check if the sheets are soaked with oil. 

• If there is too much oil from the different parts of your face, you are likely to have oily skin. 
  
• But if it has very less to no oil, then it can be a dry skin type. 
  
• If there’s very little oil absorbed from all parts of your face, then you are expected to have balance dor normal skin. 
  
• And if your blotting sheets are soaked with oil from the T-zone only, then you might be blessed with the combination skin. 
  

The Wait and Watch Technique

In this simplest method, you can start by washing your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Now wait for the next 30 minutes before observing your face in the mirror. After 30 minutes, look your face in the mirror and see how your skin has behaved after getting cleansed. 

• If it appears shiny, you are likely to have oily skin. 
  
• If it feels tight and rough, it's probably dry. 
  
• If there's a little shine or grease around your T-zone, it may be a combination. 
  
• If you have no oil or dryness anywhere on your face, it may be a normal skin type. 
  

How to Manage Your Skin According to Its Type 

Once you are sure of your skin type, you must know the proper method of dealing with it, which ingredients to use, and what to avoid. 

Best Practices for Oily Skin Type

Managing oily skin requires a careful approach. Here’s how you can take control;

Switch to a mild gel cleanser to remove the dirt and sebum from your skin. Always use non-comedogenic products, from moisturisers to body washes. Use mild exfoliants like salicylic acid to cleanse your skin and get rid of excessive sebum. 

You can also add hyaluronic acid to your skincare regimen to keep it hydrated. Niacinamide can help decongest the enlarged pores. 

Don’t fall for the misconception that oily skin does not need moisture. Rather you must use an oil-free moisturiser to keep your skin protected and supple. 

Best Practices for Dry Skin Type

Dry skin needs a lot of hydration in and out. Your skin may feel tight and rough right after washing it. Vitamin B5 hydrating cleanser is a pH-balancing cleansing gel to aid barrier repair, and deeply cleanse pores while keeping your skin hydrated. 

A hyaluronic acid and ceramide-infused moisturiser can soothe rough patches if applied before bed. Do not take hot showers or try harsh exfoliants as they can intensify the dryness.

Best Practices for Sensitive Skin Type

Strictly avoid using products with fragrances and alcohol and opt for gentle and sulphate-free facial cleansers. Try to incorporate as many calming and soothing skincare ingredients as possible, such as aloe vera and ceramides. 

Hydracalm has aloe, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, and ultra-low weight hyaluronic acid to assist wound healing, calm the inflammation, and provide intense moisture to your skin.

For sensitive skin, a patch test is very crucial. Stick with a disciplined skincare routine to combat concerns such as itchiness, flaking, and irritation for a long duration. 

Best Practices for Combination Skin Type

Managing combination skin type is not as tricky as it sounds. You need to strike a balance between over-drying or oil-based products. You can wash your face with a cleanser made for oily skin and apply thick moisturisers or night creams on the rough parts of your face. 

Look for products for combination skin types like Ultra C to avoid hassle. It has 25% vitamin C paired with 15% peptides to address fine lines, and uneven tone while restoring deep hydration. 

Best Practices for Balanced Skin Type

If you have balanced skin, it requires minimal intervention and can be maintained with a simple skincare routine. Wash your face with a hydrating cleanser and use a non-greasy, lightweight moisturiser. 

You can apply a treatment targeting your ongoing skin concern. Exfoliate your skin once in two weeks to maintain its health. Keep moisturising it for suppleness and a youthful glow. 

Radiance 3D is a 10% niacinamide serum that fades hyperpigmentation away and encourages overall resilience of the skin. Moreover, it can protect your skin against harmful UV rays.

Can Skin Type Change? 

You ought to know that if you're born with a skin type, you can only control it to a certain extent. It's not possible to get rid of your skin type entirely. Genes are fundamentally involved in determining your skin type. However, certain medications, ages, and diseases can make a shift. 

As some people age, their skin can transform into rougher. In fact, post-menopause, many women can face dryness in their skin. Furthermore, skincare products or treatments can influence how your skin responds. 

Skin Type Vs Skin Condition 

While skin type is largely determined by your genetics and is not likely to change in most cases, a skin condition refers to temporary changes triggered by environmental factors, skincare ingredients, hormonal changes, diet, or even stress. 

Some of the most common examples are rosacea, eczema, sunburn, and acne. They can appear due to some circumstances but disappear once you pay proper attention and adhere to a disciplined skincare routine. 

Conclusion 

Before treating any skin concern, it's important to know your skin type, as different skin types require different ingredients, precautions, and ways to treat. Once you identify your skin type, you can create a skincare routine accordingly with the right ingredients. Moreover, no matter what your skin type is, always apply an SPF 30+ to maintain your skin’s overall health. 

References

• Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 15(3), 205-210
  
• Clinical Dermatology, 25(3), 201-206
  
• Dermatologic Therapy, 17(1), 43-48
  
• Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 98(2), 196-200
  
• British Journal of Dermatology, 160(3), 741-748