Our skin is a very delicate part of our body that requires frequent attention and care. In order to provide the best treatment for your skin, we must be aware of what exactly our skin type is. This will allow us to understand our skin’s needs and opt for products that suit us best.
In this article we shall discuss the different skin types and their characteristics, how to determine your skin time and methods of cleansing your face depending on your skin type.
The different skin types
There are 5 basic skin types. Although skin type is primarily determined by our genes, it is also greatly influenced by external factors like the kind of food we consume, environmental conditions like pollution and sun exposure as well as the beauty products we use.
Normal skin
This skin type is neither too dry nor too oily. It is characterized by a smooth, clean skin texture.
Oily skin
Oily skin type- like its name suggests- is characterized by the presence of excess oil on one’s face. This leads to clogging of skin pores which may cause pimples, blackheads and acne to appear.
Dry skin
In many cases, dry skin may be temporary because it is usually caused by external factors like low humidity, high temperatures and so on. However, for some people it may be a lifelong condition. Skin texture usually becomes a little rough and flaky and itchiness of the skin may become common.
Combination skin
Since oil and sweat glands aren’t evenly distributed throughout our skin, sometimes our skin may be both dry and oily, at the same time. If we take the example of our face, the T-zone (comprising of our forehead, nose and chin) is usually oilier than our cheeks.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is more reception towards any form of stimuli, as compared to normal skin. This type of skin is more susceptible to sudden temperature changes, allergic reactions, bacterial action on the skin and so on. Due to its fragile nature, sensitive skin requires more care.
How do you determine your skin type?
Cleansing and observing
You can determine your skin type by observing how it reacts after cleansing. Wash your face with a mild facewash and pat dry. Observe your skin after half an hour- if it appear to be slightly shiny throughout, you must have oily skin; if it appears to be shiny only in the T-zone, you have combination skin; if it feels tight and flaky, you most likely have dry skin; and if your skin feels neither too greasy nor too tight, you have normal skin.
Blotting paper
You can also conduct a small test with blotting paper if you cannot determine your skin type just from observation. After washing your face and waiting for 30 minutes, press blotting paper to your skin. This will absorb oil from your face easily. If the paper picks up an abundance of oil from all areas of your face you have oily skin. If it picks up oil just from just from your T-zone, you have combination skin. If the paper picks up very little oil from your entire face you have normal skin and if the paper picks up no oil at all you have dry skin.
Methods to use to wash your face depending upon your skin type
1. For oily skin
Oily skin requires you to wash your face very frequently. Do it before and after any rigorous activity since exertion causes you to ooze sweat and oil from your pores. Don’t use harsh soaps; instead, use glycerin soap or facewash which is very gentle on the skin.
You can even use honey as a natural humectant. It’ll keep your face moist but not oily. Apply a thin layer every day and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
2. For combination skin
Combination skin requires some special attention. You should pay careful attention to the oily areas of your face while washing and take extra care of the dry patches while moisturizing. Use gel-based, gentle cleansers since those will clean your skin without making it too dry. You should also exfoliate your face twice a week in order to get rid of blackheads and built-up oil from your skin pores.
3. For dry skin
If you have dry skin, you need to be careful about the kind of products you use so that your condition isn’t aggravated. Look for alcohol-free and hydrating cleansers. Use only one drop of face wash to clean your face, not more than that. You can opt for face packs that contain lactic acid since that helps improve the moisture content of your skin.
4. For sensitive skin
All you have to do when you have sensitive skin is keep your face-care routine simple. Don’t use abrasive scrubs or fragranced products since these can irritate your skin. Always spot test a product (like on your wrist) before using it on your face.
You may like to read:
Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Face Wash
ConclusionL:
Skincare is a tricky affair. It is always best to take the opinion of a dermatologist before trying out new products. That being said, did you follow the tips given in this article? Share your experience with us in the comments down below!
