There are five main skin types, which you can easily determine by looking at your skin and taking note of what it looks like and feels like to the touch. The five skin types are dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and normal.
There’s no such thing as bad skin or good skin; They’re just different.
This means that you’ll need to pay attention to your skin type and use skincare products and treatment that’s right for you. Read on to learn how to tell your skin type and how to take care of it!
Skin Types
Not all skin is created equal. While most people are aware of their skin type, it’s good to know whether your complexion falls into one of six specific categories: normal, dry, oily, combination (normal and oily), sensitive or acne-prone. Knowing your skin type—and understanding what makes it unique—is essential for an effective skincare routine. Once you understand that your skin needs a customized approach to care, you’ll be better equipped to avoid common skin problems and maintain a healthy glow year-round.
Despite appearances, every face isn’t made up of a mixture of all skin types. In fact, people generally fall into one of six major categories: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination (Normal and Oily), Sensitive or Acne-Prone. These distinct groups affect how your skin looks and feels from day to day—and what products you should be using in order to keep it healthy.
Sensitive Skin
If you’re prone to redness, rosacea, and/or eczema, then chances are your skin is on the sensitive side. These symptoms can be exacerbated by external irritants such as wind and sun; it’s also common for people with sensitive skin to be allergic or intolerant of certain ingredients in skincare products. To care for sensitive skin, stick to all-natural formulas that free of fragrances and potential allergens. Dermatologists recommend formulas containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera extract or hydrocortisone because they help reduce redness and inflammation caused by irritation from exposure to elements in your environment.
Oily Skin
If your skin is always looking parched and feels like leather, then you probably have dry skin. This type of skin can be easily aggravated by too much sun or friction (such as that caused by tight-fitting clothing). Dry skin tends to produce large flakes of dead skin after it's rubbed off. Dryness may also cause itching, which you can remedy with moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. Oily Skin: If your face feels oily throughout most of your day, chances are you have oily skin. It’s important to remove excess oil using a gentle astringent at least once a day in order to prevent pores from becoming clogged. It’s also a good idea to start exfoliating about twice a week since oil from pores can begin breaking down collagen in your skin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.
Dry Skin
If your skin seems dry, you may have dry skin. Dry skin is more sensitive than oily or normal skin, so it’s important to use skincare products designed for dry skin. Be sure to apply them sparingly and avoid using harsh soaps on your face. Oily Skin: If your pores seem large and visible when you’re in a warm room, you may have oily skin. While some people wash their faces multiple times a day with harsh cleansers, over-washing your face can actually increase oil production. Normal Skin: Most people have normal skin—it’s not too oily and not too dry. But everyone has slightly different needs based on climate and hormones. Moisturize according to your specific needs with water-based moisturizers instead of oil-based moisturizers.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, it means that your t-zone is usually oily, but your cheeks are dry. The best way to deal with combination skin is by using products that work on all three areas. You can purchase a multi-purpose moisturizer that will hydrate your face without causing additional oil production. Then, focus on removing excess oil from your t-zone with an astringent cleanser designed for acne-prone skin. Finally, apply a light facial cream or serum to hydrate your dry cheeks and prevent premature aging caused by environmental factors like cold weather and sun exposure. Give these tips at least two weeks before deciding if they’re effective; in general, results don’t kick in immediately when starting new beauty routines—even ones meant for different types of skin!
Sum Up
Part of taking care of your skin is knowing what kind you have. If you're confused about which skin type you have or how to tell, read on for more information on each skin type and some tips on how best to take care of it.