What is my skin type? A Guide to 4 Common Skin Types

Finding out your skin type isn’t as easy as you might think. Just like ordering a cup of coffee, there are a lot of different things to consider: Do you need an extra cup? How much coffee do you need to start your day? Finding out your skin type requires similar steps: Do you lack hydration? Do you need to cleanse once or twice a day? Confused? I don’t blame you, but I’m here to get to the bottom of it, and together we’ll figure out your skin type.

Oily Skin Type

There’s no denying that having an oily skin type is quite a challenge. You see, having an oily skin type can lead to a lot of breakouts and blemishes during your teenage years, but it’s not all doom and gloom. If you have oily skin later in life, it will take longer for your skin to show signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Yes, you do age slower because the oils in your skin can help it look plumper, younger, and longer, which we think can offset teenage skin issues.

Here are some characteristics of oily skin:

Glowy complexion, especially in the T-zone

Skin feels comfortable after cleansing or bathing, even without moisturizer

Prone to skin blemishes like pimples, blackheads, acne

Large and noticeable pores

Ages slower than other skin types

If you are still unsure if this is your skin type, there is a simple test you can do. Here is how:

Make sure you have just washed your hands with antibacterial soap

Press your forehead gently with your index finger

Rub your thumb with your finger to see how much excess oil is on your forehead

Repeat step 2 with your middle finger, along your cheeks, starting from the bridge of your nose and going all the way to your ears

Repeat step 3

Next, repeat step 2 with your ring finger, gliding it over your chin and jawline.

Repeat step 3

Finally, glide your pinky finger along the bridge of your nose

Repeat step 3

If you notice excess oil on all your fingers, it is a clear sign that your skin type is oily. Anyone can use this and it is an easy way to know which type you belong to. If you notice little or no excess oil, it indicates dry skin, while more oil on the forehead and chin (T-zone) and dry cheeks indicates a combination skin type.

You will find that there are some misconceptions about oily skin. I am not sure where they originated, but I hope to reveal the truth to you. Just because your skin is oily, it does not mean that you have to skip moisturizers and facial oils. While using essential oils on oily skin may sound counterproductive, by using a formula that is suitable for your skin, you will keep your skin barrier balanced, protected, and not damaged. It is best to avoid certain ingredients such as: B. rich plasticizers, cocoa and shea butters, and mineral oil. These are not suitable for oily skin, but they are found in many products. So, always take a quick look at the ingredient list before purchasing or using.

Another misconception of oily skin is using foaming face washes or cleansers. These may make you feel very clean, but the harsh chemicals strip the skin of all the oils, causing it to over-produce oil and cause serious problems. Opting for skin ingredients like BHA and salicylic acid keeps pores unclogged, while AHA, glycolic acid and lactic acid keep skin free of dead skin cells and lock in moisture, keeping skin happy and healthy.

Dry Skin Types

If you have dry skin, you know this without me telling you. Unlike oily skin, you can’t go anywhere without a rich moisturizer after cleansing. Here are some key characteristics of dry skin:

Feels dry in the morning if you haven’t used moisturizer the night before

Becomes very tight and uncomfortable after cleansing

Tends to be dull and have scaly patches

Can be very uncomfortable in the winter

Becomes dry by the end of the day

Signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles appear earlier than other skin types

Dry skin needs some TLC, but using ingredients like hyaluronic acid is extremely hydrating, helping to smooth visible fine lines and build up the skin’s moisture barrier. This goes a long way to relieving the tight feeling many dry skin types have to endure, especially during the cold winter months and when battling central heating.

While clear skin is a benefit of having dry skin, it doesn’t mean you won’t be affected by the occasional blemish. Maintaining a good skin care routine that includes cleanser, acid toner, serum, and moisturizer as a basic start will keep your skin in its healthiest condition, removing flaky patches and dirt from your face.

Here are some ingredients to look out for that are beneficial for dry skin types:

Lactic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid

Glycolic Acid

Malic Acid

All of the above AHAs are known for their exfoliating and moisturizing properties, and they are gentle enough for dry skin types, so you can use them with confidence that your skin won’t become dry and uncomfortable. If you choose good quality plant oils and rich creams, coupled with gentle exfoliation, your skin will stay in its best condition.

Combination Skin Type

Combination skin is an interesting type of skin, you’ll find it’s oily mainly in the T-zone, from forehead to chin, and dry along the cheeks. This often means that it can be quite difficult to care for, as you may find that she reacts easily to breakouts and other hormone-related issues, but is very clear the rest of the time. Many people find that using the wrong type of products that are too harsh and dry out the skin overall can be a big problem.

Combination skin can be identified by:

Oily T-zone areas such as the forehead, nose, and chin, which are prone to breakouts

Pores are more noticeable around the forehead, chin, and nose

Cheeks are generally more prone to dryness

Makeup gets smudged by the end of the day

Finding and maintaining a good skin care routine to keep your skin balanced and manageable can be difficult, but it’s important to always remember that the moisturizing effects of hyaluronic acid have a significant impact on the skin. Stick to gel formulas that are rich in hyaluronic acid, as they can moisturize dry cheeks but won’t unbalance oily areas of the skin. Switch your formula to an oil-free one, but nourish your skin with plant oils and liquid exfoliants in your nighttime routine to prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts.

Sensitive Skin Types

It’s not easy to have sensitive skin, especially when using skin care products. Most of the time, sensitivities react most strongly to ingredients that are almost common in all skin care products. If you want, you can take the time to observe and find out which ingredient you are most sensitive to, thereby finding the root of the problem so that you can use products that don’t contain it.

Sensitive skin types have the following characteristics:

Easily flare up after trying new skincare products

Reactions may come and go

Sometimes look angry after a shower

Can get in the sun and burn easily

Sometimes feel hot and itchy after cleansing

Sensitive skin can affect a number of different skin types, such as oily, dry, and combination skin, for example, so it can be difficult to find the best routine. Always patch test any new product you buy, and if a mild reaction occurs, don’t use it or stop using it immediately. Consulting with a dermatologist and doctor to find the best products for your skin will help keep your skin happy and healthy, without any signs of sensitivity.

Another skin problem that can occur with any skin type: dehydration. Although many people confuse dehydration with dryness or aging, it’s really neither, and it all comes down to a lack of moisture in the skin and an imbalanced skin barrier. If you notice that your skin looks dull and a little flaky, and that you’ve developed some new fine lines, you can use products with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid or glycerin to lock in moisture and replenish the skin. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also a good idea to keep your vital organs healthy and your skin maintained so you absorb every ounce of hyaluronic acid moisturizer you put on your skin.

We hope this helps you understand the different skin types and ultimately find out which one you fall into. You’ll be amazed at how different your skin becomes when you better understand how to treat your skin and which products to use in your daily routine.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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