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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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