How to identify your skin type for optimal care
Everyone wants to have healthy skin, but it's crucial to keep in mind that each individual has a different type of skin. With that in mind, selecting the right products will be made easier if you are aware of your skin type. Identifying your skin type is among the most recommended skincare tips. This is how to determine your skin type.
Know the different skin types
There are primarily five skin types: dry, oily, normal, combination, and sensitive. Oily skin is caused by excess production of sebum. Natural oil production in dry skin is typically lower than other skin types. Normal skin is balanced in terms of oiliness. Combination skin includes areas that are oily and dry. Sensitive skin can look irritated, and itchy despite the oil level.
How different each skin feels
Combination skin usually feels oily in the T-zone (areas including forehead, nose, and chin) but dry everywhere else. Sensitive skin usually feels irritated, itchy, patchy, and can sometimes sting. Normal skin feels even and balanced. It's neither too dry nor too oily or sensitive. People with oily skin will feel greasy and shiny all over. Meanwhile, dry skin will feel tight and dry.
Bloating paper test
Cleanse your face. Pat dry and then give it 30 minutes. Press blotting sheets over your face and expose the sheets to light. Oily skin, if the sheets absorbed a lot of oil from your face. Dry skin, if they absorb very little to no oil. Combination skin, if there is very little oil. Normal skin, if there's not much oil visible.
Bare-face method
Cleanse your skin and wait 30 minutes without applying anything to your face. You have dry skin if your skin feels parched. You have a oily skin if it starts to shine on your entire face. You have combination skin if oil starts to appear in your T-zone. Your skin type is probably normal if it feels comfortable and hydrated but not oily.
