An In-Depth Guide to Identify Your Skin Type

The skin is our calling card, especially our face. If we want it to look healthy -no matter how old we are- we must start taking care of it based on the skin type as soon as possible.

To do this, it is necessary to use moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliants, etc. However, all this effort will be in vain if we do not do it properly.

Even though you clean your skin frequently and try to moisturize it, you will only improve the condition of your skin if the products you are using are suitable for you.

Knowing your true skin type is the first step to looking young, healthy and fit; it’s the only way to look for products and skin care regimen work for you and to apply the necessary care. You can take a skin quiz to find your skin type.

Here are two methods of how you can identify your skin type:

Two Top Methods of How To Identify Your Skin Type

1. Identify your skin type based on your pores

We can tell part of your skin’s history through your pores. These small structures can tell us about the care you have applied, but more importantly, what your skin type is.

Pores are the exit of the hair follicles, the origin of the sebum that covers the face and hair. You can observe pore sizes on your face based on the following:

Oily skin produces more sebum of excessive oil production, so the pores are usually much larger.
In contrast, dry skin produces less sebum and has smaller pores. Hence, the skin feels dry and tight.
Combinations skin and variations between the position of the pores (central or peripheral) and the amount can be observed.

2. Identify your skin type based on key signs on your face

It is also possible to distinguish skin types through oily or dry characteristic signs.

While oily skin can have many comedones and clogged pores (from the accumulation of sebum);
Dry skin is likely to look “dehydrated” and expression lines, wrinkles and so on are noticeable.

On the other hand, these signs can also tell us about the current state of your skin.

Exposure to oil and sebum for a long time can turn into acne and would be accompanied by papules and pustules (pimples). Also, it is possible to observe dermatitis and other skin lesions caused by dryness.

What are the 4 types of skin? And How to Take Care of Them

Learn how to identify your skin type and treat your skin efficiently. Determining your skin type is the first step towards a healthy skin.

1. Normal Skin Type

Let’s start at a halfway point. People with normal skin have an equal distribution of pores across the skin. The skin tends to have a very smooth surface with few obvious wrinkles.

It is necessary to clarify that this type of skin is very rare and is the reason why some people do not need as much “skin care” as others.

Normal Skin Care Tips:

The compact texture of this type of skin makes it easy for moisturizers, even the softest, to have a noticeable effect.
This type of skin does not need more than basic care, such as toners, occasional cleansing and a nourishing moisturizer that is applied at least twice a day.

Recommended Products for Normal Skin:
Moisturizer: Luminous Face Oil or Age Defy Face Oil
Serum: Age Renewal Serum
Soap Cleanser: Renew & Calm Face Soap
Toner: Clear Skin Replenishing Toner

2. Oily Skin Type

Oily skin has large, large pores, which is why so much sebum is secreted, and the skin gets that abnormal glow. In addition, it is often accompanied by open and closed comedones with clogged pores. It can have an Orange peel texture and a yellowish color. Oily skin is more prone to acne breakouts

This abnormal sebum production can be caused by hormonal problems or a poor cleansing routine. Even though we want to remove all that oil from our skin, we must do so carefully. If we are overly careful in cleaning it, we will cause damage like that seen in dry skin.

Oily Skin Care Tips:

The real secret to take care of oily skin is to be patient.

You should not wash your face often or exfoliate to remove dead skin cells daily. If you do, you also run the risk of a “rebound effect”, where your pores will start producing much more sebum than normal because your body feels that your face is too “dry”.
Clean your face only twice a day, especially before going to bed and upon waking.
Make sure all the products you use for your face and skin are special for oily skin.
Don’t touch your pores unnecessarily, especially if they are clogged.
Try to eat some foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to reduce the chance of acne.

Recommended Products for Oily Skin:
Moisturizer: Renew & Balance Face Oil
Serum: Age Renewal Serum
Soap Cleanser: Renew & Balance Face Soap
Toner: Clear Skin Replenishing Toner

3. Dry Skin Type

First, to break a myth: dry skin is not exclusive to older people. This type of skin is caused by a lack of water and oil, which also occurs as we age.

The most delicate aspect of this type of skin is its high vulnerability and fragility to the effects of the sun and pollution.

In addition, the lack of water not only favors the appearance of dry skin but also makes expression lines visible.

Dry skin has very small and almost imperceptible pores. Unlike oily skin, in this case, it is common to see very pronounced expression lines, as well as some fine lines and wrinkles. It usually feels somewhat rough and gives the impression that it is thinner than normal.

Dry Skin Care Tips:

The minimum care for dry skin is born in your disposition and discipline.

The first thing is that you consume a lot of water, no matter if you are not thirsty; you must ensure at least two liters of water per day.
Try not to dry your skin completely when you leave the bath, just wipe it gently and allow it to remain moist.
Also, do not bathe or wash in very hot water.
Look for beauty products that do not contain alcohol, especially make-up removers.
Prefer creamier or oil-based products, containing natural oleic acids such as avocado oil and almond oil for smoother skin.
You can use exfoliants, but very gentle.
Moisturizers, especially those with a not very dense oil compound, are excellent for dry skin.
You can moisturize whenever you consider it necessary, but only if the skin is clean.

Recommended Products for Dry Skin:
Moisturizer: Deep Hydration Face Oil or Regenerative Face Oil
Serum: Age Renewal Serum
Soap Cleanser: Renew & Lift Face Soap or Renew & Regenerate Face Soap
Toner: Clear Skin Replenishing Toner

4. Combination Skin Type

Your skin is likely to have a dry oily combination. Don’t worry, you’re fine, in fact, it’s the most common type of skin. Almost everyone has dry, oily skin characteristics.

Combination-Dry Skin

Combined dry skin can have clogged pores in the nose, chin, and center of the forehead. Similarly, the pores may not be visible or become smaller toward the outer edges of the face.

Combination-Oily Skin

In the case of oily-combination skin, there is a wider distribution of obvious or larger pores down the center of the face. The T-zone of the forehead and nose areas are more oily. Comedones and some other features of sebum accumulation may be present in this type of skin.

Combination Skin Care Tips:

Some key tips have to do with cleansing. Depending on your combined skin type, you should place more emphasis on specific sites and less on others.
For example, in the case of oily-combination skin, large pores are found in the center, while on the periphery there are closed pores. Cleanse the central part with a little more intensity.
You can use moisturizers or light-textured gels that have less impact on your skin.

Recommended Products for Combination Skin:
Moisturizer: Age Defy Face Oil or Renew & Balance Face Oil
Serum: Age Renewal Serum
Soap Cleanser: Renew & Calm Face Soap or Renew & Balance Face Soap
Toner: Clear Skin Replenishing Toner

About Sensitive Skin Types/Condition

Sensitive skin is a skin condition that has a thin, red-pink look. The skin may turn red easily by some skin care products. For sensitive skin care, you should avoid products and facial cleanser with a strong fragrance and strong exfoliants. You should choose a gentle cleanser. Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid and lipids (oil) may be good choices for your skincare routine to improve the skin barrier.

Note: For all skin types, it is important to apply sun protection and avoid harsh sun exposure. Use a board spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis for sun care.

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Reference:
Lees, Mark. “Skin Care Beyond the Basics.” 4th Edition, Title of the work, Clifton Park, Milady, 2012, page 108.