Skin care regimens aren’t “one size fits all,” so it can be frustrating when a recommendation from a friend or your favorite blogger does not work for you. Before starting a new routine, it is important to know your skin type. This will determine what products you use, how often they are used, and what trends to avoid. Keep reading to learn about the different skin types to help you give your skin the love it deserves.
There are 5 skin types:
- Normal
- Dry
- Oily
- Combination
- Sensitive
Normal
Normal skin is just that: normal. It is neither too oily or too dry and has a well-balanced pH level. Sebum production, which leads to breakouts, is also balanced. If when looking at your skin you see little to no breakouts, smoothness, and light pores, you have normal skin.
Solution? If you have normal skin, opt for a more subdued skin care routine. Stick to cleansing and moisturizing your face and you will be set. Also, make sure to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to dry, flaky skin.
Dry
Dry skin occurs when you lack moisture. It looks flaky with uneven texture and often feels tight. Dry skin can also be itchy and cause irritation.
Solution? Moisturizer and water are going to be your new best friends. Water will help to keep your skin hydrated while moisturizer will not only hydrate your skin, but keep moisture locked in. You should also pay extra attention to your dry skin during winter months. The cold weather strips your skin of moisture and dries it out.
Oily
The most obvious sign that you have oily skin is if you are prone to breakouts. Other ways you can tell if your skin is oily is if you have large pores and a greasy appearance. Factors such as hormone changes, climate, and harsh exfoliators can also lead to oily skin.
Solution? Like with any skin type, it is important to wash your face. It is recommended for people with oily skin to wash their face twice a day, but be careful about it. While too much oil is not good for skin, some of it is necessary to protect it. Overwashing or using harsh exfoliators removes this necessary oil. Ironically, it can make your skin more oil prone.
Combination
Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like. It is when certain spots of your skin are dry while others are oily. If your T-zone looks oily but your cheeks look dry, this is a sign you have combination skin. You are also prone to breakouts only on your forehead, chin, and nose.
Solution? Look for a gentle cleanser. While you may want to use a harsher one to combat your dry skin, it will clog the pores in your T-zone and lead to more breakouts. You should also exfoliate your skin, but with caution. It is recommended to exfoliate only two to three times a week and very gently. Using it more often or scrubbing too hard gets rid of those necessary oils. While it may seem excessive or confusing, you should follow two separate routines for the different areas of your face depending on their skin type.
Sensitive
Sensitive skin can often be mistaken for dry skin because it can feel itchy or tight. If you have sensitive skin, your skin type changes depending on the season. It becomes oily in summer but dry in the winter. Your skin also becomes flushed more easily due to heat and even certain foods. The biggest tell that you have sensitive skin is if you have a reaction to skin care.
Solution? Always conduct a patch test before trying a new product. Simply take a small amount and place it on your arm. Then, look at the results for the next 24 hours to determine if it causes a reaction or not. Like with normal skin, a simple skin care routine is your best bet. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen will do the trick.
Uzza offers a quick, 4-minute quiz that will help you determine your skin type. Try it out for yourself!
https://www.uzzaskincare.com/en/customize-your-skincare-rountine-skin-diagnosis/