Know Your Skin Type

Believe it or not, most people have no idea what their skin type is. Some may be able to guess, but few will be able to tell you with certainty.

We all fall into four categories when it comes to skin type: oily, dry, a combination of oily and dry, or normal. Knowing your skin type is very important.

This is how you're able to purchase the correct makeup and skincare products. The last thing you want is to put the wrong products on your face. In order to avoid mistakes, here are a few things you should look for when determining your skin type and how it is best treated.

Oily Skin

Your skin falls in the category of oily if you find that it always looks shiny. The area that seems to be most affected is called the T-zone. This area is formed by the width of your forehead and then from the center of your forehead straight down to the tip of your nose. If this area is always shiny, chances are you have oily skin.

Another way to determine if you have oily skin is to spend some time simply examining your pores. Large pores are an indication that you have oily skin. Your makeup offers another clue to your skin type. If you have oily skin, foundation tends to migrate; it may gather in wrinkles on the forehead or in the creases around the mouth.

People with oily skin should look for cleansing products that are oil-free. The last thing your skin needs is more oil. A very important step in cleaning an oily face is the application of toner. Toners help clear away makeup and dirt that may have been left behind by the cleanser. After cleansing and toning, you need to moisturize. Water-based moisturizers are the best choice for oily skin.

 

Dry Skin/Sensitive

Know your Skin Type when you have dry skin, look for flakes. Dry skin tends to be flaky, especially around the eyebrows and nose. Unlike oily skin, dry skin is associated with very small pores, which is why moisturizing is very important. The texture is another way to detect dry skin. If the surface of the skin has a rough feel, or it is tight and itchy, your skin is probably dry.

The itching and tightness may be more noticeable after you've cleaned your face. Dry skin tends to be more sensitive than oily and combination skin. If you have skin that's very sensitive to the sun, wind, or cold, it is probably in the dry category.

Contrary to popular belief, dry skin is not caused by a lack of oil; it's actually caused by lack of water, so the key is to look for ways to add more water to the skin. Look for cleansing products that are specifically made for dry skin. You'll find that many of these products are water-based. Dry skin needs to be kept moisturized at all times.

Sensitive skin requires special care. There are many ingredients in products that produce dryness, itchiness, and sometimes even a rash or other types of visible irritation. Most people with sensitive skin feel that their cosmetics and skincare product choices are limited.

However, there are several cosmetic companies that specialize in products designed specifically for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Consumers with sensitive skin should be sure to investigate the specific ingredients in products before purchasing, as even some of those that claim to be safe for sensitive skin can cause irritation.

 

Combination Skin

This is actually the most common skin type. Combination skin has characteristics of both oily and dry skin. You'll find that your face is oily in some places, usually around the T-zone, and dry around the cheeks. If you've found that skin products work well on part of your skin but irritate other parts, that's usually a good indication that you have combination skin.

Caring for combination skin is difficult because your skin is both dry and oily. The good news is that there is help for combination skin. The key is to choose a mild cleanser. Use the cleanser on the entire face at least twice a day. After cleansing, choose a good moisturizer and use it on the dry areas of your face.

 

Normal Skin

Normal skin is just what its name suggests—normal. There is no flaking or excessive oil present on the skin. Instead, the skin has a very smooth texture. Not many people are fortunate enough to have normal skin, but if you're one of the few, consider yourself very lucky.

Even if your skin type is normal, it's still important to keep it well-cleansed. Choose a cleanser specifically for normal skin, and use it twice a day, in the morning and again at night. Use a light moisturizer after cleaning.

To keep your skin looking great, protect it from the sun with sunscreen. Monitor what you eat and drink. If you're fortunate enough to have normal skin, you want to do everything in your power to keep it that way.

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