How to determine your skin type?

When preparing a skincare routine, your skin type is likely the most crucial factor to consider. There are five primary skin types: oily, normal, combination, dry, and sensitive, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While everyone requires the basics (cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF), the ideal formulas for each skin type might differ greatly. Understanding where your skin falls on the skin type scale is essential if you want to create a routine that is truly customized to you.

As previously stated, there are 5 skin types. We'll give you a quick overview of each below.

Oily Skin: Oily skin has higher-than-average skin pores, hence there is more production of skin's natural oil. Excess oiliness can make the skin appear glossy or greasy, and it is commonly affected with skin problems such as blackheads and enlarged pores. Because clogged pores are a primary cause of breakouts, persons with oily skin may also be prone to them.

Dry Skin: Dry skin is the absolute opposite of oily skin in that it lacks oil. It may appear dull or tight, and extreme dryness can cause the skin to crack, flake, or peel. Dry skin and dehydrated skin are sometimes used simultaneously, but they are not the same thing—dehydration is a sign of lack of moisture in skin, which may occur in anyone, regardless of skin type.

Combination Skin: Combination skin is a mix between oily and dry skin. Some areas of the face produce too much oil, while others produce little.

Signs of combination skin include:

• an oily T-zone
• dry skin around your cheeks, eyes, and mouth
• congested skin or large pores on your forehead, nose, or chin

Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin has an increased sensitivity to stress, including some skincare products. The degree of sensitivity varies where some people only feel slight irritation when exposed to stressors, whereas others suffer from redness, itching, and discomfort on a regular basis. However, sensitivity isn't always visible—sometimes it's just how the skin feels.

Normal skin: While we would dispute that all skin is normal, in skincare, normal refers to skin that is well-balanced and has no recurring skin issues.

Here is a simple test you can take in order to determine your skin type.

Step 1: In the morning, wash your face with a gentle cleanser of your choice. Use a gentle cleanser that is not too harsh on your skin.

Step 2: Then, using a soft handkerchief, pat your face dry and leave it open for an hour, and do not apply any products to your skin during this time.

Step 3: After an hour, use a clean tissue and evenly apply it on your face. Gently dab your skin.

Step 4: Examine the tissue paper in your hands and consider the quality of your skin.

What the Results Will Show

1. Your bare skin will feel oily and will have a glossy shine to it.
Tissue: The tissue paper will be smudged with oil.
This indicates that you have oily skin

2. You will notice that your skin is tight and dry. It might even feel itchy.
Tissue: There will be some fine flakes on the tissue paper.
This indicates that you have Dry skin.

3.The T-zone of your skin will feel greasy, your nose will shine, and your cheeks will feel normal or dry.
Tissue: Oil will be wiped onto the tissue paper in the shape of a T, reflecting your T-zone.
This indicates that you have Combination skin.

4. Your skin will not be overly dry or excessively greasy
Tissue paper: The tissue paper will be transparent.
This indicates that your skin type is Normal.