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Skin Type

Tips To Finding Your Skin Type


There are five types of skin types you can have and each may help determine your best skin care regimen. These are dry, oily, normal, sensitive, and combination. Each needs to be identified and treated in its own special way. The type skin care products you use on your face will also be determined by your specific skin type.

You would not want to use a cleanser made for oily skin on dry skin as it would make the condition worse. Cosmetics must also be chosen for the skin type you have to ensure the proper coverage and overall best look you can have.

Finding Your Personal Skin Type

It is relatively simple to find out what skin type you possess. The easiest way is to take a clean piece of tissue and wipe the face with it when you wake up first thing in the morning. Look at the tissue. Oily skin will appear on the tissue as spots of oil. Normal skin will not have these and the skin will feel smooth and soft.

For those with dry skin, again the tissue will come clean but your face will be tight and feel dry. For combination skin, you will have oil in the T-zone, or the area across the forehead and down the nose but nowhere else on the face.

Sensitive skin is obvious because it reacts to certain products by becoming swollen, red, and itchy. A dermatologist can also tell you what type of skin you have and be more precise. With that knowledge, however, you are well armed to identify skin care that best suits your and your skin's needs.

Skin Types:
  • Oily - Will notice shiny glossy skin even shortly after washing
  • Dry - Requires repeated moisturizing; may have flaking, peeling and cracking
  • Normal - Typically requires no special treatment except in t-zone are
  • Sensitive - May break-out or rash when using personal care products and cosmetics
  • Combination - Localized areas of oiliness or dryness; may have some rashes or dry spots

Skin care For All Skin Types

No matter what type of skin you have, you should do all you can to treat it with care. Once you are aware of the particular type you have, you should find out all you can on it and how to care for it. The skin will need to be cleaned daily but each type will need its own special regimen.

Oily skin may require products for oily skin to prevent blemishes while dry skin will need a rich moisturizer. Combination skin will need oil control in the T-Zone but regular procedures for the remainder of the area.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin will be the hardest to deal with as it will depend on what irritates it. These products and chemicals will need to be avoided to stop irritation and aggravation. When you learn the skin type that fits your face, you will be able to have a beautiful appearance all the time and protect the skin for the future.

Understanding and identifying your skin type is paramount to healthy skin. Many products are formulated for normal or neutral skin types - this is not always the best thing for your skin - and may inflame conditions such as rosacea, adult acne, redness or irritation.