Knowing your skin type is important, because products will
only yield results if you are using ones that are best formulated for your skin’s
unique needs. Typically, products are made specifically for the various skin types. Here are some easy tips to determine what kind of skin you have — without a professional assessment.
To help you get started, I've outlined some hints for knowing when to eliminate products. After you do this, it'll be far easier to figure out your skin type.
If a product stings
and burns…it’s not a fit for your skin. These reactions can wrongly make you believe that your skin is sensitive
when in reality, it could be that the product is irritating. The exception to this rule is that when an acid
serum produces a stinging sensation, which is expected.
If a product leaves a
greasy residue...you might assume you have oily skin. In fact, the moisturizer you're using may be too rich. Your skin can only absorb so much product. The rest simply sits on top of the skin, which can lead to clogged pores.
If a product leaves
your skin feeling tight and dry…you might think you have dry or dehydrated skin.
Sulfate-based foaming cleansers and alcohol-based toners can severely strip the
skin of moisture, but many people associate that tight feeling with clean skin. This is a false association. Choose sulfate-free
cleansers and alcohol-free
toners.
If a product is
exfoliating your skin, but you’re still left dry and flaky…your skin-care
routine isn’t working and you might be over-exfoliating. Too much exfoliation can damage the skin’s
moisture barrier, resulting in invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture
to escape, ultimately making skin very dry and flaky. Use cleansing brushes, acid serums,
at-home peels, and facial scrubs in moderation. Then, take note of the state of your skin.
If a product makes
you excessively oily…something in it is drying your skin out. Harsh products
formulated for oily skin often include drying ingredients, but these
ingredients can dehydrate the skin, causing it to produce more oil in an
effort to balance itself. Skin hydration is the key to producing less
oil.
If a product is
leaving your skin irritated and out of balance…stop using the product. Inflammation is the
underlying cause of aging. Inducing topical skin irritation, albeit unintentionally with the use of a product that your skin doesn't agree with,
is a no-no. Always listen to your skin and work with Mother Nature — never
against her.
If
you have large pores all over your face, your skin gets shiny throughout the
day, and visible oil appears when you blot on a tissue, it is considered an oily skin type. Pore size is an indication
of oil production. If you’re getting shiny and greasy but your pores are visibly
small, your products may be the problem.
If your pores are larger primarily in the T-zone (across forehead, nose, and
chin) and visible oil appears only in those areas throughout the day, then you can be considered a
combination skin type.
If
your skin almost always feels tight, looks rough, has small pores and is tight
and flaky (especially during the winter), then you can be considered a dry skin
type. However, if your skin has any breakouts whatsoever, then you don’t truly
have dry skin. Breakouts originate from oil, so if you’re still getting breakouts, then
your skin can’t be completely dry, and your products may be the problem. While how much or how little oil your skin produces is
important, there are also other characteristics to consider.
Skin that gets red and flushed easily from products, being touched, hot
showers, alcohol consumption and spicy foods is sensitive. This skin type will
benefit from gentle ingredients, such as white tea,
a potent antioxidant. If you have sensitive skin that reacts
easily, avoid products with synthetic fragrances and choose products formulated
to reduce inflammation.
Under-circulated skin barely turns pink at all, even from activities like facials, using a scrub, or taking a hot shower. This skin type
will benefit from ingredients like peppermint,
ginseng extract, and rosemary,
which encourage the dilation of blood vessels. They allow the skin to accommodate
more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, resulting in brighter, glowing skin.
Because not all acne is equal (cysts, pustules, papules, etc.), it isn't always easy to determine if you have acne-prone skin. Acne
can also occur at any age, in any region on the face. It can be very
severe or just occasional, but most anyone with any acne at all will
always categorize him or herself as acne-prone.