What Is Your Skin Type?

You’ve read about normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types. But now, which ones are you?

This skin type can change as people get older. Younger ones tend to have more normal skin types than older folks.

What is the difference? It depends on:

• Water content in the skin (affecting comfort and elasticity)
• Oiliness (affecting softness)
• Sensitivity

Normal Skin Type

Normally described as not dry and not oily, normal skin features:

• Without any or only minor blemishes
• Not resistant to stimulus
• Barely perceptible pores
• A glowing complexion

Combination Skin Type

You may have dry or normal skin in some areas and oily skin in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. This may require a little variation in care in different areas.

Characteristics of combination skin:

• Blackhead-like appearances
• Skin that shines
• Pores bigger than normal and more open

Dry Skin Type

You may have:

• Pores barely visible
• Dull Rough Complexion
• Red Patches
• Less Elastic Skin

Your skin may crack, peel, become itchy, irritated, inflamed, or very dry. It may feel rough and scaly, particularly at the back of the hands, arms, and legs.

Dry skin may be inherited or aggravated by:

• Genetics
• Aging or hormonal changes
• Environmental factors: wind, sun, or cold
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds
• Indoor heating
• Hot baths or lengthy showers
• Ingredient products in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers
• Medicines

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To care for dry skin, consider:

1. Taking showers and baths that are shorter (preferably once every day)
2. Using mild soaps or cleansers. Stay away from deodorant soaps.
3. Avoid scrubbing while bathing or drying.
4. Use a thick moisturizer immediately after bathing. For dry skin, ointments and creams may work better than lotions but are usually messier. This should be reapplied throughout the day as needed.
5. Put on a humidifier, and don’t let it get too hot inside.
6. Do wear gloves whenever working with cleaning, solvents, or household detergents.

Oily Skin Type

You might have:

• Big pores
• Shiny, dull, solid complexion
• Blackheads, pimples, or blemishes

The oiliness can change depending on the time of the year or the weather. The following can cause or add to it:

• Puberty or other hormonal disturbances
• Stress
• Heat or excessive humidity

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• Wash it no more than twice a day and after heavy sweating.
• Use a mild cleanser and refrain from scrubbing.
• Avoid picking, popping, or squeezing your pimples; treat them gently as they will take longer to heal after you touch them.
• Look for the term “non-comedogenic” in products you buy or cosmetics so they won’t clog the pores.

Sensitive Skin Type

Showing up as:

• Flushing
• ITCHING
• Searing
• Aridity

If your skin is sensitive, then it is advisable to know the triggers to avoid because they may be more than one; usually, it reacts towards specific skin care products.

The 6 Skin Care Basics

These will keep your skin looking great regardless of what skin type you have.

1. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, which provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Do not stay in the direct sunlight; wear a hat and sunglasses.
3. Do not smoke.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Cleanse your skin thoroughly and gently every day without sleeping in makeup.
6. Keep moisturized.