Essential Guide to Knowing Your Skin Type

Identifying your skin type can be confusing for many. There are 4 main skin types: normal, dry, oily and combination. Let's take a look at a brief description of each and what they really mean. 

1.) Normal Skin

-Little imperfections

-Not too dry

-Not too oily

For the few lucky people who have normal skin, it is comfortable. It's not too dry and not too oily. It also has few to little imperfections. It has good circulation and causes few problems. Even though normal skin sounds like it’s not too needy, it still requires balance, moisture and protection to keep it healthy.

2.) Dry Skin

-Patches of dryness

-Lackluster complexion

-Dead skin cell build up

Dry skin lacks moisture and your skin cells cant properly hold on to water and retain moisture. This leads to rough, patchy skin and sometimes even shows signs of premature aging. If you have dry skin, you may feel a tightness in your skin or be prone to eczema. 

3.) Oily Skin

-Shiny complexion

-Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes

-Large pores

People with oily skin usually have shine on their face and it may appear greasy throughout the day. They may find themselves reaching for powder in order to keep shine under control. When an excess of this oil is produced, it can expand the size of the skin’s pores and result in blockages that become pimple or acne breakouts.

4.) Combination Skin

-A little dry

-A little oily

-Definitely unpredictable

-Oily T Zone with other dry areas

Combination skin is the most common skin type, but it can be hard to identify and treat. The skin will often be shiny in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. These areas tend to have more active oil glands than other parts of the face like the cheeks. Dealing with both dry and oily skin means finding the right balance that’s strong enough to exfoliate without over drying or irritating the skin.

It is very important to understand and know your skin type in order to determine what products are right for you. The range of answers can vary depending on the time of year and your skin type can also change over time. Make sure that you always listen to your skin and make adjustments as needed.

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