When I first started learning about skincare, I also used to think that if I get a good cream, face wash and serum then the skin will become better, but along with that, I understood one thing that it is more important to understand your skin type before starting skincare.
Not every product works the same on every person’s skin. What may be good for dry skin is not necessarily good for oily skin or sensitive skin. That’s why I think it’s important to know your skin type before buying any new product.
Especially in hot weather where sunlight, heat, sweat and staying in air conditioning for a long time can ruin our skin, it becomes difficult for us to understand the need of our skin.
Today in this article, I will tell you in very simple words what the skin types are, how you can identify your skin type and how the basic care of each type can be taken.
What is skin type?
In short, skin type refers to the basic condition of our skin. It gives us an idea of how smooth our skin is, how healthy it is and how it reacts to different things or the environment.
There are usually 5 basic skin types:
- Normal Skin
- Dry Skin
- Oily Skin
- Combination Skin
- Sensitive Skin
It is very important to explain here that sensitive skin is a little different from the other four types.
1. Normal skin
Normal skin usually has a good barrier of oil and moisture; neither does it feel too oily nor does it become dry and puffy very often.
If your skin
- Does not remain very oily
- Does not feel too stretched after washing
- Always feels soft
- Sometimes gets pimples
You may have normal skin but normal skin does not mean that it does not need care. In my opinion, whatever your skin type, a simple routine is necessary: cleanser, appropriate moisturizer, sunscreen during the day.
2. Dry Skin
In dry skin, there is generally less oil on the surface of the skin, which is why the face feels dry or rough.
You may see these things in dry skin:
- Stretchiness after washing the face
- Rough feeling of the skin
- Fine peeling or itching
- Fine lines
- Sometimes itching & sensitivity
If your skin is dry then washing it frequently & scrubbing too much is not a good idea. Being gentle with the skin instead of scrubbing it all the time is better.
3. Oily skin
Oily skin may produce more oil than normal skin, due to which pimples and shine may appear on the nose & chin.
- Common signs of oily skin
- After a few hours, feeling of oil on the face
- More oily shine on the face
- Blackheads or Whiteheads
- More pimples in some people
Here’s a mistake I often see people make – they start using a lot of face wash for oily skin. But being too harsh on skin is not always beneficial.
And I would like to say specifically that oily skin also needs a moisturizer; it is better to choose one that feels light on the skin.
4. Combination skin
I think combination skin is a little difficult to understand. Because different portions of skin behave differently.
For example, your nose, forehead and T-zone are oily, while cheeks are normal or dry.
- In this kind of skin
- T-zone may be more oily
- Cheeks may be softer or normal
- Nose may become more oily
- Skin quality may change with weather
For such skin, it is not necessary to use the same type of product on the entire face. It is better to understand the needs of your skin.
5. Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can quickly react to some products.
Burning sensation, redness, prickling and itching can be its effects. I would suggest not using many things at the same time; include one product at a time. This way, if there is any issue on the skin, you can get an idea of what has caused it.
If there is persistent burning, irritation, redness etc. then it is necessary to get it checked by a dermatologist.
How to identify your skin type at home?
First of all, wash your face with a cleanser and after washing it, do not apply any new product for some time, then look carefully at your skin and feel how it looks.
- If skin feels tight and dry then it is a sign of dry skin.
- If you feel oil and shine all over your face then you may have oily skin.
- If the nose and forehead are oily but the cheeks are normal or dry then it is a sign of combination skin.
- If the skin feels balanced, neither very oily nor very dry, then it may be normal skin.
- And if the skin repeatedly feels irritation, redness or itching due to various things or environment, then there is a possibility of sensitive skin.
Does skin type always remain the same?
No, not necessarily.
I myself have realized this while learning about skincare: the condition of the skin is not always the same; weather, age, hormones, environment and our daily habits can affect the skin.
For example, in winter or pleasant weather, the skin feels more dry, while in summer it may feel smoother & oily. Therefore, if your skin was of a particular type a few years ago, it is not necessary that it is exactly the same even today.
FAQs
What is the easy way to know my skin type?
After washing your face, look at your skin for some time. If the skin feels dry and stretched, this may indicate dry skin. If there is oil all over the face, then you have oily skin. If the skin is oily on the forehead, nose & dry on the cheeks, then you may have combination skin.
Are expensive skincare products better?
It is not necessary that a higher price means it is suitable for your skin or that it will have a good effect on your skin.
Can even sensitive skin be oily?
Yes, it can be.
Can skin type change with time?
Yes, skin type can change as per environment, age and daily routine.
Does oily skin also need moisturizer?
Yes, but a lightweight moisturizer may feel comfortable for oily skin.
Can a person have more than one skin type?
Yes, a person can have combination skin, with some areas oily and some normal or dry.
Final Takeaway
Understanding your skin type is the first and very important step in skincare. Normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, combination skin and sensitive skin each have their own needs, but every person’s skin also has its own preferences.
In my opinion, good skin does not mean that there should be absolutely no blemishes all the time or that it should be of a particular color; the real purpose is to understand your skin, give it care and definitely avoid unnecessary things.
Understand what your skin needs and instead of just following trends, do what suits your skin.
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