WHAT IS MY SKIN TYPE?

You might have seen or heard commercials advertising certain products that claim to lessen excess oil production on your face.

And you immediately identify yourself as the one described in the commercial.

Oily skin... Greasy feeling... Prone to skin breakouts...

Then you have an oily skin type.

Well, Oily skin is one of the most common skin types in the world.

Basically, these are the 5 most common skin types:

 

NORMAL SKIN TYPE

• Skin is not too dry or too oily; balanced
• No or few imperfections; rarely have breakouts
• No severe sensitivity; can try products with no severe reaction
• Pores are not that visible; no significant changes in your skin all day long
• A radiant complexion

 

DRY SKIN TYPE

• Pores are not that visible
• Rough and scaly due to moisture loss
• Facial lines are too visible
• Dull, rough complexion and red patches are common

COMBINATION SKIN TYPE

• Pores look more open and larger than normal
• Shiny or oily skin are highly visible on the T-zone
• Dry or normal on other parts such as temples, eye area and cheeks
• Change in weather affects skin texture
• Occasional breakouts; Blackheads and/or whiteheads are visibly seen

 

OILY SKIN TYPE

• Pores are large
• Dull or shiny, thick complexion
• Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes
• Tend to acne breakouts

 

SENSITIVE SKIN TYPE

• Redness, itching, inflamed or often times burning sensation
• Change in weather affects skin texture
• Skin care products can trigger sensitivity differently
• Allergies or irritants from certain products

How does it work?

Now that you have a clear understanding of what your skin type you will be able to select the proper skin care regimen that will give you that healthy skin.

If your skin type is dry, you should focus on products that will retain moisture and make sure to drink plenty of water. You need to boost your SPF since you’re the most vulnerable to skin damage from the sun and premature ageing (read: wrinkles).

For oily skin, you will need products that will tame excessive oil production and use products that will absorb oil and ward off breakouts. Avoid heavy skin care products that will only clog your pores.

It would be entirely different for sensitive skin type since you need to be cautious on the products or certain ingredients such as irritants that can trigger redness, inflammation, dryness and/or itching. Once you have identified your triggers, please avoid them at all costs.

Combination skin type may need to focus on how to treat the oiliness in the T-zone and the dryness on the rest of the face. Use gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and keep tab on oil build up occasionally.

Lastly, the people with normal skin still have to do basic skin care routine in maintaining that coveted skin type healthy. Simple daily cleansing and moisturizing will do! Thank your parents they surely pass this good gene on you!

To sum it all, avoid over-indulging in products that are too commercialized that promises clear and blemish-free skin in no-time; better to understand what your skin needs.

You know your skin more than anybody else so stick to what really works and discontinue what isn’t working. If you need help, friendly dermatologists can give you better advice than the product endorsers you see on TV.

For more updates, check on tips and advice for your skin type in our upcoming blogposts!