Everyone’s skin is unique and different. In order to care for your skin concerns, you need to understand your specific skin type and how our skin changes depend on seasons or circumstances. Taking your time to learn about your skin, would result in choosing the right skin products to boost your complexion, resulting in look more radiant and healthier skin. So, what is my skin type?
WHAT IS MY SKIN TYPE?
The main skin types are commonly referred to as Dry, Normal/Combination, Oily, Sensitive.
Dry skin
Dry skin has a feeling of tightness after coming in contact with water or throughout the day, may experience flaky, scaling and dull-looking skin. There are several causes which contribute to dry skin: genetics, dehydration, lifestyle choices, hormone changes, overuse of cosmetics or chemicals and climate.
Oily skin
Oily skin is associated with shiny, excess oil or slick-looking skin, often accompanied by large, darkened pores and acne blemishes. Oily skin often causes by overproduction of sebum due to hormonal levels and activity, lack of exfoliation, overuse of cosmetics products such as foundation and concealer, stress and hot/humid weather.
Normal/Combination skin
People with normal/combination skin often experience dryness or normal around their cheeks and oily in T- zone (forehead, nose and chin) Those with normal skin are tends to have well balance T-zone and are not prone to breakouts on their cheeks.
Sensitive and Eczema prone skin
Sensitive skin often presents with certain skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, very dry skin or skin erosion and skin have tendency toward skin flushing or blushing (redness, inflamed) and prone to eczema. Eczema is characterized when skin become irritated, reddened/inflamed and affected areas usually appear scaly, thickened, very dry and or itchy rashes. The root causes are largely unknown, but certain factors cause skin reactions or flare up episode including allergic skin reactions, overuse of cosmetic products, genetic and/or excessive exposure to skin-damaging environmental factors (sun, wind, excessive cold or heat).
Mature and Aging skin
As we age, our skin undergoes changes such as: become dehydrated, more dry, rough feeling, wrinkled, slack and sagging, thin and more transparent, fragile, more sensitive and/or prone to irritation. Facial movement lines become more visible after skin starts losing its elasticity, usually as people reach 30s and 40s.
How to check my skin type at home?
Method 1: Using oil absorbing sheet Gently pad the oil absorbing sheet on areas on your face then hold it up the light. Dry skin: the sheet show very little to no oil Oily skin: the sheet is saturated with oil Normal/Combination skin: the sheet reveals oil on forehead, cheeks, nose and chin
Method 2: Going bare-faced Using cleanser to wash your face, leave your face bare without apply any toner, moisturizer, serum/ampule, etc. After 30 mins to 1 hour, check for shine on your cheeks, chin, forehead and nose Dry skin: feel tight, little to no shin Oily skin: shine on cheeks in addition to t-zone Normal/Combination skin: noticeable shine on forehead, chin and nose
Mistakes in determine my skin type
1. Acne blemishes is only associated with oily skin Acne is defined as a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous units, producing comedones, papules, pustules, cysts and scars. The main factors which contribute to acne are oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria. You could have dry and sensitive skin and prone to acne at the same time, so taking steps to understand and identify its need are essential for our skin to function and to receive appropriate treatment and care.
2. My skin type is the same for life Our skin’s needs can change over time so it's important to keep check on it regularly to determine whether any adjustments to your current skin care regime are needed.
3. I have normal skin, no need to moisturiSe or take care of it Any skin type will need to be moisturiSe, even oily skin, to keep it hydrated and balance, together with healthy diet, lifestyles, drink plenty of water and hygiene to keep it healthy and beautiful.