Knowing Your Skin Type Is an Essential Part of Proper Skincare

Decoding Your Skin Type

It doesn't make much sense to spend money on the perfect skincare regime without first accurately figuring out your skin type. Our skin can sometimes give us mixed signals depending on the season, hormones, or products we use that can make deciphering our true skin type a challenge. Here are some descriptions of each type that will simplify decoding your skin.

Combination Skin Characteristics

If you notice excess oil along your forehead, nose, and chin (commonly referred to as the T-zone) while your cheeks and eye area remain dry, then you could have combination skin. Another sign of combination skin is if you notice if oil production is influenced based on climate or season, such as sometimes it's dehydrated in winter or more buttery during summer.

Dry Skin Characteristics

Dry skin tends to have smaller pores, and during winter you might feel really dehydrated. You may also notice some flakes of skin in certain places if you examine yourself up close. If you notice your skin feels thirsty a little after washing your face, chances are you have this skin type. This skin type won't often have inflammatory type acne such as pimples and cysts, but it can be susceptible to eczema. Also, it does tend to show the signs of aging quicker if care isn't taken to keeping it moisturized.

Oily Skin Characteristics

Characteristics of oily skin include pores that lean on the larger side that can become clogged. If you notice your face glistening from excess oil in the afternoon, then you probably have oily skin. The amount of oil your skin produces can be influenced by hormones during adolescence or pregnancy. Oil-rich skin is more prone to pimples and cystic acne, but fortunately it does tend to age the best and becomes drier over time.

There are various ways of improving the condition of your skin, particularly through diet, good hydration, and proper sleep. Skin does the most repairing overnight, so make sure you gently wash your face in the morning and evening to remove dirt and toxins accumulated throughout the day. Remember that skin type can change due age and hormone fluctuations, so you'll want to keep that in mind as time goes on. Now that you have a better idea of your skin type, you are better prepared to give your skin the best care.