What's My Skin Type?
Everyone has their own skin type that's unique to them but how do you determine your skin type when deciding which skincare product to purchase? I always recommend doing this first before anything else. It's the first step in achieving the results you're after.
Here are 3 easy steps to follow to determine your skin type from the comfort of your home.
1. Start with Clean, Dry Skin.
I usually wash my face with a mild face wash to ensure it's nice and clean. Pat it dry gently with a face towel and don't apply any product on to it for around 1-2 hours. I'd recommend just getting along with your day-to-day tasks as normal whilst waiting. This will give you a more realistic result.
2. Observe Your Skins Appearance, Have a Feel.
First, start by feeling your t-zone area (that's your forehead, nose and chin). Run your finger across your forehead and feel whether you have any excess oil on your finger or not. Do the same down your nose and chin. Next, feel your cheeks to determine whether they're oily, normal or dry. I recommend using a different finger for this area to ensure it's a true result.
3. Your Skin Type Result.
Oily Skin: If your skin is shiny and oily all over, especially in the t-zone, then you have oily skin.
Dry Skin: If your skin feels tight or dry and at times flaky, then you have dry skin and it's lacking moisture.
Combination Skin: If the skin around your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) feels oily but your cheeks feel normal and/or dry, you have combination skin.
Normal/Balanced Skin: I never like using the word 'normal', it's something the industry uses quite a bit but we can also call it 'balanced' or 'comfortable' skin. If your skin feels comfortable and hydrated, without any excess oil or dryness, then you have normal skin.
Fab. Now you understand what your skin type is, you're in a good place to start looking at skincare products and textures that would best suit your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, I'd highly recommend opting for serums, moisturisers and masks that are lightweight, water based and that don't add too much oil to your skin. Here's a breakdown of product types to try based on your skin type.
Skincare Formulas To Choose
Oily Skin: If your skin is already producing excess oil, the last thing you want to do is add more oil to it. Opt for lightweight, oil-free, water based formulas. Gels are generally perfect. Always look at product descriptions to understand whether it's a good fit for your skin type or not. This applies to cleansers, moisturisers and masks.
Dry Skin: If your skin is lacking moisture and needs hydration, then opt for skincare products that are hydrating and soothing. Creamy formulas and oils are perfect. You want to avoid the gel and water based formulas.
Combination Skin: I always recommend using 2 product formulas for combination skin. I would opt for the lightweight, water based formulas on the oilier areas and a more hydrating, creamy formula on the dry areas of your skin. If two products take up too much time (and money!), then go for a formula that's good for all skin types. Be mindful that this may not work for the dry areas and you may need to apply a little something in the evenings before bed to give that area a little hydration boost.
Normal / Balanced Skin: The world's your oyster! : )
Have a play and see which formulas you prefer.
TOP TIP: Your skin type can change throughout the year due to seasonal change, hormonal change, ageing and environment. It's always best to do this at least 3-4 times per year or like me, review your skin before making a new skincare purchase to ensure it's the best product formula for your skin at that time.
Go with the flow!
I also recommend reviewing your skin in the morning to help determine what it needs that day. No one day is the same for my skin at the moment, if you're going through something similar, change it up daily if you can.
Most importantly, have fun with it.