Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all discussion, and it can often leave you wondering, "What is my skin type?" So many products seem interesting and come highly recommended on social media advertisements, influencer content, or television commercials. It’s human nature to wonder if those “amazing!” products could be the solution we’ve been searching for, the one that will solve all of our skincare woes!. But what many of us fail to consider is whether or not these products are suited for or designed for our unique skin type.
What’s My Skin Type?
The lingering question of "what skin type do I have?" can depend on who you ask, how you ask the question, and even how old you are when you ask the question. And if you like research, you may find more than a few different answers to the question.
Depending on who you ask, you may have normal skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin.
Normal Skin
Normal skin types means you have neither too much oil nor dryness. If normal skin is your specific answer to "what is my skin type," you will not require any specific or special treatments to showcase well-textured and soft feeling and appearing skin.
Sensitive Skin
A tell tale sign of sensitive skin is that it responds adversely to any new products that are added to your routine. These adverse responses might be redness, tightness, itching, hives, or other discomfort.
Acne-prone skin, similar to sensitive skin, requires certain specific treatments and extra care when selecting products. There are several types of facials that can be safe, healthy, and effective for treating acne-prone skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is caused by a naturally slowed production of sebum. It can be diagnosed by symptoms such as tightness and a rough, flaky, or cracking appearance.
Oily Skin
Oily skin appears shiny and somewhat greasy, sometimes soon after washing. It can cause excess breakouts, and the problem is generated by an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance that your skin creates for protection.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is an interesting skin type because, as the name suggests, it consists of both dry and oily areas and requires specific products for each to be cared for properly. Often you will notice T-zone oiliness while other areas that have drier patches, though that is not always the case.
How to Best Identify Your Skin Type
In your query to confirm your skin type, there are several ways to determine your solution. The three most common and accurate ways to assess your skin type include the day test, the wash test, and photo analysis.
The Day Test
The day test is quite simple and consists of a day-long analysis of how your skin performs from the morning to the evening. The signs to look for include oiliness, tightness, or a combination of both.
The Wash Test
When conducting the wash test, simply wash your face and wait approximately 30 minutes before running your analysis. Like the day test, after the 30 minute waiting period, simply analyze how your skin feels and looks following the cleanse.
The Photo Test
Dermatologists and Medi-Spas often have photo technologies that allow them to analyze images of your skin in great detail. This method gives you a professional diagnosis that can help you better address pore size, sun damage, aging, and other concerns.
Consult Your Aesthetician
One of the best ways to determine your skin type and the best care is to consult with a skincare specialist. Trained in caring for all types of skin and skin concerns, your professional aesthetician can provide you with the skin type analysis and skincare advice you need.
What is Your Skin Type?
Wondering "What is my skin type" can be a frustrating exercise. Many of us ponder it for years. Taking the time to learn about the various skin types and conduct a few of these simple tests will help you better understand your skin type. That’s the best way to ensure that you’re taking good care of your skin.