There are general practices and routines that all skin types can benefit from, some of which include daily cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. However, different skin types have different needs. Your skin type is arguably the most crucial factor to consider when curating a skincare routine. Creating a routine that actually works for you requires understanding where your skin falls on the skin type spectrum.
Like having and sticking to a skincare routine, discovering your skin type is not rocket science, although it might seem so. So relax! We are here to walk you through the process, as you’ll learn two simple methods for determining your skin type in the comfort of your home. We’ll also provide insight into each skin type’s defining characteristics and offer advice on managing your skin’s unique needs.
What is Your Skin Type
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five major skin types: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and normal. Because every skin type has different characteristics, there is a need for uniquely tailored treatments and products.
Let’s take a quick look at each skin type.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Therefore, you have oily skin when your skin often appears shiny across your entire face. This shine can make the skin look and feel greasy.
The pores in oily skin are often larger and more visible due to the accumulation of excess oil and dead skin cells. This excess oil can clog pores and provide a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria, making the skin prone to acne breakouts, including whiteheads and blackheads.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is the opposite of oily skin. Also known as xerosis, it is a common skin type characterized by the lack of moisture and inadequate production of natural oils (sebum) by the sebaceous glands. Dry skin has insufficient oil production, which makes it susceptible to flakiness, tightness, redness, a dull appearance, and cracks.
Dry and dehydrated skin are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Any skin type can develop dehydrated skin which is a condition where the skin lacks water.
Managing dry skin typically involves a skincare routine that includes gentle cleansers like our Barrier Repair Cleanser and moisturizers like our Radiance Glow Butter. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids is also important.
Combination Skin
You have combination skin when your skin tends to display two or more defining skin type characteristics, i.e., dryness and oiliness, in different areas. With this skin type, the T-zones, which include the forehead, nose, and chin, tend to be oilier. These areas have more active sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum, leading to a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and a propensity for acne breakouts. On the other hand, the cheeks and occasionally the jawline can be dry or normal and frequently feel tight, scratchy, or flaky.
Combination skin can mainly be of two types: classic combination skin and minor combination skin. People with classic combinations typically have shine in the T-zone, while those with minor combinations typically have oiliness only on the cheekbones, nose, or jawline. Determining this skin type can be tricky and challenging to manage because different face areas require different skincare approaches.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is a skin type that is prone to experiencing adverse reactions and discomfort when exposed to various irritants, including skin care products, the environment, or other irritants. This skin type is characterized by heightened reactivity and a tendency to become easily irritated or inflamed. The causes of sensitive skin can vary widely. Environmental elements (such as pollution or harsh weather), allergies, responses to skincare products, and underlying skin problems like rosacea or eczema are some of them. That being said, sensitivity isn’t always visible—sometimes, it’s just about how the skin feels.
We always advise using gentle, fragrance-free skin care products, staying away from irritants and harsh chemicals, and protecting the skin from extreme weather while treating sensitive skin. We also recommend patch-testing new products before regular use to help identify potential triggers.
Normal Skin
While we’d argue all skin is normal, in skincare, normal refers to well-balanced skin with no persistent skin concerns. Normal skin is often considered the ideal skin type, characterized by a well-balanced complexion that neither leans towards excessive oiliness nor dryness. It is often described as the “Goldilocks” of skin types because it is the ideal amount of neither too oily nor too dry.
Some of the characteristics of normal skin are that; it maintains an optimal level of moisture, neither feeling excessively oily nor tight and dry, it is less prone to sensitivity, irritation, or redness than other skin types, and often has a natural, healthy radiance without appearing overly shiny. Among its many characteristics, normal skin does not feel excessively oily or tight and dry and is less sensitive, and irritated, compared to other skin types.
Can A Skin Type Change?
Here’s where it gets complicated—your skin type can change (and probably will, at some point). Skin type is not necessarily fixed for life, as it can evolve from one type to another or combine different types. This may be due to several factors, such as;
- Aging: As people get older, their skin usually age. For example, people with oily skin in their youth may notice a decrease in oil production and may develop drier skin as they age.
- Climate and seasonal changes: Your skin can react differently to seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. For example, a person with normal skin living in a mild environment could suffer drier skin in the winter because of the decreased moisture in the air.
- Hormonal changes: Skin type can be altered by hormonal changes, including those that happen during pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of specific illnesses or drugs.
- Diet and lifestyle: Dietary choices, stress levels, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption can influence your skin health and may lead to changes in skin type.
- Constantly using various skincare products might also have an impact on your skin type. For example, using too many moisturizing products may increase oiliness, while harsh or drying treatments may make skin feel dry or sensitive.
While these changes may occasionally be beyond your control, it’s essential to be aware of them and adjust your skincare routine accordingly to address the new concern that comes with the change.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
The key to determining your skin type is often to look at each skin type’s characteristics and compare them to your skin. However, if the descriptions of the different skin types didn’t help you come to a conclusion, there are two major tests you can perform at home to help you determine your skin type.
The Bare-Faced Method
An easy way to determine your skin type is to study your bare skin carefully. This method is also known as the “watch and wait” method.
This at-home test allows you to understand your skin type by observing how your skin behaves after cleansing. Start with a mild foamy cleanser suitable for all skin types, and wash your face. After washing your face, pat it dry gently with a clean towel, but do not use any skincare products. After 25-30 minutes, observe your skin—how it looks and feels.
If it feels tight, dry, and uncomfortable, you probably have dry skin, while those with excessive shine fall into the oily skin category. If you have both oily and dry patches on your skin, you may have combination skin. Irritation indicates sensitivity, and having none of these concerns probably means you’re blessed with normal skin (Lucky you!).
The Blotting Sheet Method
Another simple way to determine your skin type at home is to press a clean blotting paper against different areas of your face. Then, hold the sheet up to a light to see how much oil was absorbed: The more oil on the paper, the oilier your skin is likely to be. Similarly, you may have dry skin if you notice little to no oil. If the blotting sheet only reveals minimal oil from your T-zone, you may have a combination or normal skin type.
Blotting your skin too soon after cleansing may distort the results, so we advise performing this test in the afternoon or evening for the best results.
Takeaway
Understanding that you skin can be sensitive or prone to acne breakouts regardless of the skin types, is very important, although those with normal skin are less prone to it. However, you can care for your skin with the correct products while treating irritation and acne breakouts. And, as a bonus tip, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is very important while you put in effort with your skincare routine.
If you are interested in finding your skin type or need a product recommendation that will work for your skin type, feel free to book a consultation call with us at Orchid Naturals today. Keeping your needs in mind, we have a wide range of products tested and proven to meet your unique skincare needs. Be sure to shop away and get started on your healthy skin journey.