A guide to identify your skin type

One of the crucial factors for making an informed choice about what is best for your skin is to know your Skin Type. Once you are aware of your skin type then you can shop for the right skincare product products and opt for skincare treatments that are apt for you.

Broadly speaking there are four types of skin: normal, oily, dry and sensitive. While these are distinct types of skin, it is highly likely that you have a combination of these as well. To assist you to identify your skin’s type, I have collated some time tested methods.

The Bare Face Method
One of the well known methods to identify one’s skin type, the Bare Face Method can be easily carried out at home. To conduct this test you will need to first wash your face with a mild cleanser and then wait for about an hour without applying any products to your skin. Post that check your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin for any shine.
If your skin feels parched or tight then it is dry. If there is a visible shine on your nose and forehead region then you mostly have normal/combination skin. On the other hand, if the shine is on your cheeks along with your nose and forehead then you have an oily skin.

Blotting Test 

The blotting test is another way to identify your skin type which helps to clearly differentiate oily skin from dry skin.  For this test, you will need a blotting paper. 

Once you have got one then gently tap different parts of your face with it. Once you do that, hold the blotting paper against light to check if there is any oil from your skin on it. Visible dark oil marks indicate oily skin and no or slight marks of oil on the paper indicate dry skin. If the paper has soaked oil from your T zone that is the nose and forehead areas then your skin is of normal/combination type.

Check your pore size
Did you know that your skin’s pore size can also determine its type? So how can you use it as an indicator of skin type. It is quite simple actually.

All you have to do is carefully observe your pores in the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin areas carefully in the mirror. If the pores appear like distinct dots in your forehead, nose and the chin areas then you have an oily skin. And if these distinct dots are limited to your forehead and nose then you have a combination skin. On the other hand,if you cannot see your pores then your skin type could vary from being dry to normal.
 

Understanding sensitive skin 
Apart from the skin types mentioned before, it is important to know if you have a sensitive skin. Why? It is because a sensitive skin is prone to skin concerns like acne, psoriasis, eczema and skin allergies.
You can identify this if your skin tends to show redness after using certain skincare products or exposure to the external elements like sun rays & pollution. If you have rashes or any kind of skin irritation, you must consult a skincare expert to identify the irritants.

Consult a dermatologist 
As I keep mentioning in every blog of mine, the best way to understand your skin, its concerns and the remedies to address those concerns is to consult a dermatologist. When it comes to your skin type, it is advisable to seek help from your doctor who can help you not just identify its type but also set a routine best suitable for your skin.

Once you know your skin type, you can tweak your skincare routine, look for the right skincare ingredients in your products and also opt for necessary treatments without harming your skin. You can even go a step further and implement a seasonal skincare routine to ensure that your skin is glowing regardless of the weather changes such as the humidity, dryness and heat. 

Hope this blog addressed all your doubts with regards to figuring out one’s skin type. Have a query? Share in the comments below.