Beauty School: Learning Your Skin Type

This article will teach you which skin type you have and how to care for that specific type.


LEARNING YOUR SKIN TYPE

 HOW TO TEST

1. Cleanse your skin, but don't apply any moisturizer. Look at your skin in the mirror. Do you see your skin starting to flake (dry) or does it seem shiny (oily) or just comfortable (normal)?

2.  How does your skin feel? Does it feel tight, like it's starting to dry out? If so, this may be an indication that you have dry skin. 

3. How does your skin look after you've applied makeup? Was it hard to glide the makeup on because of flakes on your skin (dry) or was it hard to keep it from sliding off your face (oily)?

4. How does your face look mid-day?  Does it look flakey or feel tight (dry) or does it feel greasy and appear shiny (oily). If it just feels comfortable and looks the same as when you left the house, you probably have normal skin.

Other questions to keep in mind that can influence your skin type:

Are there any lifestyle factors than could be influencing your skin's condition (stress, sun-exposure, diet, hormonal changes)? Does your skin have noticeable sun damage? How are you protecting yourself from the sun? Is the weather changing or in between seasons?

YOUR SKIN TYPE IS....

DRY/EXTRA DRY SKIN

Your face may feel tight after cleansing or showering. Even after moisturizing, your skin still seems dry. It may look flaky, especially when you apply makeup. It may feel rough, uneven, and dehydrated. Pores look small and your skin may be sensitive (to other products, changing weather..etc). Your skin shows fine lines faster than other skin types.

NORMAL SKIN

Feels comfortable. Your skin feels smooth and has an even texture with small looking pores. Your cheeks may be your driest area but it's not uncomfortably or excessively dry. You may have some shine or larger pores around your forehead, nose, or chin. The water and oil content in your skin is pretty balanced.

OILY SKIN

Oiliness in the skin is caused by overactive sebaceous (oil producing) glands. Your skin always seems to look shiny on your t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin area). You may have frequent breakouts, and large visible pores. Your skin type develops fine lines much slower than someone with dry skin. 

 COMBINATION SKIN

You may find that your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin area) are oily, while your cheeks are dry. You experience "spot dehydration" on certain areas of your face. You may have larger pores on your forehead, nose and chin.

SENSITIVE SKIN

This skin type can range from oily to dry. Can be prone to redness, and breakouts. It is easily irritated by products (makeup, cleansers, moisturizers, toners...etc.) It can be itchy or even blotchy. You'll know if you have sensitive skin by the reaction is gives after cleansing... or towards certain products. 

An article about caring for your skin type is coming soon! 

Learn how to choose a foundation for your skin type HERE