Determining and understanding one’s skin type is an essential part of creating a skin care routine that improves the appearance of the skin. It is so important to know your skin type because different skin types respond differently to various treatments and triggers. Everyone can benefit from a skin care routine for the relaxation and enhanced skin health it provides. If you are interested in boosting your skin health and creating a custom skin care routine, read this guide, which will help you determine and understand your skin type.
What is Skin Type?
When a physician refers to your skin type, they are talking about a set of shared tendencies and characteristics that affect certain people’s skin in certain ways. Not everyone’s skin will react in the same way to the same stimuli, and it is important to know how your skin’s tendencies for both aesthetic and medical reasons.
Determining and Understanding Your Skin Type
Generally, experts agree that there are five basic skin types. Determining your own can allow you to make informed decisions regarding best practices for your skin.
1. Normal Skin
Normal skin is considered the baseline type by which the other types of skin are compared. The primary characteristics of normal skin include:
- Balanced moisture and sebum production
- Small pores
- Smooth texture
- Even tone
Individuals with normal skin very rarely experience extreme reactions to skin care products or procedures. For individuals with normal skin, a major part of their skin care is simply avoiding disrupting the balance that is already present.
2. Oily Skin
Individuals with oily skin have a tendency towards several different skin conditions and issues, including the development of acne and blackheads. Individuals with this type of skin should avoid using oil-heavy skin care products and consider using astringent toners to balance excess oil on their skin.
3. Dry Skin
Dry skin is on the opposite end of the spectrum from oily skin. Individuals with chronically dry skin may find it difficult to stay moisturized and may suffer from premature aging issues, as well as cracking on the surface of the skin. Hydrating cleansers and moisturizers can be helpful for individuals of this skin type. Harsh exfoliants should be avoided.
4. Combination Skin
Combination skin refers to individuals who have a combination of oily and dry skin zones. It often expresses itself as an oily nose and forehead paired with excessive dryness in the cheeks. Individuals of this skin type may need to combine elements of oily and dry skin care to achieve a balanced tone and complexion.
5. Sensitive Skin
Individuals with sensitive skin may find that their skin becomes easily irritated and that even very slight stimuli can provoke strong reactions. Individuals with sensitive skin will often experience the following symptoms in response to aggravating triggers:
- Itching
- Burning
- Redness
Individuals with sensitive skin may find that they need to utilize natural products and avoid commercial cosmetics that contain high amounts of artificial chemicals.
How Do I Determine My Skin Type?
There are a variety of methods available for those who are interested in determining their skin type. Common techniques for determining skin type include:
1. Cleansing Test
A cleansing test involves three simple steps:
- Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Gently pat the skin dry.
- Wait 20 to 30 minutes.
- Observe how the skin reacts.
Normal skin will move through this process without significant visual or tactile reaction, while the other skin types will exhibit traits associated with them.
2. Blotting Sheet Test
In this test, you or your clinician will apply blotting papers to different areas of the skin to gauge whether there is excessive oiliness or dryness. This test is slightly less reliable for those with sensitive skin.
3. Client Questionnaire
A client questionnaire determines skin type through a series of clarifying questions. Questions that are commonly included on such questionnaires ask if your skin typically feels tight, flakes often, has a shiny T-zone, becomes red easily, and a number of other questions to determine how your skin reacts to certain sensations.
4. Visual Examination
In a visual examination, your physician will simply look over your skin and see if there are signs indicating one of the skin types. Usually, this involves noting the texture, moisture level, and coloration of your skin.
The Best Surgeon in Beverly Hills
Dr. Brent is a mainstay for those seeking non-surgical cosmetic treatments in Beverly Hills. If you want to discuss your skin type and the best treatments for it, contact Dr. Brent today.
