There are five basic skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive. Before buying cosmetics, toiletries and other products, do make sure that it is suitable for your skin type. Here’s how to classify your skin correctly…
NORMAL SKIN
It is smooth textured and evenly toned with tiny pores; feels smooth and velvety.
This skin type has a balanced oil and water content. The colour of the skin glows below the translucent surface. This skin type definitely needs care if it is to last.
What you need to follow as a rule is regular cleansing, toning and moisturising.
OILY SKIN
This type of skin has over-reactive sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, which makes the face shiny especially down the central panel-of your nose, forehead and chin.
The pores of this skin type are enlarged making it prone to blackheads and pimples.
Oily skin needs special cleansing to keep the pores unclogged. Women with oily skin need to adopt a daily method of cleansing to prevent accumulation of dirt on the skin surface. At the same time over-washing will often strip the skin of oil which simply stimulates the oil glands to replace it.
Rinse thoroughly and then finish off with a toner/astringent on the oily areas of your skin. The astringent can be used throughout the day to help control the excess oil that appears.
Consider adopting a cleanser, toner and gel-like moisturiser suitable for oily skin.
DRY SKIN
This type of skin lacks both sebum and moisture. It looks fine textured, transparent, patchy and fragile. Dry skin flakes and chaps easily compared to other skin types. Tiny expression lines may be obvious.
Avoid harsh soaps to prevent loss of natural oils and exposure to sun and air-conditioners which rob the water content of the skin. Cleanse and moisuturise twice daily with a rich moisturiser. Also exfoliating weekly with a good exfoliator is important to rid the face of dead skin cells – they are the culprit of flaky, itchy, dull and lifeless looking skin.
COMBINATION SKIN
It is very common and requires separate treatment for each area. It is oily down the central panel and dry on the cheeks.
The forehead, nose and chin need extra attention as they may be prone to clusters of blackheads.
Remember that oil is not moisture, and regular cleansing, toning and moisturising have to be done with the area being dealt in mind. Clean and tone up the oily patch and moisturise the dry patch with extra care.
SENSITIVE SKIN
This type of skin reacts externally and internally to changes in life. Can be both oily and dry, and can be easily disturbed by skin-care products and cosmetics. It tends to go blotchy and have broken veins at the same time. It might show a flushed or reddened look or might even itch.
For serious cases, you might need to consult a dermatologist. In other instances proper care and attention can help you to survive with this kind of skin type. Use natural skin products that are not harsh on your skin.
Apart from these major skin types, there might be other exaggerated versions of major skin types, like dehydrated skin, acne-blemished skin, ageing and hydrated skin.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Came here for the picture, stayed for the write-up. I’ve always had trouble finding my place in the ‘combination skin’ group. Thanks for the tips.
I feel like I have multiple personality skin disorder!
Is there an D) all of the above !
ha, ha…I like that one!
Pretty sure I’m normal skin, I do very little to maintain it.
Wash my face with a Clinique for Men soap three times a week, use a Clinique for Men moisturising eye balm every day, and on the rare occasion that I do shave I use a Clinique for Men aftershave balm.
Yes you could say I’m a Clinique for Men fan…..note I made sure I added the ‘for Men’ part coz I don’t want to be too much of a girly man..haha
Very useful Cristina – thanks!