If you go online to shop for some cosmetics, chances are that you might be torn between water-based products and oil-based ones. This is because you do not know your skin type. In fact, most people do not. However, it is better to know that as it will not only solve your skin conundrum but will also help you in making better skincare choices. This is because the needs of every type of skin are different. Hence, to understand how you can know your skin type, Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr Gunjan Verma, Consultant Dermatologist at Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, Delhi. Before we learn the ways, let us first understand the different types of skin.
Types Of Skin
There are basically five skin types.
Normal Skin
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
It is the well-balanced skin that is neither too oily nor too dry. Here are some of its characteristics:
- Fine pores
- Good blood circulation
- The texture is soft and smooth
- No hyperpigmentation
Dry Skin
There are some natural moisturising factors, such as urea, and amino acids, which are naturally present in your skin. Also, there are natural lipids -- ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, which naturally moisturises your skin. In the absence of these, you get dry skin. Such a skin has the following characteristics:
- It is tight, brittle, rough, and looks dull
- Cracks
- Itching
- There might also be callus and scaling
Oily Skin
When there is excess sebum production, it leads to oily skin. Such skin is prone to diseases such as acne vulgaris and seborrhoea. A hormonal imbalance and consumption of oily food can also cause excess sebum production. Its characteristics include:
- Comedones
- Blemishes
- Enlarged pores
- There will be oil on the face even after washing
- It is prone to acne
Combination Skin
- In this, you have a combination of dry and oily skin. The following are its characteristics:
- An oily T-zone (A T-zone refers to the forehead, nose and chin area)
- Enlarged pores in the T-zone
- Normal to dry cheeks
Then there is the sensitive skin, which gets easily irritated and is more reactive than normal skin. Regarding why it is important to know your skin type, this is what Dr Verma has to say:
- The need of every skin is different, hence “understanding your skin type is the first step in caring for it,” she says.
- You must select cosmetics and skincare products as per your skin type.
- Those who have oily or sensitive skin should choose these products wisely as opting for the oil-based ones can aggravate your situation. Also, those with oily skin should avoid oily and fried foods as this can result in excessive sebum production.
- Similarly, those with dry skin should opt moisturisers that have natural moisturising factors, as these will help decrease the transepidermal water loss and in retaining moisture.
Now let’s learn some ways you can determine your skin type.
How To Know Your Skin Type
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
For this there is a simple two-step process:
- Firstly, wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- After half an hour, press a blotting sheet on your face.
The amount of oil this sheet absorbs tells you your skin type.
- If the sheet reflects excess oil across your face, this means you have oily skin.
- If it absorbs no skin at all, it probably means you have dry skin.
- If there is oil in just your T-zone, it means you have combination skin.
- If there is minimal oil across your face, then you probably have normal skin.
Also, there are some mobile apps available that detect the moisture content in your skin electronically. This is another way to know your skin type.
Also read: Don't Want To Use Soap On Your Face? 8 Natural Skin Cleansers You Can Try
Skin Care Tips
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
Dr Verma also shared some care tips for the different skin types.
For Normal And Combination Skin
- Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day. This will not just keep your skin soft and supple but is also important for your overall health.
- Wear Sunscreen: Do not ignore this while going outdoors, as sunscreen protects you from harmful UV light.
- Moisturise to provide nourishment to your skin.
- Wash your face at least two times a day.
For Oily Skin
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid oily foods and have a balanced diet.
- Pimples are quite common with this skin type. But do not prick it as it can cause hyperpigmentation.
- Wash your face every day.
For Dry Skin
- Avoid hot water while bathing.
- Use a mild soap
- Use a moisturiser that has colloidal oat and ceramides, or any other natural moisturising agents.
- Stay hydrated
- Have a balanced diet that is rich in Vitamin C. Some options include lemon, oranges, etc.
Inculcate these tips in your skincare routine for healthy skin.
(With inputs from Dr Gunjan Verma, Consultant Dermatologist at Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, Delhi)
Photo Credit: Unsplash