Do you know your skin type?
Skin is the largest organ in our body. No wonder there are lots of products in the market that focuses on our skin. Some skin products are for oily skin, dry or sensitive skin – but does everyone know their skin type?
According to the author of “The Skin Type Solution” and a dermatologist, Dr. Leslie Baumann, “most people are wrong when they guess their skin type. They are most wrong about whether they are oily or dry and if they have sensitive skin.”
It can really be tricky to figure out your own skin type and it changes over time. Moreover, there are several factors that can affect skin type such as hormones, climate, and diet.
There are five types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily, combination (both oily and dry skin) and sensitive. Below are the characteristics of each type of skin.
- NORMAL SKIN
A normal skin has regular texture with no visible imperfections and does not need special care.
- SENSITIVE SKIN
A sensitive skin is more prone to stimuli that is usually accompanied with feelings of discomfort, such as heat, redness or itching. This type of skin loses its protective function making the skin fragile and making it easy for microorganisms and irritants to enter our skin.
- DRY SKIN
Dry skin is usually characterized as flaky or cracked skin and with dry skin surface. It is usually caused by weather, humidity, and immersion to hot water. Fine lines may develop easily. Pores are barely visible.
- OILY SKIN
Oily skin is normally described as shiny and greasy in appearance. Pores are visible and open hence prone to pimples and blackheads. Fine lines may also develop easily.
- COMBINATION SKIN
A combination skin presents characteristics of both dry and oily skin. This type of skin breaks out and irritated easily. The area with more oil is usually the T- zone (forehead, nose, and chin), while the skin on the cheeks is normal or dry.
It is essential to know your facial skin, so you can further take better care and choose products that work best for it.