How to Know Your Skin Type? These Skin Tests will Tell

Different Skin Types

Skin type is mainly governed by genetics and one is likely to inherit the skin traits down the family chain. Besides, your skin type is also influenced by body hormones, the use of medications, and the quality of skincare products you use. The skin type also tends to change as we age. But if you are wondering how to know your skin type, then you should know that there are essentially five basic categories:

1. Dry Skin
2. Normal Skin
3. Oily Skin
4. Combination Skin
5. Sensitive Skin

1. Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterised by dull skin with invisible pores that often feel tight. The complexion is dull and rough with more visible lines. As the natural oil production is naturally less, the skin feels stretched and usually gets flaky and cracked with extreme weather changes. But remember – dry skin is different from dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin signifies a lack of water in the skin. The condition can be reversed by adequate water intake.

2. Normal Skin

The best skin type to have, normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. Invariably, every skincare product works for normal skin, thus making it the easiest to maintain. People with normal skin types have no or a few skin imperfections. The pores are barely visible and they have a radiant complexion.

3. Oily Skin

Oily skin is a result of overactive oil glands. People with oily skin have particularly shiny skin even after repeated face wash and cleansing. As the skin pores are bigger in size and more prominent, oily skin is more prone to acne outbreaks. They have a dull and thick complexion with blackheads, pimples and blemishes. Managing oily skin is difficult. Use of oil-free skincare products coupled with a season-specific skincare routine is recommended.

4. Combination Skin 

As the name suggests, combination skin is a mixture of dry and oily skin types. In the combination skin, the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to get oily while the other parts are dry. So, an acne outbreak and a dry skin patch can be experienced simultaneously. The pores are big and visible and the blackhead count is high. When it comes to skincare, a combination skin type is the trickiest.

5. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is not a medical condition. But people with sensitive skin are more prone to experiencing local skin reactions. The allergens can range from chemicals, dyes, fragrances, skincare products, and exposure to the sun. Upon the onset of an allergic reaction, the person may experience burning, itching, redness, or skin inflammation. 

How to Know Your Skin Type?

Being aware of your skin type is key to developing an effective skincare routine. Each skin type will require a different skincare routine. Depending upon the skin type, it will respond differently to skincare products. Remember, using the wrong product will do more harm than good. Listed below are easy skin type tests that will help you:

1. Day Test

To take a day test to assess your skin type, wash your face in the morning. Gently pat dry your face and do not apply a moisturiser. Leave it bare for the whole day. Towards the end of the day, look for these signs and indications. Your skin type will depend upon your observation.

• Normal Skin – No change in the skin texture. No visible signs of oily or dry skin.
• Dry Skin – Skin will begin to feel tight, stretched, and rough. 
• Oily Skin – Skin will be extremely shiny and slippery to touch.
• Combination Skin – An oily T-zone with dry skin otherwise.
• Sensitive Skin – Skin will feel red and itchy around the cheeks.

2. Blotting Paper Test 

Unlike the day test, the blotting paper test is much faster. It helps you assess your skin type depending on the oil secretion on the face. To take this skin type test, wash your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry. Do not apply any face cream or moisturiser on the face. After about 30 minutes of face wash, gently pat a blotting paper on the different areas of your face. Hold up the sheet in front of a light to determine the amount of oil visible. The interpretation will be as follows:

• Normal skin – The amount of oil is low and the sheet did not stick to the face. 
• Dry skin – There are little to no oil traces on the sheet.
• Oily skin – The blotting paper turns translucent, it suggests a high secretion of oil.
• Combination skin – Certain parts of the face, especially the T-zone will be oily and other parts are dry.

3. Bare Face Method

This skin type test is based upon self-assessment about how you feel about your skin. To take this test, cleanse your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat dry. Do not apply any moisturiser or face cream thereafter. After about an hour, evaluate how your skin feels as you change your facial expressions from smile to frown. The interpretation will be as follows:

• Normal skin – The skin does not feel stretched or heavy 
• Dry skin – The skin feels stretched and parched when you smile or frown.
• Oily skin – The skin moves around comfortably, but too much visible oil on the face.
• Combination skin – While certain parts of the skin will feel stretched and dry, others will appear shiny and greasy to touch.

Conclusion

Our skin needs proper care and nourishment to look its best. Thus, being aware of your skin type is paramount for good skin care. Take a skin type test and choose products accordingly. Also, our skin type can change as we age, so be watchful of the extra stretch or oily patches. You can take a test again changes appear.