What Skin Type Do I Have?
- Posted on: Nov 27 2024
With so many products on the market today, creating a skin care routine may seem like an impossible task on your own. To achieve your skin care goals, it’s important to create a routine tailored to your unique skin – and that starts with knowing your skin type.
So, what’s your type? The skin care experts at Forefront Dermatology (formerly Asarch Dermatology) are here to explain various skin types and how to identify yours.
With this information in hand, your Forefront dermatologist can build a customized skin care routine just for you, ensuring that every skin care product and cosmetic treatment you use is suited to your skin’s needs.
Some skin type facts
Before we describe the most common skin types, keep in mind that your skin type can change over time – especially as you age. For instance, teens and younger adults are more likely to have normal skin than older adults.
Your current skin type depends on several factors, including:
- The amount of water in your skin (which affects its elasticity)
- How oily your skin is (which affects its softness)
- How sensitive your skin is (which affects the likelihood of breakouts or other reactions)
External factors can play a role in your skin type as well, such as genetics, stress, sun damage, the skin care products you use, or even the climate you live in. For example, we already know the cold temperatures in Colorado make it harder for skin to retain moisture.
Skin types
Normal skin
This is the skin type that most people want to achieve. Normal skin is well-balanced, with no significant oiliness or dryness. Most people with normal skin also have:
- No or few imperfections
- Barely visible pores
- A bright, radiant complexion
- No severe sensitivity issues
Combination skin
Combination skin – where your skin may be normal or dry in some areas and oily in others – is the most common skin type.
Combination skin often requires slightly different care in different areas. For instance, people with combination skin typically have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry skin on their cheeks. They may also have:
- Enlarged pores
- Blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes
- Shiny skin in oily areas
Dry skin
Because it lacks moisture, dry skin often flakes, cracks, or peels. The skin may become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. Very dry skin can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.
People with dry skin may also have:
- Nearly invisible pores
- Red patches
- Less skin elasticity
- More visible lines
Oily skin
Oily skin is prone to excess oil production, often resulting in blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes. Puberty or other hormonal balances can cause or worsen oily skin.
People with oily skin may also have:
- Enlarged pores
- A dull complexion
- Shiny skin in oily areas
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is easily irritated and prone to redness, itching, burning, dryness, and/or breakouts. Many people inadvertently use the wrong skin care products for their skin type.
If you have sensitive skin, your Forefront dermatologist will help try to figure out what your triggers are, so you can avoid the products that contain them.
How to determine your skin type
A Forefront dermatologist can quickly determine your skin type during an in-office visit, but there are also ways to test your skin at home.
The blotting sheet method
By using blotting sheets to absorb oil from your skin, you can guess your skin type by assessing how much oil is on left behind on the sheets.
Follow these easy steps:
- Gently wash your face with a cleanser.
- Pat dry and wait at least 30 minutes (testing too soon can skew the results).
- Press blotting sheets to different areas of your face, such as your T-zone and cheeks
- Hold the sheets up to the light to see how much oil has absorbed.
Here’s what the results mean:
- If the sheets are saturated with oil from all areas of your face, you probably have oily skin.
- If the sheets absorb very little to no oil, you probably have dry skin.
- If the sheets only show a small amount of oil from your T-zone, you probably have combination skin.
- If you only see minimal oil from all areas of your face, you probably have normal skin.
The day test
You can also guess your skin type by simply observing how your skin performs from morning to evening on a typical day. Take note of how your skin feels when you wake up, in the middle of the day, and when you get ready for bed.
Here’s what the results mean:
- If your skin feels oily or looks shiny, you probably have oily skin.
- If your skin is flaky or feels tight, you probably have dry skin.
- If your T-zone looks shiny but the rest of your face is shine-free, you probably have combination skin.
- If you have minimal oil with no dryness or redness, you probably have normal skin.
Ask your Forefront dermatologist
Are you ready to take “probably” out of the equation? Forefront Dermatology is here to help!
Before you buy new products or make any adjustments your skin care routine, let us confirm your skin type and other factors that contribute to the look and feel of your skin.
We can also discuss your primary skin concerns, such as breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, dullness, or other issues. Your skin care routine should be tailored to address these specific concerns while considering your skin type.
Solve the skin type mystery
Just like you, your skin is unique. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another – that’s why we create a customized skin care routine with your unique skin in mind.
To learn more about your skin type and the skin care solutions we offer, schedule an appointment with Forefront Dermatology today.
Posted in: Skin Care
