How do you find out what your skin type is and why is it so important? The most important thing you can do to take care of your skin is to know what type of skin you have and how it reacts to changes in the weather or time of year. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it is just as smart and complex as your heart, lungs, liver, and other important organs.
When you don’t know what type of skin you have, it shows. For example, using cleansers and scrubs that are too harsh, even if they are meant for oily skin, may trick your skin into thinking that it needs more oil. On the other hand, putting on a face moisturizer that is too thick or heavy can cause your skin to make less oil, making it even drier. If you take the time to learn what your skin needs, you’ll be able to choose the right options that will balance your skin and make it look healthier and more radiant.
Everyone’s skin is different, but there are a few common types that may help you figure out where yours fits in. Most people call the three main types of skin Oily, Combination, and Dry. But before we talk about each type and how to take care of it best, here’s how to figure out what kind of skin you have. There are two easy ways to find out what type of skin you have at home.
1: Bare-Faced Method
Use a mild cleanser to clean your face well, and pat it dry with your hands. Leave your skin bare and do not use any additional moisturizers, serums or treatments. After 30 minutes, check if there is any shine on your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. After waiting for 30 more minutes, check to see if your skin feels dry, especially if you smile or make other facial movements. If you think that your skin feels tight, your skin type is likely dry. Notice that your nose and forehead are shining? Most likely, your skin is a mix of oily and dry. If your cheeks shine along with your nose and forehead, you probably have oily skin.
2: Blotting Paper Technique
This method is much faster and is often a great way to tell if your skin is oily or dry. Tap a small piece of blotting paper on to your face in different places especially in the T-zone. Hold the blotting paper up to the light to check how much oil can be seen. If the sheet didn’t pick up much or any oil, you probably have dry skin. If the oil from your nose and forehead shows up on the blotting sheet, you have combination skin. Lastly, if the oil is all over the blotting paper, it is very likely that you have oily skin.
Our skin’s needs can change over time, and it’s important to take steps to figure out what it needs to work and look its best. Keeping your skin’s health in mind and “checking in” regularly to see if your current routine needs to be changed. Doing so will keep your skin healthy, beautiful and younger looking.
