What’s My Skin Type? How to Determine Skin Type at Home
Today’s beauty products feature buzzwords galore, and ‘skin type’ is a major one! Dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, or normal, for those fortunate few – these common labels may leave you wondering which category best suits your skin. If so, this article is for you!
Below, we’ll provide insightful tips for determining (and managing) your skin type at home. With this information in your beauty arsenal, you can find skincare products that best suit your skin, whether you need to wash away excess oils, quench dry patches, or simply preserve balance.
Defining Skin Type
Dry, oily, normal, and combination are the classifications used to describe how much sebum your skin naturally produces. They’re also used to describe your skin type.
Sebum is another word for your skin’s natural oils. Genetics, age, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and even the weather can all impact your skin’s sebum production. So, while virtually everyone’s skin produces less oil in dry environments, genetics may cause you to have drier or more oily skin than others, no matter the humidity. Your skin type can also change over time, as skin naturally becomes drier with age.
“Sensitive” and “acne-prone” are also often described as skin types. However, rather than referring to oil production, these terms point to your skin’s reactivity. So, for example, you may have dry and sensitive skin, or combination and acne-prone skin.
Understanding the Different Skin Types
So, where exactly does your skin fall on the scale from dry to oily? To help you make this determination, let’s go over the main skin types that dermatologists use today: Dry, oily, normal, and combination.
Dry Skin
Dry skin types produce fewer oils than usual. This can lead to tight, dull, flaky, or scaly skin. Dry skin can also develop more visible fine lines than other skin types, as ample sebum is essential to give skin a smooth, plump appearance.
Signs that you may have dry skin include:
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A tight sensation in your skin
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Visible fine lines
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Susceptibility to eczema and psoriasis flare-ups
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Itchiness or flaking
The good news is that when dry skin is properly cared for, it can appear volumized and healthy. Follow these tips to quench dry skin and prevent sensitivities:
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Avoid cleansing with hot water, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils.
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Exfoliate only in moderation (once weekly or every other week), using gentle exfoliants.
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Use gentle, non-drying skincare products with nourishing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E.
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Use a humidifier if you live in a dry climate, or during the winter months.
Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs when the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Genetics can cause overactive sebaceous glands, as can stress, menstruation, and eating processed or high-sugar foods in excess.
You may have oily skin if you experience:
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Enlarged pores
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Acne breakouts (particularly whiteheads and blackheads)
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Coarse skin texture
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Shininess
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Makeup running easily or not lasting throughout the day
Here are a few tips for managing oily skin:
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Cleanse in the morning, evening, and after exercising.
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Choose lightweight moisturizers and non-comedogenic skincare products.
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Exfoliate once or twice weekly to remove dead skin cells and keep your pores clear.
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Refrain from touching your face, as bacteria and oils can transfer from your fingers to your face.
Combination Skin
With combination skin, some areas of the face are dry while others are oily. Often the T-zone, which encompasses the forehead, nose, and chin, is oily, while the cheeks are dry. However, combination skin can vary significantly from person to person.
The main sign of combination skin is both dry and oily patches of skin. You may also experience enlarged pores, breakouts, itchiness, and tightness.
Here are our top tips for combination skin:
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Look for products that are specifically formulated for combination skin.
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Stick to gentle cleansers and avoid overexfoliating.
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Use an alcohol-free toner to help balance oil levels.
Normal Skin
The luckiest among us have normal skin, meaning it’s generally balanced, comfortable, and hydrated. People with normal skin are less prone to skin sensitivities and acne breakouts, especially if they have a consistent skincare routine.
Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin Types
Sensitive and acne-prone are two additional descriptors that may be used to explain your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, it means that your skin is more reactive than usual and may become irritated by various factors, like pollution, fragrance, stress, and harsh skincare products. If you have acne-prone skin, it means that you’re more likely to experience acne breakouts.
With sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s important to closely consider the ingredients in your skincare products. Ingredients that may not affect other skin types could trigger redness, dryness, irritation, or breakouts in sensitive skin types. Ingredients to look out for include:
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Fragrance (also listed as parfum or perfume)
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Alcohol
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Sulfates
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Parabens
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Preservatives
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Dyes or colorants
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Petroleum
Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, choose acne treatments carefully. Overusing certain acne treatments, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can compromise the skin barrier, leading to worsened irritation.
Our 100% hydrocolloid pimple patches are carefully designed to calm acne breakouts without compromising the skin barrier. They create a moist, healing environment while soothing inflammation, making them an ideal acne treatment for any skin type.
No matter your skin type, prepare to nix future breakouts with Bloomies!