Understanding your skin type will help determine the right skincare routine to help you on the way to healthy, glowing skin.

With so much choice of product available for all different skin types, knowing which category you fall into will save time, and money, and help you avoid irritation or breakouts. If you’re unsure about your skin type, this guide will help you determine whether you have oily, dry or normal skin, and how to cater to its needs.

Why Is It Important to Know Your Skin Type?

Your skin type determines the kinds of products you should be using. For example, using a cream based cleanser for a dry skin will help protect the barrier and lock in moisture where as an oily skin would be better suited to a facewash to help degrease the skin. When you know your skin type, you can select products that complement and nourish your skin rather than exacerbate its issues.

The 3 Main Skin Types:

There are generally 3 main skin types: oily, dry and normal. Genetically we are all born with a skin type but this sometimes can change. Each has distinct characteristics, and understanding these will help you determine where your skin fits.

1. Oily Skin

If your skin tends to get shiny, especially around the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), you likely have oily skin. This happens because your sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, the natural oil that moisturizes your skin. Oily skin types can be more prone to acne, blackheads, and larger pores.

Characteristics:

• Persistent shine
• Enlarged pores
• Possible breakouts or blackheads
• Makeup slides off throughout the day

Care Tips: Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) products. Salicylic acid and clay masks can help control oil production. Facewashes are a good option for cleansing as they will degrease the skin (be sure not to overdo it though)  

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing, and may flake or have rough patches. It lacks sufficient moisture and often has a dull appearance due to less sebum production. Without enough oil, the skin can become irritated and develop fine lines more quickly.

Characteristics:

• Tight, rough feeling
• Flakiness or peeling
• Dull, lacklustre complexion
• Fine lines more noticeable

Care Tips: Focus on hydration! Use creamy cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and ceramides. Avoid harsh exfoliants. Adding in good fats into the diet can massively help along with taking an Omega supplement.

3. Normal Skin

People with normal skin have a well-balanced complexion. Their skin isn’t too oily or too dry, and they have minimal sensitivity. Although you may think normal skin doesn’t require much care, it still benefits from a consistent routine to maintain its health. A normal skin naturally will have slightly more oil on the Tzone and often can be classed as a ‘combination’ skin.

Characteristics:

• Even complexion
• Small, barely visible pores
• Rare breakouts
• No pronounced sensitivity or dry patches

Care Tips: Maintain your skin’s natural balance with lightweight, hydrating products. Regular cleansing, moisturising, and sunscream use will keep your skin glowing and healthy.

How to Determine Your Skin Type at Home

Now that you know the key traits of each skin type, here’s a simple way to test your own skin type at home:

Step 1: Cleanse Your Face Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or excess oil. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Wait for an Hour Do not apply any products. Let your skin rest for about an hour, during which time it will return to its natural state.

Step 3: Examine Your Skin After an hour, stand in front of a mirror and observe how your skin looks and feels.

• Oily Skin: Your skin appears shiny, particularly in the T-zone.
• Dry Skin: Your skin feels tight or has flaky patches.
• Normal Skin: Your skin feels neither tight nor oily but remains balanced.

The key points to take away on determining your skin type

Determining your skin type is essential for creating a skincare routine that works best for you. Whether you have oily, dry or normal skin, there are products and practices tailored to meet your needs. Once you’ve figured out your skin type, use gentle and suitable products to keep your complexion healthy and radiant. If you’re still unsure, consider consulting a dermatologist for a more personalised analysis.

Happy skincare journey!

As always we’re here to guide you on your skincare journey so feel free to book a consultation with me so I can give you the best recommendations and advice.

Katherine Taylor, Skincare Expert at The Skin Gym.