What’s YOUR Skin Type? How You Can Know

The biggest mistake I made growing up was choosing a skin care product that wasn’t for my skin type.  I live in the desert and my skin gets very dry and flakey if I don’t take care of it.  I was using products that dried out and tightened my skin which made it worse!  It wasn’t until later when I found a skin care routine with amazing products! My skin is like my baby.  I’m very protective of it.  

Moral of the story; Finding out your skin type is an absolute must in order for you to find the proper skin care or treatment for you.  Let me start with the first skin type;

NORMAL SKIN

Your skin has a comfortable feeling with smooth, even texture with small pores.  Your skin should feel vibrant and elastic with the driest part of your face is your cheeks, but not excessively dry.  It looks clean and healthy but you may see some shine and larger pores on the forehead, nose, or chin.

The best thing to use for this skin type is a foaming face wash, exfoliation, and a lightweight moisturizer.

DRY/EXTRA DRY 

If your skin is dry it will feel tight and dry after you wash it. It can look dry and flakey throughout the day and feels rough or uneven.  You may have red patches that are easily irritated. Dry skin type shows fine lines faster than other skin types.  Having dry skin requires special care.  Eating foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated with water keeps the skin hydrated.  Limit sun exposure, caffeine and alcohol intake and use a good moisturizer to protect your skins natural oils.  You can also use humidifiers in your home because air-conditioning and heating creates a dry environment.

• Don’t rub with a towel while drying your face
• Moisturize moisturize moisturize!!
• Don’t pick at your dry skin
• Wear gloves while cleaning with chemicals

OILY SKIN

Oily skin looks shiny and thick, especially through the T-zone.  Oily skin means you have overactive sebaceous glands which makes your skin more acne prone.  You may have large visible pores and frequent breakouts.  A good thing about oily skin is that you are less prone to aging and wrinkling.  A healthy diet and a regular, consistent skincare routine can help manage oily skin.  You should cleanse your face at least twice a day to prevent dirt build up.  Use alcohol free astringent to remove excess oil and oil free moisturizers to keep your face from over drying. 

COMBINATION SKIN 

Combination skin has patches of both dry and oily skin with the cheeks being the dry and T-zone being the oily.  The larger pores are located on the forehead, nose, and chin.  This skin type requires different types of care for particular facial areas.  Regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing for the oily areas and a cleanser that is milder with a denser moisturizer for the dry areas.

SENSITIVE SKIN 

If you have sensitive skin your face is easily irritated by cleansers, moisturizers, and cosmetics.  The skin is very sensitive and tends to become itchy, blotchy and red.  Try to figure out what products trigger your skin so you can avoid them.  Your skin requires mild, fragrance free cleansing products and alcohol free toners that are formulated for sensitive skin.

**No matter what your skin type is you should always:

• Always use sunscreen
• Stay hydrated*
• Wash your face every day
• Never ever EVER wear your make up to bed
• Change your pillow case every day
• Moisturize!!
• Stay happy and healthy