How to Determine Your Skin Type

Have you ever been at your favorite skincare store or on your favorite skincare website perusing through numerous products and just feeling more and more confused as time went by? Do the terms Combination skin or Oily skin leave you feeling frazzled? Fret not, because we’re here to help you accurately determine what skin type you are so you can be that much closer to that lit from within skin you’ve always dreamt of.

Knowing your skin type is the most essential step in discovering the most effective way to take care of your skin and it’s needs. While every skin type is unique, most people fall under five basic categories: Oily, Normal, Combination, Dry or Sensitive.

Oily Skin

Oily Skin refers to skin that produces excess oil. The most common areas affected are the t-zone of the face, which comprises of the forehead, nose and chin. If your skin tends to look shinier and shinier as the day passes, feels greasy and often falls victim to blemishes and breakouts, your skin type is Oily. The good news is that oily skin tends to look younger and more supple because it has natural moisture and is less prone to wrinkle, but those with oily skin should look for products that combat excess oil and are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Oilier skin is also prone to PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), a condition which leaves dark spots on the skin after a breakout has healed. Exfoliation will help lighten these dark spots and also promote cell turnover and prevent sebum buildup in pores. For oily skin care, we recommend exfoliating 2-3 times a week with Conatural Honey and Oatmeal Cleansing Bar, and washing your face with a gentle foaming face wash, like Conaturals’ Tea Tree & Neem Face Wash, twice a day.

Combination Skin

Combination skin has areas that are both dry and oily. For example, someone with combination skin would typically have shinier areas on their forehead, nose and chin, while dry or normal areas on the cheeks. This skin type can be a slightly more challenging to care for since it is made up of multiple elements. The most fool proof way to care for combination skin is to reach for products that cater to all skin types. Formulas for all skin types help balance skin without over-drying or causing excess oil, which is exactly what you need for your skin. For those with combo skin who experience dryness on the cheeks, finding a moisturizer that is not too heavy yet substantial enough to hold in moisture where needed is key. Natural Face Moisturizer with a gel like texture, like Conaturals’ Rose Face Gel, are absorbed more quickly and less likely to cause breakouts. Keeping your skin balanced is key for those with combo skin.

Normal Skin

People with normal skin, rejoice! Normal skin is well balanced, meaning it’s not too dry or too oily. Those with normal skin are not typically prone to breakouts or flakiness and tend to have a well-balanced T-zone. Skin care for normal skin types are generally minimal, so a simple routine is all you need to keep your skin in perfect shape. Just remember to never skimp out on a daily moisturizer and sunscreen and always opt for gentle cleansers over ones with harsh chemicals. Conaturals’ Daily Essentials Face Wash for normal skin has the perfect balance of Lavender and Chamomile to keep your skin looking it’s best, every day.

Dry Skin

If you describe your skin as rough, scaly, flaky or irritated, your skin type is Dry. Dry skin can feel tight throughout the day, and produces less sebum than normal or oily skin. This could be due to unavoidable circumstances like genetics, hormonal changes and climate, or certain lifestyle and diet choices. Dehydration is also a leading cause of dry skin, so the first step to take to care for your skin is drink plenty of water. Since dry skin produces less sebum than normal or oily skin, the key to caring for it is to keep the skin barrier properly hydrated. The more moisture the skin holds, the healthier the skin’s appearance will be. Without sufficient moisture, skin can be vulnerable to a weakened skin barrier, resulting in dry areas and ultimately speeding up the skin aging process. Those with dry skin should look for formulas that hydrate, nurture, and moisturize, and are free from alcohol, fragrances, dyes, or chemicals. All of Conaturals’ skincare products are free from Parabens, Triclosan's, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Silicones, and Artificial Color and are perfect to treat dry skin.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin varies widely from person to person but is often characterized by visible redness and dryness. In certain cases, there may be no visible signs but a feeling of discomfort may persist through your skin. All these symptoms are indicators of a weakened skin barrier. For sensitive skin care, choose gentle formulas that can help strengthen the skin barrier and look for treatments that are formulated to help treat redness. Always test new formulas and products one at a time, to help determine which ingredients cause inflammation and irritation and which ones successfully soothe. Steer clear of parabens, fragrances and all harsh chemicals and ingredients.

If you’re still confused about your skin type, there are two simple ways to help determine your skin type at home:

The Bare Face Method

The easiest and most obvious way to determine your skin type is to study your bare skin. Cleanse your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser and gently pat dry. After 30 minutes, examine your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead for any signs of shine. After another 30 minutes, evaluate whether your skin feels dehydrated or tight, especially if you smile or make facial expressions. If your skin feels tight, your skin type is most likely Dry. If there is noticeable shine on your T-zone, your skin is most likely Combination. If there is excessive shine all over your face, you most likely have Oily skin.

The Blotting Sheet Method

Another way to determine your skin type at home is to press a clean blotting sheet on various spots of your face. Then, hold the sheet up to a light to see how much oil was absorbed. Your skin type will generally be dependent on how much oil is visible, meaning the more oil on the paper, the more likely you have oily skin. If there is little to no oil visible, you most likely have dry skin. If the blotting sheet reveals minimal oil from your forehead and nose, your skin is probably normal or combination.

It’s important to remember that our Skins needs can change over time. If you had Oily skin as a teenager, you could still develop Dry skin as an adult, or vice versa. This is why it’s important to take steps to best identify your skins current condition to help it function so it can look its best. Prioritizing the health of your skin and checking in regularly to determine if adjustments need to be made to your current skincare routine will help keep your skin healthy and beautiful, always.