How to Determine Your Skin Type

I can’t stress the importance of knowing your skin type. Why? Because not every product suits every face. This is why that foundation your bestie wears looks perfect on her but leaves your face looking greasier than a Kentucky Fried Chicken piece. There are five different types your skin can be: normal, oily, dry, sensitive or combination. Which one are you? Find out below.


Normal:

• No or few imperfections (redness, blemishes, discolouration)


• No real sensitivity to most products


• Small pores (barely visible/invisible)


• 'Radiant' looking - smooth and clear


• Neither oily nor dry

Oily:

• Shiny, dull appearance


• Enlarged pores (quite visible)


• Prone to acne, pimples, blackheads


• Tip: Don’t over-wash your face and use a gentle cleanser. Stick to products that are noncomedogenic as they don’t clog your pores. Moisturise daily - our skin overproduces oil when it’s dehydrated, don’t skip this!

 Dry:

• Dull looking


• 'Tight' feeling


• Red & flaky


• Small pores (barely visible/invisible)


• Less elasticity


• More visible lines/wrinkles


• Tip: Take shorter showers as prolonged exposure to warm water will dehydrate your skin even more. Use gentle cleansers that are soap free, these won’t dry out your skin as much. Moisturise twice a day and reapply as necessary.

Sensitive:

• Red, itchy, usually dry


• Prone to rashes


• Highly irritable


• Broken capillaries


• Tip: Find what triggers your skin’s sensitivity, most of the time it’s certain beauty products or food. Once you find the triggers, avoid them like the plague!

Combination:

• Enlarged pores (visible)


• Prone to blackheads


• Oily, shiny T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)


• Rest of face usually dry


• Tip: Refer to oily skin/dry skin tips

No matter your skin type, you must, and I mean must make moisturising and sunscreen application part of your daily routine. Find moisturisers that are best for your skin type. I know it can be a lengthy process of trial and error but your skin will love you for it - and who doesn’t want skin that behaves?!

Image Credit: CitrusClear