How to Figure Out Your Skin Type?

Knowing your skin type is essential as it not only helps you choose the right skin care products but also helps your dermatologist determine the best treatments for you. 

Skin Types Explained

Determining your skin type is important, as you won’t be doing yourself any favors if you don’t choose skin care products that are best suited for your specific skin type.

There are four basic skin types:

• Normal skin
• Dry skin
• Oily skin
• Combination skin

Each has its own set of characteristics that make it unique from the others. Let’s take a closer look at each type so you can pinpoint which one best describes your own skin.

Normal Skin Type

The normal skin type is the most balanced of all the types, which means it has just the right mix of moisture levels, oil production, and elasticity to allow for a smooth and even texture that’s free of acne breakouts and other forms of irritation. Because of this balance, people with normal skin don’t get clogged pores or blackheads, nor do they struggle with excessive dryness or excess oiliness. To maintain the best possible complexion for this skin type, stick to gentle products that cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisture.

Dry Skin Type

People with dry skin often experience flakiness, tightness, and itchiness. Those with this type of skin should seek out skin care products that are gentle and offer deep hydration. Look for products that are free of sulfates, which are too harsh for very dry or sensitive skin types.

You should also avoid products that have fragrances. Fragrances can irritate the skin and can cause dryness over time. Opt for natural scents instead. 

Combination Skin Type

Some patients have a combination skin type, meaning that they have oily and dry skin parts on their faces at the same time. If you have combination skin, you might have dry cheeks yet an oily forehead or chin. To care for this type of skin, use a gentle cleanser twice a day, with a cream-based moisturizer for your face and an ointment for your body. Also, try not to overexpose your skin to the sun, as this can aggravate your underlying skin condition.

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin is often caused by overactive sebaceous glands in the skin that produce too much oil. Many factors can cause this type of imbalance, including genetics, hormones, stress, diet, and cosmetics. Oily skin tends to have larger pores and is more prone to acne breakouts.

What Are The Skin Problems That Can Happen with Each Skin Type?

• Dry Skin - While oily skin is prone to acne breakouts, dry skin tends to have other concerns. Lines and wrinkles are common in people who have dry skin since their skin doesn’t produce enough natural oils to lubricate it. Other symptoms of dry skin include flakiness, irritation, flaking skin, itching, tightness, scaly patches, rough texture, dullness, redness, cracking, peeling, and in some cases, eczema.
• Oily Skin - When you have oily skin, you tend to have shiny skin and clogged pores that are prone to pimples. People with oily skin also have thicker skin than people with dry or normal skin. Acne tends to be an issue for people with oily skin, but excess oil is also a problem. It can cause greasy hair, dandruff, and skin that looks unhealthy. Another issue that people sometimes face with oily skin is whiteheads and blackheads.
• Normal Skin - People who have normal skin types have neither oily nor dry skin. They don’t suffer from acne outbreaks, and their pores are barely visible. 
• Combination Skin - A combination of the aforementioned skin types causes combination skin. The forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks may be oily, while the chest and neck could be dry. If you have combination skin, you may experience both dry and oily skin at the same time.
• Sensitive Skin- Sometimes, people also have sensitive skin because they have allergies or other irritating skin conditions like rosacea. Sensitive skin is more prone to red blotches due to broken capillaries. This can be worsened by using products containing ingredients that cause skin irritation.

To learn more, call us at (312) 664-2128 or visit our office at 233 E Erie, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611.