It is essential to recognize your skin type to better care for your skin. Understanding your skin type will help you and your esthetician better treat your skin. Using skincare or beauty products according to your skin type can help to keep your skin healthy, fresh, and young. So Many people have no idea about their skin type because it can be more complex than you think to recognize your skin type.

Remember that our skin is constantly changing; different hormonal or environmental factors can affect our skin. Skin type also changes as you age because hormonal changes occur in your body. During their primarily teenage people experience Oily skin. It is also normal for skin to become flakey or dry with age as the natural moisturizing barrier of the skin breaks down.

Factors that usually affect the skin are:

• Hormonal Changes (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, stress)
• Climate Changes ( heat, cold, humidity)
• Diet
• Dehydration
• Skin Care routine (over-exfoliate, over/less moisturizing)
• Birth control pills
• Usage of products that aren't suitable for your skin type
• Excessive or less sun exposure

This article will provide some information about your skin type.

Dry Skin

The simplest method to identify if you have dry skin is if it looks to be flakey, dull, rough, and lifeless. Dry skin produces less sebum or oil than usual. Dry skin may feel dry, tight, and dull. Therefore it needs more moisture than normal.

Remember that there is a differentiation between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Skin becomes dehydrated when your water intake is less than your body requires. Dehydration can also cause breakouts.

Dry skin may have

• Rough, Flaky, or Dry patches
• Maybe itchy
• Rough and Dull appearance
• Develops Wrinkles early
• Pores are tiny/invisible
• How to take care of Dry Skin
• Use hydrating serums
• Lock the moisture of skin with moisturizers
• Use cream-based moisturizers
• Apply sheet masks for extra hydration
• Use chemical or mineral-based sunscreen

Oily Skin

Oily skin produces more oil and sebum naturally. Oily skin looks shiny. People with oily skin experience frequent breakouts because of oil production in large pores. Your skin needs a good moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. Moisturize your skin with light moisturizers.

Oily Skin Conditions

Oily skin may have

• Large and visible pores
• Shiny or greasy skin
• More sebum production than normal
• Develop fewer wrinkles
• Breakouts/blemishes
• Tiny bumps

How to take care of Oily Skin

• Use skin care products that can control oil/sebum production
• Moisturize with gel-based moisturizers
• Use salicylic acid-based and non-comedogenic cleansers.
• Use oil-absorbing clay masks
• Use non-greasy sunscreen

Normal Skin

People with normal skin are fortunate. People with normal skin have excellent skin texture. Normal skin type is neither too dry nor too oily. Normal skin has fewer issues than other skin types. Normal skin looks clear, fresh, and healthy. But please take care of your skin to prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. Always use sunscreen and built-up a good skincare routine. 

Normal Skin Condition

Normal Skin is characterized by:

• Not too oily and not too dry
• Fewer pores
• Less texture (remember that every skin has texture)
• Even skin tone
• No sensitivities
• How to take care of Normal Skin
• Just use gentle products.
• Use good moisturizer and sunscreen.

Combination Skin

A combination skin type is the most common skin type. It's the combination of both oily skin & dry skin. People with this type have oily t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks. People also experience dryness around the mouth and eyes. Combination skin becomes dry in winter and oily in summer. So those who have combination skin need to change their skincare routine accordingly.

Combination Skin Condition

Combination skin may have

• Oily t-zone while dry cheeks
• Blemishes
• More breakouts
• Visible pores
• How to take care of Combination Skin
• Use a gentle cleanser
• Use non-comedogenic products
• Moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer
• Use clay mask on t-zone
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen

Sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin experience irritation or redness. Sensitive skin isn't a skin type. People with all skin types may experience sensitive skin. You may not know your skin is sensitive until you experience a reaction to a product. In most cases, sensitive skin is dry skin that has become itchy red, or dry due to harsh products, fragrances, chemicals, or other skin irritants. Don't use powerful products if your skin is sensitive. Your skin may be sensitive due to stress, hormonal changes, allergies, UV damage, or over-exfoliation                               

Sensitive Skin Condition               

Sensitive skin may have 

• Larger pores
• Skin is often red, dry, and itchy.
• Flaking
• Roughness
• Scaling
• Prone to irritation
• How to take care of sensitive skin
• Use ceramides to heal the destroyed skin barriers
• Use gentle cleansers
• Avoid exfoliation
• Sooth your skin with oats

Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is usually due to hormonal fluctuations experienced during the teenage years, but adults can experience acne too. It is necessary to be patient with your acne treatment and consult professionals if needed. Almost 80 percent of people face acne at some point during their life.

Types of acne

Blackheads

Dead skin cells block pores and oxidize. Blackheads are open comedones. The pore enlarges and comes to the surface of the skin. The color is black due to melanin pigment.

Whiteheads

Clogged pores are closed at the surface of the skin. Unlike blackheads, they are tiny pores; they cannot be easily extracted.

Papules

Papules are Pink bumps and tiny red spots caused by bacteria under the skin's surface. Papules are filled with white blood cells. Reddish in color and filled with yellow pus.

Pustules

Infected pores that fill with pus. Often yellow or red. Cause due to bacteria and filled with white blood cells. 

Nodules or Cystic Acne

Pimple embedded deeply under the skin. This is a serious type of acne. It is painful, deep, and filled with pus. You cannot pick cystic acne because they are deep inside the skin.

Essential tips for acne-prone skin

• Do Wear SPF every day.
• Don’t touch your face
• Avoid picking your pimples
• Don't forget to moisturize every day.
• Don't over-exfoliate
• Stay hydrated
• Do exercise
• Don't eat junk food.
• Get professional help

Conclusion

 “No matters which skin type you have, Love yourself. Every skin tone and skin type is beautiful.”