Determine your skin type

The most important step in caring for your skin comes in understanding your specific skin type and how it adapts to the changing weather. Using cleansers and treatments that are too harsh, even if they are recommended for excessive oiliness, may send the signal to your skin that more oil is actually needed. Conversely, applying moisturizers that are too thick or heavy can result in decreased natural oil production, resulting in even drier skin. Taking the time to learn your skin’s specific needs will help you to choose the right options that will balance the skin resulting a healthier and more radiant complexion.

FEELS

It’s important to notice how your skin feels on any given day of the week. The texture of your skin can reveal a lot about its essential nature.

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Combination skin: Combination skin usually feels oily in the T-zone (the area that includes your forehead, nose and chin) but dry to the other zone. It can also be oily and dry in different locations, but if you notice two or more different textures on your face, it is a sign that you are dealing with combination skin.

Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin usually feels itchy, patchy, dry and can sometimes sting.

Normal skin: Normal skin feels even and balanced. It’s neither too dry nor too oily or sensitive.

Oily skin: Oily skin will feel greasy and shiny all over. If you feel like you are constantly reaching for the oil blotting sheets, this means you probably have oily skin.

Dry skin: Dry skin will feel tight and dry. It is normal for it to be flaky and crack, especially in dry weather.

PORES

Your pores are also big indicators of your skin type. Their size and and tendency to get clogged can tell you a lot about your skin and its oil production.

Combination skin: If pores are large and often clogged around the nose but are small and unnoticeable on the cheeks and other areas of the face, this is a sign of combination skin.

Sensitive skin: People with sensitive skin often have normal to large pores, but it will depend on the day and if a reaction to a product or other irritant has occurred.

Normal skin: For people with normal skin, their pores are usually unnoticeable.

Oily skin: People with oily skin often struggle with large pores that get easily clogged from sweat and oils the body secretes.

Dry skin: People with dry skin typically have small pores that often feel tight.

SOLUTION

Combination Skin Type

While most of us have combination skin to some degree since there are more sebaceous glands (glands that produce oil) around our nose than other areas of our face, this skin type experiences it to a larger degree. Your skin is marked by a consistently oily T-zone with dryness in other areas of the face.

How to care for it: This is the most common skin type, and people with combination skin should consider using different products for different areas of the face to keep the skin balanced. For example, you may want to use a mild cleanser and moisturizer on your cheeks and a more stringent product on your T-zone to cut through the oil.

Sensitive Skin Type

Many people wrongly assume they have sensitive skin after one or two bad reactions to a product. However, it could be that the product just wasn’t a good mix with your skin or contained irritating ingredients. Truly sensitive skin is easily aggravated by most products and cleansers and usually experiences a low-level of irritation and discomfort at all times. It often breaks out and develops rashes and red spots. You may experience, stinging, swelling, flakiness and itching. Your skin also tends to flush red from the wind, cleansing or sun exposure.

How to care for it: This is the most delicate skin type to care for. Find a skin care routine that works for you by performing patch tests on products before use to determine which products aggravate your skin and which ones keep it calm. Look for mild products without fragrance and harsh ingredients like alcohol and menthol. Avoid harsh scrubs that contain crushed walnuts, pumice or aluminum oxide crystals. Use lukewarm water, nothing too hot or too cold. Also avoid scrubbing mits and bar soaps.

Normal Skin Type

Normal skin is not too dry or oily; it falls in that desirable in-between place. Your skin normally has an even tone and a soft texture with little flakiness. You may get an oily T-zone (the central area of your face including the chin, nose and the part of your forehead above your eyebrows) in hot weather, but generally this area is oil-free.

How to care for it: Lighter lotions and serums are ideal for your skin type because you don’t need much heavy product to keep your skin in balance.

Oily Skin type

People with oily skin tend to have larger pores and a shiny, thicker feeling complexion. Your skin produces more than enough oil, so hydration isn’t your issue. Rather, blackheads and pimples are a common problem with this skin type. If you still aren’t sure if you have oily skin, blot your face with a tissue and if oil stays behind, then you probably do.

How to care for it: Cleansing the face often and avoiding heavy creams and emollients is advised for minimizing the appearance of oil. Look for oil-free sunscreens and lotions as well so that you don’t inadvertently add more oil to your skin.

Dry Skin Type

Small pores and an overall feeling of tightness characterize dry skin. Your skin often has more visible lines, less elasticity and a duller complexion. Sometimes people with dry skin will also experience flaking, but this isn’t always the case.

How to care for it: Moisture is key to caring for dry skin. Use lotions and rich creams to nourish your skin cells. If your skin feels dry but you still get breakouts, then you probably don’t truly have 100% dry skin. Rather, your skin may be feeling dry from the products you’re using. Try going without them for a few days and see if your skin improves.