Identifying your skin type involves observing how your skin feels and behaves throughout the day. Here's a basic guide:
Normal skin: Balanced, not too oily or dry, with few imperfections.
Dry skin: Feels tight, rough, or flaky, especially after washing which might have fine lines or red patches.
Oily skin: Appears shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) which is prone to acne and enlarged pores.
Combination skin: Some areas, like the T-zone, are oily, while others, like cheeks, are dry or normal.
Sensitive skin: Easily irritated, may react to certain products with redness, itching, or burning.
Tips to help you Identify your Skin Type
Cleanse your face: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Observe how your skin feels immediately and after 30 minutes.
Observe shine: If your skin appears shiny all over, especially in the T-zone, you likely have oily skin. If it is only shiny in certain areas, you might have combination skin.
Check for dryness: If your skin feels tight, rough, or flaky, particularly after cleansing, it is likely dry.
Look for pores: Enlarged pores, especially in the T-zone, can indicate oily or combination skin.
Notice sensitivity: If your skin easily reacts to skincare products or environmental factors with redness, itching, or burning, it's sensitive.
Assess blemishes: If you frequently experience acne or have blackheads and whiteheads, you may have oily or combination skin.
Expert hacks to help you determine your skin type more accurately:
Blotting paper test: Press clean blotting paper onto different areas of your face. Oily skin will leave visible oil spots on the paper, while dry skin will show little to no oil. Combination skin may have oil in the T-zone but less so on the cheeks.
Morning observation: Notice how your skin looks and feels when you wake up in the morning. Oily skin may feel greasy, while dry skin may feel tight. Normal skin will feel balanced.
Hydration check: Hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturizer and observe how it responds. Dry skin will still feel tight, while oily skin may feel too greasy.
Sun exposure test: Spend some time in the sun and observe how your skin reacts. Oily skin may become shinier, while dry skin may feel tighter or more prone to sunburn.
Product reaction: Test a small amount of a new skincare product on your inner forearm. If your skin reacts negatively (such as redness or itching), it may indicate sensitive skin.
Professional consultation: If you're still unsure, consider visiting Skin Chat on our Purple Pompa website for a professional skin analysis. We can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin's unique needs and tailor your skincare regimen accordingly.
