WHAT IS MY SKIN TYPE?

Shopping for and creating a skincare routine is admittedly challenging, but knowing one bit of information can make it exponentially easier. We’re talking about your skin type, one of the most important things to consider when picking skincare products. The good news? Unlike determining what your rising moon sign is, figuring out your skin type really is pretty simple. If you’ve ever wondered, “what’s my skin type?” Keep reading to learn how to figure it out. Spoiler alert: All you have to do is wash your face.

 

DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES 

Before we get to the good stuff, here’s a quick refresher on exactly what skin types we’re talking about. Most people fall into one of the below four categories: 

Normal:

When skin has well-balanced oil levels and no propensity towards acne or dryness, it’s considered normal. For what it’s worth, not many people actually have normal skin. 

Oily:

Skin that produces an excess amount of sebum (the skin’s natural oil), which can leave your complexion looking greasy or shiny. Prominent pores, blackheads, and breakouts are all also more likely in those with oily skin. 

Dry:

On the flip side, dry skin lacks oil. It can tend to appear dull and lackluster, may feel tight, and, in extreme situations, start to peel, flake, or crack. 

Sensitive:

Sensitive skin is more likely to be irritated by everything from certain skincare ingredients to environmental factors. Frequent redness, itching, and discomfort are all signs of sensitivity. It also bears mentioning that dryness and sensitivity do go hand-in-hand, so you may have a little bit of both. 

Acne-Prone:

This skin type is characterized by frequent breakouts, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and sometimes deeper cysts or nodules. It's often associated with excess oil production, but not always. Acne can occur in people with dry skin as well. 
 

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE 

 
So, how can you determine which of these groups you fall into? All you have to do is wash your face. It’s called the “bare-faced method”, because all it involves is paying extra close attention to your bare skin. Start by washing your face with a basic, mild cleanser. Pat dry and, per the ‘bare’ part of things, don’t apply any skincare products. Set a timer for 30 minutes, then take a peek in the mirror and assess how your skin feels. Here’s what you’re looking for: 

Normal:

If you have none of the below and your complexion generally looks and feels good, congratulations. You are somewhat of a unicorn in the skincare world and have normal skin. 

Oily:

If you see lots of shiny spots, you’re likely in the oily category. 

Dry:

Skin feeling tight and uncomfortable? You’re probably dry. 

Sensitive:

Irritation, redness, or stinging are all indicative that you may fall on the more sensitive side of the spectrum. 

Acne-Prone:

If you notice new blemishes forming, such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples, you likely have acne-prone skin.