How To Determine Your Skin Type

When it comes to skincare, determining your skin type is the first step to finding the right products. Learning what type of skin you have can save you a lot of hassle as you search for the best moisturizer, cleanser, or even sunscreen.

But how do you determine your own skin type? Good news—there's an easy way to figure it out. We'll tell you how to do it and recommend some products for different skin types to start you on your skincare journey.

Different Skin Types

Most products are tailored to five basic skin types. Each of these skin types has different needs, so you should know how to identify them before you start looking for products to use on them.

Normal
Normal skin isn't necessarily a term for what's actually normal or even the most common skin type. It usually has the fewest problems overall, but it doesn't have to be the standard. Normal skin looks like this:

• Few blemishes
• No major sensitivities
• Mostly invisible pores

Dry
If you have dry skin, you probably know it, even if you didn't know what to call it before now. Dry skin tends to become red or itchy, and if you have severely dry skin, you might notice cracks in your complexion. Here's what you should look for:

• Roughness
• Redness or itchiness
• Poor elasticity
• Invisible pores

If you're struggling with dry skin, don't panic. There are lots of ways to care for it, and some of them involve simple changes to your daily routine.

Oily
Oily skin happens when your skin produces more sebum than it needs. Where dry skin has little moisture, oily skin is the opposite. Here's what you can expect to see with this skin type:

• Shiny complexion
• Larger pores
• Frequent breakouts

Combination
Combination skin types mean you can have two or more skin types, whether that means you have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) or you have dry and sensitive skin. Combination skin is the most common type, with characteristics like:

• Shiny skin
• Open pores
• Blemishes in certain areas, like the forehead or chin

Sensitive
Sensitive skin can show up with many skin types. With this skin type, you may only be able to use specific skincare products, since it's more easily irritated than other skin types. With sensitive skin, look for:

• Redness
• Itchy or burning skin
• Dryness

How Do You Find Your Skin Type?

There's a straightforward process for finding your skin type. Follow these steps, and you'll be one step closer to finding your perfect skincare routine:

1. If you use makeup, remove it.
2. Let your face stay bare for at least 30 minutes. For better results, leave it for a few hours.
3. After the time is up, look at your skin. Shiny skin means you have oily or combination skin. If your face feels tight, you most likely have dry skin.

If you want to take it a step further, blot your skin with a blotting sheet. If it comes away with lots of oil, you can probably guess that you have oily skin. A dry blotting sheet indicates dry skin.

What Products Should You Use?

Don't underestimate the importance of finding products that work for your skin type. It's the hardest part of skincare, but if you use the wrong product, you could end up damaging your skin.

You can find plenty of Japanese skincare products that hydrate your skin. In fact, many of them work well for different skin types. Hada Lobo Gokujyun Lotion Moist is one of the most popular Japanese skin moisturizing products, especially when you combine it with Hada Lobo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion.

No matter where you are in the world, skincare isn't one size fits all. Before you start a new skincare regimen, know your skin type and what it needs to get that healthy glow.

Sarah Wood - May 11, 2020

Sources:
““How to Determine Your Skin Type.” Tatcha. https://www.tatcha.com/blog/How-to-determine-your-skin-type.html. Accessed 29 April 2020.

Marlow, Brett. “The 5 Most Common Skin Types, Broken Down.” Beautylish. https://www.beautylish.com/a/vxscv/5-skin-types-broken-down. Accessed 29 April 2020.

“Understanding Skin Types and Conditions.” Eucerin. https://int.eucerin.com/about-skin/basic-skin-knowledge/skin-types. Accessed 29 April 2020.

Vinas, Abby. “What is My Skin Type?” bioClarity. https://www.bioclarity.com/blogs/clear-skin/what-is-my-skin-type. Accessed 29 April 2020.

“What is Sebum and Why Does it Build Up on Skin and Hair?” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sebum. Accessed 29 April 2020.

“What’s Your Skin Type?” Radiance by WebMD. webmd.com/beauty/whats-your-skin-type#1. Accessed 29 April 2020.