DON'T MISS A THING

As awareness of tailored skincare grows, consumers are spending more on skincare than ever before. Statistics suggest that US customers spend over a billion dollars in the US on skincare, highlighting its vast demand. 

But with many new innovations exploding onto the market, identifying your skin type is key to making choices that truly support your skin’s health. Here’s how you can do this at home.

Observe Your Bare Skin

The easiest way to identify your skin type is by observing it without any products. 

Start by cleansing with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, then let your face rest for an hour without applying moisturizer, serum, or sunscreen. 

During this time, notice how your skin feels and looks. If it feels tight or flaky, you have dry skin. If your face looks shiny all over, this indicates an oily complexion. If your face feels neither, this is normal. Redness or irritation often indicates sensitivity. 

This “watch and wait” method is a dermatologist-approved approach to understanding your complexion. 

Check Oil Levels With a Tissue Test

The tissue test is another helpful way to confirm your skin type. 

After letting your face rest without products, gently press a tissue or blotting paper onto different areas – forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. If oil appears only on the tissue from your T-zone (forehead and nose), this often suggests combination skin. If oil is visible from all areas, you have an oily complexion. 

Both types benefit from mattifying products and targeted treatments like retinol creams, which can regulate oil production and keep pores clear. 

Assess Texture and Sensitivity

Texture and sensitivity will help you discover your skin type. Dry skin may feel rough, flaky, or appear dull in some areas, while sensitive skin often shows redness or reacts easily to products. 

Gently run your fingertips over your face, noticing any areas that feel coarser or more delicate. Skin that feels smooth is normal. If it feels coarse, it may be dry or sensitive. 

Sensitive skin requires extra care, as it’s more prone to reacting to active ingredients. Products with minimal ingredients or calming properties are ideal, while retinol should be used cautiously, as it can be irritating.

Evaluate Seasonal Changes

Finally, observe how your skin responds to changes in the weather. Combination skin can often become oilier in warmer months and drier in the winter. Normal skin typically stays consistent year-round, needing only slight adjustments in hydration. 

Many people find their skincare needs shift with the seasons. For example, a lightweight gel moisturizer might work best in summer, while a richer cream suits winter. 

A Clearer Understanding of Your Skin Type

By following these steps, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your skin, helping you choose products that match your needs. From picking the right moisturizer to incorporating active ingredients, identifying this enables you to create an effective routine that promotes long-term skin health.

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