What is My Skin Type and How to Determine It🤔

Why is it important to know 🤔your skin type❓

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. This outermost protective layer of our body acts as a barrier against external stimulants such as environmental pollutants, radiation, UV light 🌞 etc. and is always under stress due to oxidative damages caused by these external environmental factors1. Appearance of our skin plays a critical role in our overall look and hence it is very important to understand our skin type and identify the best ways to take care of it.

Everyone's skin has a unique biological environment and is genetically predisposed to create varying amounts of oil. This is a critical factor in determining an individual’s skin type. Although other factors can have an impact on skin type, genetics still plays a major role in determining skin type. For instance, it may be impacted by age, certain medications, and even the surroundings or climate. It is critical to note - that every type of skin has different needs, and by better knowing our skin type and its requirements, we can make more informed choices in selecting appropriate products for a healthy-looking complexion.

🖐️What Are The Five Basic Skin Types?🖐️

1️⃣ Oily Skin: Sebum, the skin's natural oil, is produced at a rate that is higher than normal in those with oily skin. Skin issues like blackheads and enlarged pores are more frequently observed due to this excessive oiliness, which can make the skin appear glossy or greasy. While clogged pores are a major contributor to breakouts, those with oily skin may also be more susceptible to them.

2️⃣Dry Skin: Skin that lacks sufficient oil is the antithesis of oily skin. When the skin is extremely dry, it may feel tight or seem dull. It may also peel, flake, or split. Although the terms "dry skin" and "dehydrated skin" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. “Dehydrated skin” is a temporary condition of skin while “dry skin” is a skin type.

3️⃣Combination Skin: It is also known as mixed skin as this skin type often demonstrates distinguishing characteristics of both dry and oily skin such as dryness and oiliness—in various locations. Those with mixed skin frequently have an oily T-zone while having drier cheeks.

4️⃣Sensitive Skin: This skin type s is more susceptible to stimuli, both internal and external. Individuals with this skin type experience issues only when exposed to -exposed to certain stimuli such as allergies to particular ingredients, foods etc. while others feel redness, itching, and pain rather regularly. Sensitivity, though, isn't always obvious; sometimes, it's just a matter of how the skin feels.

5️⃣Normal Skin: Skin type is usually regarded as normal if it is balanced and devoid of any long-lasting skin conditions.

Can we change our skin type?✔️𝒀𝒆𝒔

The answer to this question is “yes”.💯 For instance, having oily or acne-prone skin as a teenager is rather common but this does not necessarily mean that you would always have oily skin. As you age, your skin gets drier. Thus, it's common to have oily skin when you're young and relatively skin as you become older.

Other factors, such as the climate where you reside, may also have an impact on your skin type: While dry, cold air is commonly associated with dehydration🥛, hot, humid air ⛱ may be associated with oilier skin.

✌🏻Methods to know your skin type✌🏻

The Bare-Faced Method
Cleanse your face using a mild cleanser, then gently pat it dry. - Do not apply any additional moisturisers, serums or treatments. After 30 minutes, look for shine on your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. If you smile or make any other facial gestures, pay special attention to your skin and note whether it feels dry. If your skin feels tight, it probably has dryness. Your nose 👃 and forehead should glow outwards if you have normal or mixed skin. If your cheeks, forehead, and nose are glossy, you most likely have oily skin.
The Blotting Sheet Method
This method is faster and frequently effective at differentiating between dry and oily skin types. Gently clean -various areas of your face with blotting paper. Hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. If the sheet only gathered up very little to no oil, then you most likely have dry skin. If the blotting sheet reveals oil on the forehead and around the nose👃, your skin type is normal or combination. Finally, you have oily skin if the blotting paper is totally saturated in oil.