How to Determine Your Skin Type
The single most important step in caring for your skin properly comes in understanding what type of skin you have. Believe it or not, human skin is one of the body’s most vital organs. It’s just as intelligent as your heart, lungs, or any other complex organ. Every person’s skin is unique. However, there are three commonly seen skin types that will help you to determine what skin care regime works best for you.
Dry Skin
Common Characteristics:
If you have dry skin, oftentimes you’ll notice that your skin feels tight throughout the day. There will also be noticeable flaking, sensitivity, and itchiness.
Tips:
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of dry skin (followed by genetics and environmental factors). Drinking lots of water and avoiding diuretics is essential to keep your skin happy and healthy. Daily exfoliation can also help to promote skin cell turnover, giving you fresh, soft skin.
Keep in mind that with dry skin usually comes premature wrinkles. This is why moisturization is SO important! Avoiding harsh cleansers and using rich moisturizers to seal in moisture will help immensely. Look for products that are water based and contain hyaluronic acid (or hyadisine) to help lock in moisture. Lucky for you, all three of our serums contain this ingredient and our Snail Serum was especially formulated with dry skin in mind. Be sure to check it out!
Normal Skin
Common Characteristics:
People with normal skin tend to skip out on skincare as they experience fewer breakouts and less sensitivity to new products or weather changes. Those with normal skin usually have firm skin with small pores and minimal fine lines and wrinkles. People in this category usually have even skin tones and a well-moisturized t-zone, but experience dryness on the cheeks.
Tips:
Since this skin type is able to tolerate most ingredients, have fun experimenting with makeup and skincare until you find exactly what works for your skin type! Just make sure to find a moisturizer that isn’t too heavy, but also capable of retaining moisture. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, moisturizing is an ESSENTIAL step to flawless skin. Also be on the lookout for our Snake Serum which was designed for people with normal/combination skin in mind!
Oily Skin
Common Characteristics:
People with oily skin are susceptible to oil build up on the face. This can leave pores congested and cause acne breakouts. Oily skin is also more prone to hyperpigmentation as dark spots are left after a breakout has healed. Luckily, those with oily skin are less prone to wrinkles and often look younger due to the extra natural moisture in their skin!
Tips:
Those with oily skin tend to reach for harsh products -- anything that’s advertised to help clear up acne, fast. Instead of doing this, keep in mind that gentle exfoliators and ingredients are usually better for your skin. Reach for oil free moisturizers, chemical exfoliants, and clay masks. Last but not least, definitely check out our Bee Serum. It was formulated with stopping oil production in mind!
If after all of this, you’re still a little confused about where your skin falls, I’ve got you covered. There are two ways you can easily determine your skin type.
Method 1:
- Cleanse your skin (use a mild cleanser, nothing too harsh)
- After cleansing, don’t apply anything after (not even moisturizer)
- After some time passes by, look for any spots that have grown shiney
- After some more time, look for spots where your skin feels dry
If your skin feels tight after this, you most likely have dry skin.
If you experience shine on your forehead and nose, your skin is normal/combination.
If on top of your forehead and nose, your cheeks experience shine, you have oily skin.
Method 2:
Pat an oil blotting strip on your forehead, nose, and cheeks
If the sheet doesn’t pick up much oil, you most likely have dry skin.
If the sheet picks up oil around the nose and forehead areas, your skin is probably normal/combination.
If the sheet is saturated with oil, you have oily skin.
Like I said before, knowing your skin type is essential in picking a skincare routine that works best for you. It’s never too early to invest in your skin!