How to identify your skin type?
QUICK TEST: What is your skin type?
Oily skin: If your skin quickly starts to shine, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin.
Dry skin: If you feel tightness, roughness, or your skin is flaking.
Combination skin: If your T-zone is shiny, but your cheeks are normal or dry.
Normal skin: If your skin is not excessively oily or dry and feels comfortable after washing.
Oily skin
Oily skin is a result of increased activity of the sebaceous glands. The skin quickly becomes shiny, pores are more visible, and blackheads and impurities are more common. A common misconception is that oily skin does not need hydration.
The cause of oily skin can be genetics or hormonal activity. The condition often worsens due to aggressive care that dries out the skin. The skin then responds by producing even more sebum.
Oily skin needs gentle cleansing, light hydration, and products that help regulate sebum production without drying it out.
Appropriate care includes light cleansers, watery or light hydrating toners, serums with balancing ingredients, gel or light cream textures, and sun protection with a light texture.
Dry skin
Dry skin is characterized by reduced sebum production. The skin is often tight, rough, can flake, and looks dull. After washing, a distinct feeling of discomfort appears.
The cause of dry skin is a weakened protective barrier, which prevents the skin from retaining moisture. Dry skin is often genetic, but it can worsen due to inappropriate care, cold weather, or dry air.
Dry skin needs skin barrier repair and long-lasting hydration.
Appropriate care includes creamy or oil cleansers, richer hydrating toners, serums for hydration support, nourishing creams, and sun protection that does not dry out the skin.
Combination skin
Combination skin is the most common skin type. It is characterized by an oily T-zone and normal or dry cheeks. Pores are more visible on the nose, while the sides of the face can be drier or more sensitive.
The cause of combination skin is uneven activity of the sebaceous glands on the face. Therefore, single products for the entire face often do not meet the needs of all areas.
Combination skin needs balanced care that does not burden oily areas and at the same time does not dry out dry areas.
Appropriate care includes gentle cleansers, balancing toners, light serums, medium-light creams, and, if necessary, adapting the care to individual parts of the face.
Normal skin
Normal skin is considered the most balanced skin type, as it is neither excessively oily nor dry. It is often the result of good genetics and appropriate care.
It usually does not have major problems with sensitivity, redness, or excessive sebum production. After cleansing, it remains pleasant to the touch, without a feeling of tightness or excessive shine.
Nevertheless, normal skin is not completely without care needs. Regular cleansing, adequate hydration, and daily protection against UV radiation are important for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and balance.
As with other skin types, its needs can also change depending on age, season, and other external influences.
Important distinction: skin type and skin condition
Skin type represents a relatively permanent characteristic, primarily determined by genetic factors and the activity of the sebaceous glands. However, it can gradually change throughout life under the influence of aging, hormonal changes, and other physiological processes.
Skin condition is more variable and depends on numerous internal and external factors, such as climatic conditions, seasons, diet, stress, and lifestyle.
The most common skin conditions include dehydration, sensitivity, redness, and acne. They can occur with any skin type. Thus, oily skin can be dehydrated, and dry skin can be sensitive or irritated.
Skin type and condition are affected by hormonal changes, aging, climatic conditions, seasons, dietary habits, and psychophysical stress. Due to these factors, the skin's needs change throughout life, so to properly choose skincare products, it is first necessary to determine the skin type, and then adjust the care to its current condition.
Conclusion
Understanding your skin type is the first and most important step in skincare. Proper care is not based on the quantity of products, but on the correct choice according to the skin's needs.
Skin type can change over time due to hormones, stress, seasons, or care methods. Therefore, it is important to regularly observe the skin and adapt the care to its current condition.
If severe problems are present, such as persistent inflammation, severe redness, or itching, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or a professionally qualified cosmetologist.
Once you know your skin type, the choice of products becomes clear, and the care effective and safe.