What is My Skin Type and How to Define It
As much as we try there are very few things that we can control. However, with effort, education, and learning about caring for our specific skin type, we can determine our individual skincare needs, and control how well our skin looks!
About Our Skin
We are born with our unique skin type and it is determined by genetics and ethnicity.
The skin is considered the largest external organ. It is needed to be in good working order to regulate and protect the body. To do this it is imperative to give the body good nutrition for a healthy body and beautiful skin!
Our skin is affected by the nutrition we give and not give it. Our choices regulate water in the body, and oil production.
An oily substance call sebum is produced by our sebaceous glands and keeps the skin soft, protected from outside elements, and slows down the evaporation of water. Follicles (sometimes called pores) have hair with the oil glands attached to them.
The skin type is primarily based on how much oil is produced, how large the follicles(pores) are and can be examined in the center of the face across the forehead, nose, and chin. This is called the T-zone.
How Do I know my Skin Type?
To determine your skin type, do a bare skin test.
Cleanse your skin and rinse off any visible cleanser and pat dry. Do not put any moisturizer or any other product on. Wait one hour and then examine your skin in the mirror. What do you see?
What is Normal Skin?
The follicles (pores) are small but visible in the T-zone and the skin feels and looks smooth. Normal skin is producing just enough oil and water and is usually free of blemishes. Everyone wants your skin!
Do I have Combination Skin?
Most people have combination skin type. Your follicles(pores) are medium in the T-zone and some are larger next to the nose by the cheek area. Your skin feels oily and looks shiny in this area. You have more sebaceous glands in this area. The outer side of the face can have normal or dry skin.
Is my Skin Dry?
The follicles(pores) in the T-zone are small and can barely be seen. Dry skin is not smooth and can feel tight and itchy. The skin is not producing enough oil and not holding water to protect itself.
Do I have Oily Skin?
The follicles(pores) are larger over most of the face and is producing more oil than is necessary. The follicles(pores) become clogged and blemishes, breakouts are common. Oily skin looks shiny and feels greasy to the touch.
What is Sensitive Skin type?
Sensitive skin is considered a skin type and a skin condition. It depends on the cause. Genetics can also be a factor. The skin can be fragile, thin, dry and visibly red. Sometimes its just a feeling of discomfort with product and stimulation.
The skin is sometimes visibly red or is irritated by product, stimulation and heat. Soothing and calming the skin is best for this skin type.
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Nutrition, habits, internal and external factors are all contributing factors in our health, and this is reflective in our skin’s appearance.
If you feel you need help in determining your skin type, seek out a knowledgeable esthetician who is educated on how the skin functions and can recommend suggestions on how you can protect and nourish your skin.