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What is there to know about your skin? -

The largest organ in your body is actually your skin. Therefore, it's incredibly important to take care of it and keep it clean as well as healthy.

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What influences your skin type? -

Many factors may contribute to your skin type such as genetics, age, hormones, stress, diet, activity levels, and environmental factors.

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What are the different skin types? -

According to the AAS or American Academy of Dermatology, there are five different skin types: dry, oily, normal, combination, or sensitive. 

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Dry skin -

When you don't produce enough sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, it's said that you have dry skin.

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Dry skin routine -

If you have dry skin, be sure to choose a gentler cleanser and a moisturizer that has humectants in order to help draw moisture to your skin.

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Routine part two -

With dry skin, it's also possible to have seborrheic dermatitis on your face. It usually shows around the nose and eyebrows. This is actually a small fungal rash that needs treating.

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Oily skin type -

With oily skin, there is an overproduction of sebum. Additionally, you may have enlarged pores and a shiny or even greasy complexion.

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Will you have more problems if you have oily skin? -

If you have oily skin then typically you will have problems with your pores becoming clogged and resulting in acne.

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Skin care for oily skin type -

With oily skin, it's important to find a facial cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in it as these are common ingredients known to help unclog pores. You can also look for “noncomedogenic” skin care products.

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Avoid triggers -

If you have oily skin and exercise, be sure to immediately shower after and thoroughly wash your wash to help avoid acne.

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Combination skin type -

Sometimes areas of your face will display different skin types and thus need to be treated accordingly.

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Products -

When you go shopping, always check out the labels of the products you might buy. Each item will have various ingredients in it targeted at the different skin types.

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Normal skin type -

This skin type is considered the happy medium where you might not notice dry areas or feel like your skin is oily. Your skin might not be prone to acne or other sensitivities. 

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Skin care for normal skin types -

A basic skin care routine is best for those with normal skin. Start by washing your face daily and applying moisturizer during the day and at night.

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Sensitive skin type -

Having sensitive skin means having to be very careful with the types of products you use on your face. You may also have underlying eczema, rosacea, or allergic contact dermatitis. 

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What it’s not about -

With sensitive skin, it's not about the amount of oil produced by your skin. You can have sensitive skin and it can also be dry, oily, or combination.

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Skin care for sensitive skin types -

With sensitive skin be sure to avoid products with dyes, fragrances, and other tough ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

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Why should you know your skin type? -

Knowing which skin type you have will empower you to treat it. Walking down the skin care aisle at the store can feel daunting if you aren't informed.

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Trust yourself -

No one knows your skin better than you! When you're looking into skin care routines online or hear about products that might help, trust yourself if you think it will or won't work for you.

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Questions you should ask yourself - complexion -

Regarding complexion, you should ask yourself if your skin, when exposed to sunlight, tans or burns. Do you get freckles? Everyone, even those with darker complexions, should still use sunscreen.

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Skin concerns -

When deciding on a skin care routine, ask yourself your intention. Are you preventing premature aging or do you have skin problems such as acne or age spots? Do you have wrinkles or under-eye bags? These are all important to assess.

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Exposure -

Assessing what your exposure to the elements is like is also very important. It's important to take your habits, such as smoking and diet, into consideration to create a tailored routine.

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How do I determine my skin type? -

Unfortunately, there isn't one specific skin type test. However, one popular method involves using skin blotting paper. First, wash your face and dry it. Then, 30 minutes later, gently press the blotting paper on your skin, specifically on your cheeks and T-zone.

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Pay attention -

Paying attention to your skin is the easiest method. Does your skin often feel oily or dry 30 minutes after you wash it? 

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It can change -

The type of skin you have can change throughout your life, so be aware.

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The role of lifestyle in skin health -

Many factors such as sleep quality, hydration, exercise, and stress management can impact skin type and your overall skin health. 

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How skin type affects makeup choices -

Skin type will play a huge role in the type of makeup you might use. Pay attention to what's in the makeup and if it will further clog your pores or provide a light, flawless look.

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Seasonal changes and skin care adjustments -

Your skin can fluctuate in different seasons. For example, your skin might be dryer in winter and more oily in summer.

Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (American Academy of Dermatology)

See also: Common skincare mistakes you're probably making

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