How many skin care products are available on the market? So many. That's why finding out your skin type becomes crucial if you want to buy a cream or a cosmetic that is suitable for your face and body and can really benefit you.
If you are looking for a specific product that can provide a targeted solution, you might consider a snail slime cream, but you need to find out which one is best suited to your skin.
The skin is a complicated organ of our body that can vary and change according to different factors, for example from dry to oily or sensitive. Every person has a unique skin,but, being aware of the most common skin type, can help you identify which category is closest to your case.
What are the most common skin types?
We generally recognise five main skin categories: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. These categories can help you discover your skin type based on certain evidence and characteristics.
Normal skin
Normal skin is also called eudermic, as it presents a balance between dryness and oiliness, being neither too dry nor too oily. In addition, it does not generally present blemishes or seems to be particularly sensitive. It shows barely visible pores and a radiant complexion.
Dry skin
Dry face skin may appear tight throughout the day and may also show noticeable flaking. This skin type is largely due to genetics, environmental factors such as lifestyle, diet, hormonal changes and climate.
Dehydration is also a major cause of dry skin, so drinking plenty of water while avoiding diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine can make a significant difference to the skin's appearance.
Daily exfoliation with a face scrub (and with gentle, non-abrasive ingredients) stimulates the skin's cell turnover, without removing its natural oils. In the absence of an extra layer of dead skin, serums and treatments will be absorbed more easily.
The best moisturising creams for dry skin are face creams with hyaluronic acid (often referred to as sodium hyaluronate in the ingredients), glycerine and marine actives such as algae, due to their ability to attract water and deliver it directly to the skin cells. Emollients, including squalane and camellia oil, help smooth and moisturise the skin evenly and effectively.
Oily skin
Excess oil can often leave pores congested and clogged. Oily skin looks younger and more elastic because it has more natural moisture and is less prone to wrinkles. Daily enzymatic exfoliation is essential to promote cell turnover and prevent the accumulation of sebum in the pores. Gentle exfoliation is also helpful in balancing skin tone and texture.
Oilier skin is also prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a condition that leaves dark spots on the skin after healing. Exfoliation will also help lighten these dark spots by smoothing the more superficial layers of the skin and revealing new cells.
Read also: Fighting acne and scars: the best creams for oily skin
Combination skin
Combination skin appears oily in some areas of the face and dry in other areas. Generally, there is a mix of oily and dry areas on different parts of the face, with the so-called T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) ranging from slightly to very oily, as the sebum-producing glands are more concentrated in these areas.
It is therefore normal to notice a brighter appearance in the T-zone, the most oily one, while the nose and chin can also appear dull and rough due to a buildup of dead skin cells, which can cause flaking. The cheeks and skin around the eyes may be drier than the rest of the face.
Sensitive skin
Dealing with sensitive skin can be difficult, as it takes a lot of time and effort to determine which ingredients can cause inflammation and irritation. It is therefore important to use one product at a time so as to be able to evaluate its effects (this rule also applies to cosmetics).
By means of a patch test, you can try a new formula on the inside of your forearm so as to minimize potential reactions on your face. If your skin shows no signs of inflammation, apply the formula to the area behind one ear before using it on your entire face.
Look for labels that identify formulas as non-irritating, non-sensitising and as free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, sulphate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA or TEA, as these ingredients can cause redness and itching.
How to discover your skin type?
If you are still undecided about which skin category you belong to, there are methods that can help you find out your skin type: the frequency of use of a moisturiser, the way your skin looks after cleansing and the appearance of your skin pores.
How often do you use a moisturiser?
Many people need a moisturiser to keep their skin healthy and hydrated, but the frequency with which you use it (how often you feel the need) can indicate how long your skin can stay moisturised without needing help.
- Normal skin: people with normal skin do not need to apply moisturising cream often during the day, because their skin remains moisturised enough on its own.
- Dry skin: dry skin obviously requires a lot of moisturising cream during the day, especially when waking up or after cleansing the face.
- Oily skin: for people with oily skin, moisturising cream tends to make their skin even oilier, so they don't need it very often during the day.
- Combination skin: people with combination skin will often need to apply a moisturiser to those areas of the face that are drier (often the cheeks), but, rarely, to the oilier areas (such as the T-zone).
- Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin usually requires a moisturiser quite frequently, but it is difficult to find one that does not irritate the skin and cause a reaction.
Read also: "Snail slime for sensitive skin"
How does your skin look after cleansing?
- Normal skin: if you have normal skin, it will appear clear after cleansing. You may need some moisturising cream, but overall your skin is not too dry or sensitive.
- Dry skin: in this case, cleansing can dry out the skin even more and make it feel tight and dehydrated.
- Oily skin: After cleansing, oily skin will feel clean and free of oil. Shortly after cleansing, however, the skin will become oily again.
- Combination skin: after cleansing, combination skin will often feel refreshed and oil-free around the nose area, but tight and dry around the cheeks.
- Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin usually requires a moisturiser quite frequently, but it is difficult to find one that does not irritate the skin and cause a reaction.
Read also: Snail slime for sensitive skin
What does your skin look after cleansing?
- Normal skin: people with normal skin usually have unnoticeable pores.
- Dry skin: people with dry skin usually have small pores.
- Oily skin: people with oily skin often have enlarged pores that are easily clogged with sweat and oils secreted by the body.
- Combination skin: if pores are large and often clogged around the nose but are small and imperceptible on the cheeks and other areas of the face, this is a sign of combination skin.
- Sensitive skin: people with sensitive skin often have normal to large pores, but this may differ depending on a possible reaction to an irritating product or ingredient.
In conclusion
Understanding your skin type is crucial for a proper beauty routine.
Fortunately, there are several ways to identify your skin type accurately. You can carefully observe the characteristics of your skin, such as the feel of your skin, the presence of shine or dryness, and the tendency to irritation.
In addition, you can consult a skin expert, such as a dermatologist or beautician, who can make a professional assessment.
Finally, you can use specific tools and tests.
Once you have a clear understanding of your skin type, you will be able to select the most suitable products and treatments for you.
Remember that taking conscious care of your skin will help you maintain a healthy, radiant and glowy skin for a long time.
