Skin Type – How to identify it in 3 steps?

Many of us don’t know our skin type properly, which is so important to build a skincare routine. It is necessary to know our skin type to use the right products effectively. Otherwise, it leads to skin conditions like breakouts, allergy, irritation and redness. By understanding our skin type – whether it’s oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive – we can choose the right ingredients and treatments to keep our skin healthy, balanced, and glowing. Follow the steps given below to identify your skin type:

Step 1: Cleansing

• Use a gentle cleanser and massage it for 30-60 seconds to remove dirt and excess oil.
•  Rinse your face with lukewarm or cool water.  Never use Hot water, as it can strip your skin’s natural oils and cause dryness or redness.

Pro tip: Make sure you wash your hands before washing your face so that the dirt and bacteria of your hands don’t transfer to your face.

 Step 2: Pat your face Dry

• Dab your face gently with a cotton towel or facial tissues.
• Avoid rubbing, as it can irritate your skin.

Pro tip: I would suggest not using microfiber towels. Yeah! You heard it right 😅.

 Microfiber towels are highly absorbent and can trap bacteria, dirt and oil over time. If they work for you, that’s great! I personally prefer using disposable facial tissues. These are good for your skin, eco-friendly and affordable.

Step 3: Identify your Skin type

Do not apply anything on your face for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, examine your face and identify your skin type based on the information given below.

• Dry skin: Skin feels tight and rough after washing. You might also observe flakes on your skin. This skin type is more likely to develop wrinkles soon. Use Non-Comedogenic Hydrating products that include Ceramides, Fatty acids, Peptides, Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin E, Snail Mucin, Shea butter, etc. Milky toners are also a great choice to start with.
• Oily skin: Skin feels shiny and a bit greasy, which is due to excess sebum production that could lead to enlarged pores and acne breakouts. This skin type is less likely to develop wrinkles. Use only Non-Comedogenic Products that include Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid, Glycerin, Witch hazel, Green tea extracts, Centella asiatica, etc. Also, it is important to consult a dermatologist before using any actives which require prescription.
• Normal skin: Skin doesn’t feel too oily or dry after washing. It feels smooth and healthy. (People with this skin type are God’s favourites! :D). All the above-mentioned ingredients can be used. But choose them according to your skin concerns.
• Combination skin: It is a mix of oily and dry skin. Some areas might feel oily while some might feel dry. Mostly, the oiliness is seen in the T-zone (i.e. forehead and nose) and the cheeks feel dry. It varies from person to person. Use lightweight hydrating products like Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Ceramides, etc.
• Sensitive skin: The “Angry” skin type 😅. Skin feels irritated and redness appears. People with this skin type should be very careful before using anything. Use skin calming products which include Panthenol, Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic acid, Snail mucin, Niacinamide, Bisabolol, Glycerin, Squalene, etc.

Please do thorough research and always do a patch test before using anything.

Now that you know your Skin type and the ingredients to prefer in your products, it will help you build a skincare routine that works for you!

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