Often, when you buy a new skincare product or get that trendy item, you may be surprised to find out that it doesn't suit your skin. If you're somebody who likes skincare and makeup, then you may have also suffered from this problem. You may end up with acne or breakouts or, worse: scars. Yikes!

It's not just bad luck: every person falls under a certain skin type, and it's possible that you may have crossed paths with products that do not suit your skin. It's not that something is wrong with the product; it simply means that there may be ingredients within the product that is not meant for your skin. For instance, certain cleansers may seem too harsh or moisturizer too oily. 

Save yourself the hassle of a trip to the dermatologist or extra medicines to conceal your breakouts, by investigating what exactly your skin type is. Although every individual's skin is undoubtedly unique, your skin type may still fall under some broad categories. 

What are the Different Skin Types?

Dry skin 

Dry skin is one of the most common skin types - you may particularly suffer from dry skin in winters when there's not enough moisture in the air, and your skin starts cracking. If nothing else, then you may have experienced the occasional flaking. There are several causes of dry skin besides genetics and nature, including but not limited to diet, lifestyle, and climate. Using too much moisturizer on dry skin can lead to a decrease in the production of natural oil, so your skin gets stripped of its natural resources.

Oily skin

Oily skin is another extremely common skin type. Excess oil not only leaves pores clogged, but it feels super uncomfortable as well. If you have this skin type, you may be more interested in cleansers and rid your skin of the extra sheen. However, you must make sure that the cleanser doesn't strip your skin dry completely - you need that oil for balancing your tone and texture. 

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can be quite the challenge to manage - you either need special products or a special diet. Certain ingredients can also irritate beyond measure. Ensure the products you use have a formula free of parabens and artificial ingredients or fragrances, or you'll have to suffer the worst of the breakouts and inflammation. If worse comes to worst, you may have to book an appointment with your doctor to confirm if you can use certain products. 

Normal skin

The worst you can expect for normal or combination skin is slightly dry or skin in certain weather, but nothing to warrant a special trip to the skincare store. Nevertheless, it is still crucial to be gentle with your skin and make sure you still research the products you want to use.  

How can you find out your skin type? 

Now that you know the basic types of skin, you may already have a clue which category you fit into, based on the products you use or how your skin feels. However, if you don't know exactly what you fall into, here are some ways to find out your skin type!

Take the day test 

Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way to find out your skin type - besides prior experience, of course - is to take note of what your skin looks and feels like throughout the day; morning, afternoon, evening, and night. If your face looks shiny in the mirror after a long day, you may have an oily skin type. If your face feels matte, but your T-zone seems shiny, then you have combination skin. If you have a small amount of flakiness or redness, then you have dry skin. If your skin is too red and itchy, then you may have sensitive skin. 

Take the wash test

The day test may work if you're home from morning to night - without any extra showers throughout the day. However, if you can't carry that out, then try out the wash test. In this test, wash your face with a cleanser - not too harsh! - but refrain from applying any other product for at least 30 minutes and await your results. If your skin isn't red or doesn't feel too coarse, then you either have normal skin or in the case of a slight sheen, oily. 

Do the blotting sheet method 

Unlike the wash test and the bare face day test, the blotting sheet method is faster and, therefore, more efficient if you need a confirmation as soon as possible. First, get a blotting paper of any kind, and gently tap at your skin at various areas - the cheeks, the chin, your nose, the T-area. The blotting paper will be either normal or oily. If the sheet doesn't pick up any oil, that means you have dry or normal skin (although for the latter, you'll find a bit of oil at the nose and forehead). On the other hand, it'll show up clearly on the sheet if you have oily skin. 

Keep in mind

Your skin type isn't permanent. What your skin type is today, it may not be the same in a couple of years, which is why it is important not to swear allegiance to a certain brand or product. It is possible that in a few years, you may have reactions to certain products that were your favorites, so keep your avenue open for that. It is essential that you purchase products that will suit your skin - or you may end up with more problems than you started with!

Lastly, remember that if you have extra sensitive skin or are still unsure about your skin type, a trip to the dermatologist will give you all the answers you need! If products you assumed to be perfect for your skin type aren't working out, see a doctor. There is always a chance that you may have different allergies so be careful!

What products have you tried for your skin type?

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