Knowing your skin type can help you minimize irritation and cosmetics-related acne. So, before you begin, give yourself the quick skin-type test so you’ll know the right products to use.
Wash you face with a non moisturizer soap like Neutrogena and pat dry. Take a few pieces of rice paper or lens-cleaning tissue paper, and press them on different spots on your face. If your skin is oily, the paper will stick, pick up oily spots, and become translucent. If the paper doesn’t stick and leaves no oily spots, your skin is dry. If it sticks in the T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin) but not on the cheeks, your skin is combination (or normal). Most women (about 70 percent) have combination or normal skin.
You can expect your skin to change at various points throughout your life, so recheck your skin type periodically and fine-tune your regimen in different climates and at different times of the year. (For example , most women need less moisturizer in the summer, when the oil glands are more active.) However, this does not mean you need to run out and buy separate products for the oily and dry areas of your face, for day and night, or for travel across time zones. Not at all. The beauty of a good skin care regimen lies in its simplicity.
SKIN TYPES AT A GLANCE
Your skin type is determined by how much or little oil your skin produces. What determines that? Begin by thinking of genes, diet, stress level, medication, even your skin care regimen and the products you choose. The amount of oil your skin produces naturally will determine the amount of oil you need in your products.
OILY
Shiny skin, enlarged pores, prone to blackheads and blemishes, some tightness.
COMBINATION/ NORMAL
Medium pores, smooth and even texture, good circulation, healthy color, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks, may be oily in T-Zone.
SENSITIVE
Thin delicate, fine pores. Flushes easily, prone to broken capillaries, frequently allergic, can be rashy.
DRY
Feels tight, especially after cleansing; fine wrinkles, flaking, red patches. In woman of color, appears ashy or dull from dead skin buildup.
AGING OR SUN-DAMAGED
Feels tight, visible wrinkles, slack skin tone especially around cheeks and jaw line, leathery texture, broken capillaries.
