It is essential to know your skin type if you want to achieve healthy and flawless skin. Knowing your skin type also allows you to select the right products and customize your skincare regimen to one that works for you. The main skin types include dry, oily, combination, normal, acne-prone, and sensitive. Each one of these has its benefits and challenges. We all need a good face cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF. Understanding your skin type will help you build a skincare routine that truly works for you.

Oily skin occurs when there is a higher production of sebum (skin's natural oil). Some concerns for this type of skin are blackheads and clogged and enlarged pores. People with oily skin may be prone to more pimples, acne, and frequent breakouts.

Dry skin on the other hand is the opposite of oily skin. It is skin that does not produce enough sebum. It may look dull and cause skin cracks.

Combination skin displays two or more characteristics in different areas, for example, dryness and oiliness.

Sensitive skin may react to stressors, including skincare products. Some people may only experience mild irritation, while others may struggle with redness, itching, and regular discomfort.

Regardless of your skin type, drinking a lot of water is vital. This will help you stay hydrated and develop a healthy complexion.

Oily or combination skin will look shiny, feel smooth, and have big pores. Dry or sensitive skin will feel tight after washing, looks red, and wrinkles when pinched.

If you are still in doubt after performing an at-home examination, ask your dermatologist what your skin type is and what regimen would work best for you.

The first thing you should try is dabbing your skin with a tissue. Wait an hour after washing your face and pat your T-zone (your forehead and nose). Take a look at the tissue to see if any oil has rubbed off. If it did, you have oily or combination skin.

Be aware of how your skin feels. Dry skin gives you a tight feeling after cleansing, whereas oily skin will feel cleaner after washing but will start to feel greasy as your day continues. Combination skin will feel clean on the T-zone area but tight on the cheeks. Sensitive skin may react to specific cleansers, forming a rash or red spots.

Suppose you notice your skin does not fall into any of these problem areas, then congratulations! You have normal skin.

Take a look in the mirror. You most likely have dry or sensitive skin if you notice red, flaky patches all over your face. If you see shiny all over your face, you have oily or combination skin. Notice the size of your pores. You have normal skin if you can see them, but they are not large. If you take a few steps back and can still see your pores, you have oily skin; if you can not see them, you have dry skin.

Pinch your skin. You have dry or combination skin if you easily wrinkle after applying pressure. Oily skin will feel smooth.

Keep in mind that your skin type can change with time. It is more common to have oily skin as a teenager, but your skin may get drier as you age. Other factors that may affect your skin are climate. Colder weather may be harsh on your skin, while warmer and humid weather may cause oily skin.

Here is where it gets tricky. Now you know your skin type, it's time to choose products that work for you. All skin types need moisturizing, exfoliating, and deep cleaning. Read our past blog about creating the perfect skincare routine for more information on what products to pick and some we recommend.

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