How to figure out your skin type?

What's up everybody! It's been a while since I've updated. Let's get on with today's topic shall we?

Many people are wondering what type of skin category do they belong to! It might be dry, oily, normal, sensitive and combination depending on personal hormones. It may change depending on the diet, environment or our hormones. 

There are a few factors that may affect the way we look.

1. Age factor

- As we grow older, the replacement process of our cells tends to slow down. This would create lower secretion of natural oil from the sebaceous glands. Due to this, skin may look grey-ish and feel dry.

2. Genetics

3. Diet

- Increasing intake of water, vegetables, fibers, fruits, Vitamin C and E can improve the condition of your skin. Avoid fried food, alcohol and cigarettes.

4. Skin Care

- Skin care is very important. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing creates a healthier skin.

5. Sleep

- Sleeping the right amount of hours and at the right time helps to improve skin. Reduce stress level if possible!

6. External Force

- Long hours in an air-conditioned room can dry up our skin.

SKIN TYPES

1. Oily Skin

- Yes! OILY SKIN! The amount of oil that our sebaceous glands pumps out is enough to fry an egg!! LOL Just Kidding! 

Oily skin causes enlarged pores and tend to have more blackhead and crops of blemishes. However on the bright side, oily skin people tend to stay wrinkle-free longer.

How do I know if I have oily skin?

- You have sudden breakouts and blackheads you can't seem to get rid of no matter what you do!

- You have larger pores.

- Your face is shiny and feels oily when touched.

All the above matches you? Congratulations, you belong to the oily skin category!

What types of products should I use?

- Choose a water based cleanser.

- Use a toner that contains small amount of alcohol to control oily skin.

- Use a gel type moisturizer. Make sure to apply only a small amount.

- Exfoliate at least twice a week.

* Be gentle with your skin care and never use hot water when cleansing.

2. Dry Skin

- Does it feel like a Sahara Desert? XD Dry skin is super annoying cause you constantly feel tight and look flaky. Dry skin is caused by under-active oil glands and it may cause skin to look dull. 

How do I know if I have dry skin?

-  Your skin feels rough and flaky.

- You do not have enlarged pores and very less blackheads.

- You seldom have oily skin. You tend to feel tightness and irritation.

What types of product should I use?

- You may use a water-based or cream type cleanser.

- Use a very mild alcohol-free toner.

- Rich type cream moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. 

- Exfoliate once every few weeks.

* Use a hydrating mask once a week.

3. Combination skin

- 2 in 1!! It's either oily or dry! *Make up your mind skin!!* I personally am a combination skin type and it's frustrating. But it's pretty common among the population. Some area are flaky/dry and the T-zone area got claimed by the oil gang! Super shiny nose and forehead! 

How do I know if I have Combination skin?

- Some dry patches and some oily patches.

- Your skin tend to change according to season or environment.

What types of product should I use?

- Water-based cleanser is fine.

- Use a non-alcohol/mild toner.

- Use a gel type moisturizer that is the lightest.

- Exfoliate your skin once to twice a week. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin)

4. Sensitive skin

Yes! I personally belong to the sensitive category too! T_T

Our skin reacts to almost everything! You have to be extra cautious on choosing your products if you have sensitive skin.

How do I know if I have Sensitive skin?

- Rashes after using a certain product.

- Red patches and irritation.

- Skin starts to peel and feels dry.

What types of product should I use?

- Make sure to choose your product carefully. Use a hypo-allergenic cleanser.

- You may not certainly need a specific type of toner, mineral water in a spray bottle will do.

- Use the lightest type of gel moisturizer. Be sure it's a fragrance free moisturizer.

- You may choose a light exfoliation such as peel off scrub once a month. Be sure not not irritate the skin with rough particles in the exfoliation. 

* Careful when choosing products. Be sure to choose alcohol free and fragrance free products. Test out products before using it!

5. Normal Skin

Congratulations and everyone hates you cause you happen to have the best skin type. Having normal skin type means your skin is basically perfect! It's the perfect mixture of oil, acid mantle and moisture. You are free from blemishes. Be glad you have it! 

How do I know if I have Normal skin type?

- First of all, you do not breakout all the time.

- Your face is not super oily or super dry.

- Do not have enlarges pores or flaky skin.

- Perfect smooth texture.

What types of product should I use?

- You lucky! You get to use whatever type of cleanser that favors you. Water based cleanser is fine too~

- Light toner and lightest gel moisturizer only.

- Once a week exfoliate and use a mask pack to maintain your skin!

~

There you have it! Have you figure out what type of skin category you belong to? Make sure to choose the correct products according to your skin type. You wouldn't want to add more oily/heavy products to your already oily skin OR putting products that consist alcohol to your dry skin making it worst~