HOW TO DIAGNOSE THE SKIN TYPE OF YOUR FACE AT HOME

How can you determine your skin type? Firstly, it is good to know what skin types exist. These consist of Normal Type, Combination Type, Dry Skin Type, Oily Skin Type and Sensitive Skin. Ideally, your should consult with a dermatologist or beautician. But you can also do this at home with some simple tests.

Normal Skin Type:

Your skin is normal if it...

• is without imperfections

• has no strong sensitivity issues

• has pores that are almost invisible

• has a healthy and radiant colour

Combination Type:

Your skin can be oily in the “T-Zone” (nose, chin and forehead) but dry in other areas. This is a very common skin type and the required treatment will vary depending on the area on the face.

Your skin is a combination type if it has...

• Larger, more open pores

• Blackheads

• Shiny, oily skin

Dry Type:

A dry skin type can be susceptible to cracking, peeling, itchiness or being inflamed. Dry skin is influenced by your genes, weather, UV radiation, long baths or showers and certain ingredients in soaps, cleansers and cosmetics. Dry skin is more susceptible to wrinkles, fine lines, premature ageing and dehydration lines.

Your skin is dry if it has...

• Almost invisible pores

• A dull rough complexion

• Red patchy areas

• More wrinkles and lines

• The skin is less elastic

Oily Type:

Oily skin can be more severe at different times of the year, high heat or humidity ,stress or due to puberty or other hormonal causes.

Your oily is dry if it has...

• Open enlarged pores

• A shiny, oily complexion

• Acne and blackhead blemishes

Sensitive Type:

A sensitive skin type can have many causes.

Your skin is a sensitive if it has...

• Redness

• Burning sensations

• Dryness

• Itchiness

How to visually identify your skin type with a napkin:

1: To know your skin type, first wash it with your usual cleanser. Do not use any additional products or moisturisers after washing.

2: 30 minutes after washing, when the sebaceous glands begin to actively produce sebum, apply a dry or matting napkin to the face for 20 seconds.

3: Assess the condition of the napkin:

- If there is a noticeable oily trace in the area of the T-zone, the skin is combination type.

- An oil stain from all parts of the face indicates an oily skin type.

- If there are barely any noticeable traces of oil on the napkin, your skin type is normal.

- If there are no traces on the napkin at all, then you have a dry skin type.