The first step
towards beautiful skin is working out what your skin type is.
This is necessary so that you can work out how to care for
your skin, and what products you should use. Below are the
features of the 5 main skin types which you
can compare to your own skin type. Once you have decided
what type your skin is you can find out what the best way is
to look after your skin.
Which of these do
you think is the closest match to your skin?
Normal
Skin Type
Normal skin does not feel
dry or oily.
Pores are visible but not large or clogged.
After a wash it feels smooth and comfortable.
At midday it still looks fresh and clean.
Only occasionally break out in spots.
Caring for Normal
Skin Type:
To care for normal skin you
should start with a gentle foaming facial wash. Massaging it
into your face will give you a rosy complexion. Cool your
skin with a refreshing toner. to finish dot moisturiser onto
your skin and massage it with your fingers in light upward
strokes.
Dry Skin Type
Dry skin has a thin and
papery texture.
It feels dry to touch.
The pores are very fine.
After a wash it feels tight, as though it is too small for
the face.
By midday flaky patches appear.
Hardly ever break out in spots.
Caring for Dry Skin
Type:
For dry skin use a creamy
cleanser to melt away dirt. Leave it on your skin before
sweeping it away with cotton wool. Splash cold water onto
your face to clean and refresh your skin. Use a thick cream
moisturiser to seal in as much moisture as possible.
Check out some home
remedies for dry skin type.
Oily Skin Type
Oily skin feels very
greasy.
The texture is often very thick and coarse.
There are large, visible pores.
After a wash it feels fine.
By midday it looks shiny.
Often break out in spots.
Caring for Oily
Skin Type:
To care for oily skin you
should start with a gentle, foaming facial wash. This will
remove dirt and oil without stripping away moisture. Soak
cotton wool in a gentle astringent lotion and sweep it over
your skin to refresh and cool it. Even oily skin needs a
moisturiser, but chose a light, watery fluid; this will be
enough for your skin. Allow the moisturiser to sink in and
then absorb the excess with a tissue to prevent shine.
Check out some home
remedies for oily skin type.
Combination Skin Type
Combination skin is normal
with a few dry patches and a few oily patches.
Dryness is usually on the cheeks.
Oiliness is usually on the T-zone.
After a wash some areas feel dry and some smooth.
By the midday the T-zone is shiny.
Often break out in spots in the T-zone.
Most women have combination skin.
Caring for
Combination Skin Type:
If you have combination
skin use a foaming facial wash in the mornings to cleanse
your skin. This will keep the oily areas clean to prevent
blackheads. In the evening use a cream cleanser to soothe
your dry areas. This will keep a balance between excess
dryness and excess oiliness. Use a strong astringent for
your oily areas and a mild skin freshener for the dry areas.
This is not an expensive option, as you will only need a
little of each. Use moisturiser on your whole face, but make
sure you concentrate on your drier areas.
Learn more on combination
skin care.
Sensitive Skin Type
Sensitive skin can be
easily irritated.
Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and
stinging.
After a wash a wash it feels dry and itchy in places.
By midday there are flaky patches and some redness.
Occasionally break out in spots.
Check out some home
remedies for sensitive skin type.
Caring for
Sensitive Skin Type:
If you have sensitive skin
do not use facial washes or soap; instead use a light,
hypoallergenic cleansing lotion. Use a moisturiser to
strengthen your skin and provide a barrier against
irritants. Make sure you use an unperfumed moisturiser so as
not to irritate your skin.
