The skin is our largest organ in the body and requires a lot of care for the essential functions it plays such as sensation, temperature regulation, immunity, endocrine function and protection of the human body as a whole.
It's important to determine your skin type so that the products you are using are most effective.
You may have heard of the three basic types of skin which are oily, normal or dry. One could have any of the three basic types or a combination of them such as normal to dry or normal to oily. The skin type plays a fundamental role in treating acne, which is caused by clogged pores or follicles that contain a hair and sebaceous oil glands.
So how can you determine your skin type?
There are three main steps through which the skin type can be determined;
1. Wash your face as normal but don’t use any moisturiser
2. Wait for two hours
3. Dab your face with a facial tissue
4. Determine your skin type as follows
The skin type is mainly determined depending on the following results after the steps:
Normal Skin – Is not too dry and not too oily. It has no or few imperfections, no severe sensitivity, barely visible pores and generally a radiant complexion.
Combination Skin - Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). It’s probably the most common skin type. Combination skin can have pores that look larger than normal, because they’re more open, blackheads, shiny skin and dry skin.
Dry Skin – Has almost invisible pores, a dull, rough complexion, red patches, is less elastic and has more visible lines. Dry skin can crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If it’s very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.
Dry skin may be caused or made worse by the elements such as wind and sun, dry air indoors caused by heating, long and hot baths and showers as well as synthetic ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products.
Oily Skin – May may have enlarged pores, dull or shiny, blackheads, pimples and is prone to breakouts.
It is important to know your skin type that you can choose the most effective treatment for your skin which will be beneficial In terms of a smooth, clear skin and healthy skin all time.