WHAT’S YOUR SKIN TYPE?
Every skin is different; therefore, it is important to know all types of skin. Several criteria are used to classify the different types of skin.
There are so many products on the market that target various types of skin — but how can you figure out which type of skin you have?
Most people are wrong when they guess their skin type, they are mostly wrong about whether they are oily or dry and if they have sensitive skin.”
It can be especially tricky to figure out your true skin type because it can change over time and can be affected by climate, hormones and diet.
How to Identify Skin Type?
There are five types of healthy skin: normal, sensitive, dry, oily, combination (both oily and dry skin). Below, we describe the main characteristics of each type of skin.
1. Normal skin
Our Normal Skincare Bundle washes away impurities without stripping the skin of moisture. Normal skin is skin that can tolerate most things without overreacting. There is no medical definition of normal skin, but broadly speaking, it could mean that the skin is healthy and well hydrated. Normal skin makes enough sebum to hydrate the skin, so, in reality, normal skin is oily skin with just enough sebum production to keep skin healthy.
This skin is neither too dry nor too oily. It has regular texture, no imperfections and a clean, soft appearance, no severe sensitivity, barely visible pores, a radiant complexion and does not need special care.
2. Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is more prone to react to stimuli to which normal skin does not react. It is fragile skin, usually accompanied by feelings of discomfort, such as heat, tightness, redness or itching. This type of skin loses its barrier (or protective) function, making it easy for microorganisms and irritant substances to enter it, and increasing the possibility of having an infection and allergic reactions. It is a delicate skin that needs more care to fight dryness, roughness and its usual appearance. Sometimes, it is referred to as irritated skin instead of sensitive, but these terms are synonymous and there are no dermatological differences between them.
3. Dry skin
In many cases, dry skin is caused by external factors such as the weather, low air humidity and immersion in hot water, and it is usually temporary. However, for some people, it may occur more often and even be a lifelong condition. Since dry skin can crack leaving it more exposed to bacteria, although in general, this is not serious, it may cause other skin disorders, such as eczema, or be more prone to infections if not properly managed.
Dry skin signs and symptoms may vary depending on different factors such as age, health status or their cause. It is generally characterized by a feeling of tightness and roughness. It may also acquire an ashy grey color, with the occurrence of desquamation, itching, redness and small cracks. Cracked skin is usually observed in very dry skin and presents small cracks, which, in more serious cases, maybe deeper. If it’s very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs and even bleed. Try out our Dry Skincare Bundle which help restore the skin’s protective barrier.
4. Oily skin
Oily skin has a porous, humid and bright appearance. It is caused by stress, too much humidity, excessive fat production by sebaceous glands, and is usually determined by genetic and/or hormonal causes. It is frequent in adolescents and young people under 30 years old and is usually related to the occurrence of sebum.
You may have: enlarged, clearly visible pores, dull or shiny, thick complexion, blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes. Oiliness can change depending upon the time of year or the weather. This is a great time to apply our Oily Skincare Bundle.
5. Combination skin
Based on its location, it presents characteristics of both dry and oily skin since the distribution of sebaceous and sweat glands is not homogeneous. Combination skin can have an oily T-zone (forehead, chin and nose), enlarged pores in this area perhaps with some impurities, normal to dry cheeks, pores that look larger than normal because they’re more open, blackheads, shiny skin.
The causes of combination skin can occur when the oilier parts of combination skin are caused by an overproduction of sebum. The drier parts of combination skin are caused by a lack of sebum and a corresponding lipid deficiency. Combination Skincare Bundle by Pink Elephant Cosmetics is good for refining pores and smoothing texture but it’s also anti-inflammatory, so suitable for redness-prone skin.
Can Skin Type Change?
The general assumption is that your skin type is definitive. Once you’ve determined that you have dry, oily, or combination skin and built your skincare routine around it, you won’t have to worry about any changes. The reality is that our skin type can change over time due to environmental factors, age, hormones and other health-related issues. Yes, your skin can transform from oily to dry, combination, or sensitive, but it doesn't just happen on its own. There are factors like climate, medications, stress levels, and diet that can cause a minor or major adjustment to your skin type.
The 6 Basics of Skin Care
No matter what type of skin you have, these tips will keep it looking its best.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
- Avoid direct sunlight, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Don't smoke.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wash your skin gently but thoroughly every day and never wear makeup to bed.
- Moisturize.
Regardless of what kind of skin you have, it can also be sensitive or prone to acne breakouts, though those with normal skin are less likely to experience either. However, with the right products, you can care for your skin while addressing sensitivity or acne blemishes.