When we go to a store or look online, there are so many different types of cosmetics, soaps, and cleansers for our skin. When we see some of them, we think, "Oh... if I use this, my skin will be beautiful." But have you thought about one thing? Not all of these products are suitable for everyone's skin. To choose the right one for your skin, you first need to know exactly what your skin type is.
Simply put, our skin type is determined by a few key factors. That is,
- The amount of water in the skin (this affects the comfort and elasticity of the skin).
- Oiliness of the skin (this affects the softness of the skin).
- Skin sensitivity ( the skin 's reaction to certain things).
Okay, so let's now see what these skin types are and which type your skin belongs to.
Main skin types and their characteristics
Skin can be divided into several main types. Let's talk about each of these types separately. I have created a table below to make this information easy to understand.
| Skin Type | Common features |
|---|---|
| Normal Skin | This is the type of skin that most people want. Neither oily nor dry. Balanced. - Fewer blemishes. - Not very sensitive. - Skin pores are barely visible. - It has a bright, radiant appearance. |
| Oily Skin | The face has an oily, shiny appearance. - The pores on the skin appear larger. - Blackheads, acne, and other blemishes may occur. - The skin may be thicker and have a slightly darker appearance. |
| Dry Skin | The skin is less moist and feels tight. - The pores on the skin are almost invisible. - It has a dark, rough appearance. - Sometimes red spots appear. - The skin loses elasticity and wrinkles appear more quickly. |
| Combination Skin | This is the type that most people have. Some areas of the face are dry, some areas are oily. - The forehead, nose and chin (we call this the T-zone) are oily. - Other areas, like the cheeks, are normal or dry. - The pores in the T-zone appear larger, and blackheads appear. |
| Sensitive Skin | The skin of people with this skin type quickly becomes red, itchy, and inflamed. - It reacts quickly when you apply a new coating or change the type of soap. - Skin redness, itching, inflammation, and dryness can often be seen. |
Special care needs for each skin type
Now that you have a rough idea of your skin type, let's take a look at each of these types in a little more depth and how to care for them.
If you have dry skin...
If your skin is dry, it can sometimes crack, peel, itch, and become inflamed . Especially on the backs of your hands and feet, it can become rough and scaly.
Things that can cause dry skin:
- Genetic influences: Maybe your mother's father's genes are dry.
- Aging and hormonal changes : As we age, the skin's oiliness naturally decreases.
- Weather: Excessive wind, sun, or cold weather can dry out the skin.
- Indoor heating and AC: These absorb moisture from the room.
- UV rays: Just like being in the sun, ultraviolet rays from tanning beds are also harmful.
- Frequent bathing in hot water: Bathing in hot water several times a day, for too long, can strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Chemicals found in some soaps, cosmetics, and cleansers.
- Some medications .
Try these things to take care of your dry skin: Don't shower more than once a day, and keep it short. Use a mild, non-abrasive soap or cleanser. After bathing, pat your skin dry and apply a good moisturizer right away.
If you have oily skin...
People with this skin type often have acne problems. This condition can increase, especially during adolescence, with hormonal changes (puberty). Stress, extreme heat, and humid weather can also affect this.
To take care of oily skin:
- Don't wash your face more than twice a day (but wash it more often if you sweat a lot).
- Use a mild, non-aggressive cleanser. Don't rub too hard.
- Don't squeeze or pop pimples. Doing so will delay healing and leave scars.
- When buying cosmetics or skin care products, choose those that are labeled "noncomedogenic." This means that they "will not clog pores."
If you have sensitive skin...
If you have sensitive skin, the best thing you can do is figure out what triggers your skin. That means knowing what your triggers are and avoiding them. Often, this condition occurs as a reaction to certain types of cosmetics.
Before using a new product, test it on a small area, like behind your ear, for a day. Only use it on your face if there is no allergic reaction (redness, itching). This is called a patch test.
Why is it so important to know our skin type?
Imagine, your skin is dry, but you are using a product made for oily skin. What happens is that your skin becomes even drier. Therefore, to choose the right product for your skin, it is essential to know your skin type.
Also think about these things:
- Your skin tone: Does your skin burn easily in the sun? Or rarely?
- Your skincare goals: Do you want to slow down aging? Treat a skin condition like acne or rosacea? Or are you concerned about dark circles under your eyes?
- Your personal habits: Do you smoke? Do you spend a lot of time in the sun? Do you eat a balanced diet? All of these affect your skin.
This information will help you choose the best care for your skin. If you need further advice on this, it is best to talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to refer you to a dermatologist.
6 basic skin care tips for any skin type
No matter what your skin type, if you follow these simple habits, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing.
1. Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Avoid direct sunlight: Wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun.
3. Avoid smoking: Smoking ages the skin prematurely.
4. Drink plenty of water: Drinking the required amount of water throughout the day helps to retain moisture in the skin.
5. Gently cleanse your skin: Gently cleanse your skin daily. Never go to bed with makeup on.
6. Apply a moisturizer: Using a moisturizer that suits your skin type daily can help protect your skin's moisture.
Take-Home Message
- Accurately identifying your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal) is the first step in skin care.
- Choose products that are specifically formulated for your skin type. Look for labels like "noncomedogenic."
- Regardless of your skin type, it's essential to use sunscreen daily, drink plenty of water, and cleanse your skin gently.
- If you have acne, excessive dryness, or long-term skin problems, do not treat based on guesswork but see your doctor or a dermatologist.
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