YourSkincare Vanity

With so much information available it is bit confusing figuring out how to take care for our skin. But before we start thinking about product it is very important to understand our skin type. There are usually 5 categories of skin, they are

1. Normal Skin
2. Combination Skin
3. Oily Skin
4. Dry Skin
5. Sensitive Skin

So how to find out your skin type follow the following steps:

• Remove makeup and wash your face with a mild cleanser using warm water
• Pat dry your skin using a clean towel
• Wait for an hour don’t apply any products on your skin including moisturizer or acne spot-treatments for one hour. Avoid touching your face as well. Let your skin return to its natural state
• After one hour it is the time you determine your skin type based on your natural skin’s characteristics.

Go in the front of mirror and check the following characteristics:

1. Normal Skin:

If you see no sign of flaking or oiliness and your skin feels balanced then you have normal skin. Skin pores are not that visible and your skin feels smooth and well.

Product to be used: Look for lightweight moisturizer that is not too heavy or light

2. Combination Skin:

If your skin feels oily in T-zone (Forehead, Nose and Chin) and rest part of your face is normal to dry then you have combination skin. You might be prone to dry patches on your cheeks and prone to acne on oily parts of your face. You may notice breakouts mostly on forehead or nose areas but rest of part is dry to normal. You can see large pores on your nose area.

Product to be used: Use oily areas with gel or oil free formulas and use light lotion on your cheek areas. You can find many products in market for combination skin.

3. Oily Skin:

If skin looks shiny and sticky to touch, then you have oily skin. You have breakouts often even you passed your teen age then you have oily skin. Large pores are visible and your skin emits larger amount of oil then required.

Products to use: You can use oil free moisturizer, light weight moisturizer that are gel based or water based. Using a toner is a must because it cleanses pores and prevents blackheads too.

4. Dry Skin:

If you have dry skin your skin feels tight and stretched. It tends to look flaky, scaly and can be dull too. You won’t be able to notice pores (that’s a good thing) but fine lines are noticeable. Dry skin can feel rough in places and can be prone to irritation and sensitivity too.

Products to use: Use a thick moisturizer, oil based products and products that are meant for dry skin. Using  hydrating night cream and under eye cream are also important for dry skin as dry skin is prone to wrinkles as well.

5. Sensitive Skin:

If skin feels itchy, patchy, dry and stingy sometimes. People with sensitive skin have normal to large pores varies from person to person. Sensitive skin are prone to rashes, bumps, sensitive to UV rays too.

Products to use: It is difficult to find products for sensitive skin as any ingredients may irritate your skin. Sensitive skin usually requires moisturizer that are fragrant free and products that are free from harsh chemicals and alcohol. Always do a patch test before using any products.