Determining Skin Type

Determining Skin Type:  Here you will find how to identify what type of skin you have.  If you don’t have a magnifying mirror, I suggest you invest in one and really examine your skin. If, after you review these characteristics you still don’t know what type of skin you have, a brief visit to an esthetician or dermatologist can make that determination.  (Also, you can message me and I can probably tell you.)

Why Does This Matter?  Knowing what type of skin you have is important. You can’t buy the right type of product if you don’t know your skin type. Every day I interview clients and most of them tell me they have “normal” skin when in fact, their skin is combination or some other type. Instead of normal, I prefer the term “consistent”.

The Five Skin Types:

1.  Consistent (Commonly Referred to as Normal) Everyone’s skin is “normal” to them because they live in it every day. That doesn’t help to describe a type of skin. Therefore, I’ve decided to use the term “consistent” instead of normal.

  • Skin feels comfortable, rarely dry, tight or oily.
  • Skin is the same all over the face without some areas drier or oilier than others.
  • Skin has a soft, even texture without flakiness from dryness or shine from oiliness.
  • Breakouts are rare.
  • Pores are visible but not black or enlarged.
  • Makeup will stay on for several hours without the need for touch ups.

2.  Combination (I have found this type to be the most common.)

  • Some areas (usually nose but possibly also forehead or chin) are oily and shiny.
  • Other areas (usually cheeks) feel dry, rough or tight. Dry areas may or may not have flaky spots.
  • May experience occasional breakouts, usually in isolated areas.
  • Pores may be enlarged in the oily areas and may contain black heads or white heads. Pores in the dry areas are smaller and may be visible but not black or enlarged.
  • Makeup will stay on well on the dry areas but may need to be touched up every couple of hours on the oily areas, especially the nose.

3.  Dry (Becomes more common as we age)

  • Skin can feel tight, chapped or rough, especially after cleansing with surfactant products such as soap.
  • May experience dullness, patchiness, itchiness or flakiness.
  • Almost never breaks out.
  • Pores are small and nearly invisible. Pores rarely have black heads or white heads.
  • Makeup will stay on for many hours until it is washed away.

4.  Oily (Very common in teenagers)

  • The skin usually feels supple and never feels tight or dry unless a drying product has been applied.
  • Skin looks oily and shiny all over, especially as the day goes on.
  • Breakouts are a regular part of life.
  • Pores tend to be very visible, especially around the nose, and there may be black heads, white heads or both.
  • Makeup tends to melt away after a couple of hours and needs frequent touch ups.

5.  Sensitive (Can occur at any age and in conjunction with other types)

  • Skin becomes easily irritated or inflamed, especially by fragrances, allergens or climate.
  • Skin gets red, itchy, or stings when trying most new skincare products.
  • May have a diagnosis of Rosacea, eczema or dermatitis.
  • May experience breakouts from any number of irritants.
  • May burn easily and requires sunscreen with a high SPF.
  • Makeup may irritate your skin.
  • Makeup will stay on for several hours without the need for touch ups.
  • Sensitive skin can also be Consistent, Combination, Dry, or Oily! (Yes, you may have any type of skin and also experience allergies or sensitivity issues.)

Your Skin Type Can Change.  Your skin can change as you age or for women, especially as you experience menopause or even peri-menopause. Hormones can cause major shifts in many areas of your body, including your basic chemistry.