Identify your skin type
Identifying your skin type allows you to provide it with the most appropriate care. There are four main skin types:
- A rather shiny appearance will indicate skin with an oily tendency
- A thin, tight skin appearance after showering will indicate dry skin
- A smooth and even appearance will indicate normal skin
- A dry appearance on the cheeks, but rather oily on the forehead, nose and chin will indicate combination skin
A simple test allows you to be more precise about the nature of your skin, in order to distinguish its type:
- Do a facial cleansing
- Take a 30-minute break
- Apply strips of tissue paper: one on the temple towards the cheek, the other on the middle area, namely which will start from the nose, towards the chin, covering the nose.
- Leave the strips in place for a few minutes, pressing lightly to hold them in place.
- If there are traces on both strips, the skin is most likely oily
- If few traces are present, the skin is most likely normal
- If no traces are present, the skin is most likely dry
- If traces are present only on the strip of the middle zone, the skin is most certainly combination
This test is indicative and allows you to get an idea of your skin type. Only a dermatologist can perform a skin diagnosis.
What is oily skin?
Oily skin is caused by excess sebum, which visually gives it a shiny, glossy appearance. The skin appears thick, the texture is uneven, and the pores are enlarged.
Oily skin is often prone to the development of blackheads, pimples, acne, or microcysts.
They are nevertheless less fragile than dry skin thanks to the hydrolipidic film which protects against skin drying out.
They are therefore less marked by the signs of aging. Oily skin is most often found in adolescents.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin lacks sebum, unlike oily skin. The hydrolipidic film is too thin, and the skin is no longer protected and becomes easily dehydrated.
Dry skin is recognizable by its fine, tight-grained appearance. It is easily irritated and often presents with redness and imperfections.
When it is cold they feel red and itchy.
Older people are most affected by dry skin, as sebum secretion decreases with age.
What is normal skin?
Normal skin has a regular texture and an even complexion. Sebaceous gland activity is normal and well balanced.
What is combination skin?
Combination skin will have both an oily area (forehead, nose, chin) and dry areas (cheeks, temples).