Knowing your skin type is one of the first steps to take when embarking on a skincare regimen. The knowledge of your skin type will not only make you feel confident but will also help you decide what product to use and what regimen to follow to maintain healthy and flawless skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Each skin type is determined by the amount of sebum (oil) an individual’s skin produces. Sebum is an oil-like substance produced by the sebaceous gland and helps prevent potentially harmful pathogens from entering the body.

Skin type can change over time due to age, humidity, hormones, stress, ageing and several other factors. But you don’t have to worry if you're unsure what your skin type is. This article will show you an easy-peasy procedure for determining your skin type - even from the comfort of your home.

Skin Types and Their Characteristics –

Oily skin

Oily skin is characterised by the excessive production of sebum which makes the T-zone glow and greasy when touched. People with oily skin are more prone to pimples and acne. And are advised by Dermatologists to use non-comedogenic products.

Dry skin 

Dry skin produces a lower amount of sebum than needed. Which often makes the skin appear dry, rough and cracked. People with dry skin are advised to make moisturisers their best friends and to avoid long and excessively hot showers.

Normal skin 

Normal skin is often referred to as balanced skin because it has no obvious signs of oily or dry skin. This amount of sebum produced is moderate but sufficient enough to keep the skin evenly moisturised.

Combination skin

People with combination skin have a mix of both oily and dry skin. Some areas, especially the T-zone (Head, Nose, and chin), may be oily, while the cheeks are usually dry.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is the type of skin that is easily irritated and has little or no tolerance. However, sensitive skin, unlike other skin types, is not caused by the amount of sebum (oil) produced by the skin.

How to Know Your Skin Type 

  1. Carefully wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
  2. Pat dry with a clean towel and wait for about 30 minutes.
  3. You most likely have oily skin if your skin looks shiny all over.
  4. It is most likely that you have dry skin if your skin appears flaky and feels dry.
  5. If your T-zone is shiny and other areas are not, you are most likely to have combination skin.
  6. If your skin is neither oily nor dry, then you most likely have normal skin.