Skincare can be all about using lotions, toners, and moisturisers. However, before you pick a product that promises smooth and supple skin, it is important to find out if that product is suitable for your skin type. More importantly, whether you have dry skin or oily skin, it will react differently when seasons change. 

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and harsh products can damage its complex tissues. So, it is best to understand skin types and what suits your skin the best before you make your purchase. 

Everyone has a distinct skin type. Some of the common skin types are oily skin, combination skin, and dry skin. The plethora of products available in the market can be confusing when you do not know what is best for your skin. So, what is your skin type? Let us help you find out!

The Basic Skin Types

As a rule, skin can be dry, oily, or a combination of the two. However, some skins are sensitive, and the lucky few even have normal skin!

What’s Your Skin Type?

Have you wondered about how to know your skin type?

A close examination of your skin will tell you whether it feels dry and flaky or if you feel the grease on your fingertips when you touch your skin.

• Normal skin: This skin type is not too dry, nor is it too oily. 
• Oily skin: This skin type has a greasy, oily sheen. Because of the build-up of sebum, this skin type may be prone to pimples and acne. 
• Dry skin: A dry and flaky appearance is the hallmark of dry skin. The skin may feel itchy and tight.
• Combination skin: This skin type is a blend of dry and oily skin. More often than not, the combination skin type has a T-zone of greasy skin covering the forehead, the nose, and the chin. The cheeks have dry skin. 
• Sensitive skin: A sensitive skin flushes easily and reacts adversely to certain cosmetics and products.

For a broad, basic analysis to find out your skin type, you can conduct this simple test. Take some blotting paper and pat it onto your skin. If there is no oil on the paper, you may have dry skin. If the paper comes away with oil from all areas of the skin, you have oily skin. If only the T-zone comes back oily, it means you have combination skin. 

What Measures Should You Take to Protect Your Skin?

• For acne-prone oily skin 

Products with salicylic acid are perfect for this skin type, as it penetrates the skin and attacks the acne bacteria. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for skincare. Salicylic acid reduces the inflammation in clogged skin pores by combating the germs present in the acne. It clears the skin without causing oiliness. It works well on blackheads and whiteheads too. However, moderation is the key; overuse of the product can cause skin irritation.

If you have oily skin without acne and blemishes, beta hydroxy acid is the right choice, as it reduces oil in the skin. This acid is less harsh and is present in most facial scrubs and moisturisers. 

Tips for oily skin

• Use moisturiser religiously.
• Keep the skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Remove bacteria and dirt by washing your face twice daily.

• For dry skin

AHAs [alpha hydroxy acids] are the go-to product for dry skin that is not sensitive. Honey is a good alternative as it keeps the moisture trapped in the skin, something that dry skin needs. Honey has antimicrobial properties that help the skin’s immune system to adapt. 

If your skin is dry and sensitive, it’s best to test products on a patch of skin before you use them. Substances such as citric, lactic, glycolic and mandelic acids are AHAs that are good for skin that is not prone to breakouts. 

The word ‘acid’ is a misnomer as these are gentle on the skin. They work deep into the pores and on the surface too. 

Tips for dry skin

• Moisturise regularly.
• Don’t rub your skin, pat dry.
• Avoid taking long baths.
• Stay hydrated.
• Use sunscreen.

• For combination skin 

Since combination skin is a contradictory mix of oily and dry skin, finding the right ingredient that doesn’t clog the pores and cause dry skin is not easy. Hyaluronic acid is your ingredient of choice for combination skin. Amazingly, hyaluronic acid can combat oiliness and dryness at the same time. 

Tips for combination skin 

• Exfoliate the skin every few days.
• Avoid harsh products for cleansing.
• Keep separate skincare regimens for the two areas.
• Purchase oil-free products.

• For normal skin 

For normal skin, the chances of breakouts and blackheads are low. As such, you can use a variety of products without fear.

Tips on maintaining normal skin: 

If you are blessed with normal skin, here are some tips on how to look after it.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Use moisturiser religiously.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Make sure to remove makeup at bedtime.

• For sensitive skin 

As there are chances of irritation if you have sensitive skin, opt for products with ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or oatmeal. Being excellent moisturisers, you don’t have to worry about breakouts and irritation.

Tips for sensitive skin 

• Avoid too many products for your skin.
• Hypoallergenic labels can be deceptive. A patch test is essential.

Dealing with Other Skin Issues:

• A blemished uneven skin tone: An uneven skin tone can be a downer, especially if you have an event to attend. A simple remedy for blotchiness is tea tree oil. You can add a few drops to a base oil or moisturiser before you apply it. You can use it as is, as well. 

• Combating signs of ageing: Fine lines and wrinkles are very much a part of ageing. And while you take it in your stride, some products can delay its signs. One of the better options amongst the array of products available in the market is retinol. Judicially applying retinol to your skin can reduce the signs of ageing, making you look young. 

• Spider veins: Spider veins on the face can be distressing. You can control their appearance with vitamin A creams or tretinoins, as they cause collagen to build up near the surface of the skin. This makes the broken blood vessels less visible.

• Age spots: A part of the ageing process, age spots or liver spots are caused by long periods of sun exposure. They are common on the arms, face, and hands. Hydroquinone, a bleaching cream, is the first-line treatment advised for hyper-pigmentation. The spots lighten after prolonged treatment. 

Appearance matters. And your face is the first thing that people see when you meet them. Caring for your skin diligently with meticulously formulated products, like Conscious Chemist’s, is sure to make heads turn. But more importantly, you will love the person staring back at you from the mirror even more!