Knowing your skin type is the very first step to building a skincare routine that delivers results. Everywhere you turn, numerous ads will tell you to buy this essence or get this serum. With the endless number of products and brands in the market, how can you choose one that works?
Despite the vast amounts of products available in the market, the hallmark of a good skincare routine isn’t about how many products you are using. Instead, it is about using the right products suitable for your skin.
Have you ever wondered why certain products you’ve seen countless influencers promote online do not work for you? The short answer is that it probably wasn’t meant for your skin to begin with.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we will provide you with all you need to know when it comes to identifying your skin type and finding the products that would help you attain the healthy, glowing skin you’ve always wanted.
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Knowing your skin type matters
Apart from it being the foundation to building a solid skincare routine, here’s why knowing your skin type matters:
- You would not be wasting your money, buying products that don’t work.
- You would avoid the risk of damaging your skin with products that cause irritation or flare-ups.
- It narrows down your choices in the vast beauty and skincare market
So, let’s get into how you can identify your skin type.
A simple test to identifying your skin type
This is a simple test you can run at home without any fancy machines or beauty advisors.
Step 1: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Step 2: Pat your skin dry and leave it bare. Do not apply any skincare at this point.
Step 3: After 30 minutes, check on your skin’s condition
- If it is shiny and you feel greasy all over, you have oily skin.
- If it feels flaky and tight, you have dry skin.
- if you have a shiny forehead and nose but not on your cheeks, you have combination skin.
- If everything feels balanced and feels comfortable, you have normal skin.
- If your skin itches, has redness or burns, you have sensitive skin.
Do note that it is possible for you to have a combination of a few of these skin types. In Singapore, because of our hot and humid climate, most of us suffer from oily and or acne-prone skin. While it might not be the case for all of us, it is possible that you might have sensitive + dry skin or sensitive + oily skin, everyone is different. With that, let’s go into some general indicators of different skin types and what you should avoid.
The 5 main skin types
Normal Skin
Moisture levels feels balanced, you don’t get oily throughout the day, and your skin does not feel dry or flaky. You rarely get blemishes and the texture is smooth
Skincare products to look out for:
- Gentle everyday cleanser and lightweight moisturisers.
- No need for actives / acids (Salicylic, Lactic, Niacinamide,etc)
- Focus can be to merely protect or maintain what you already have
Dry Skin
Your skin gets flaky, and you often see dry patches of skin on your face. Skin texture can be rough, and sometimes appears dull. More prone to fine lines.
Skincare products to look out for:
- Products that are generally more hydrating and emolient
- Things that have hyaluronic acids, glycerin or ceramides
- AVOID: Alcohols and harsh exfoliants that might irritate the skin
Oily Skin
Gets shiny throughout the day, pores are enlarged and you’re prone to acne and blackheads
Skincare products to look out for:
- Oil-free, lightweight products.
- Gel like formulas that are clear
- AVOID: Heavy moisturisers that feels oily – clog your pores and cause breakouts
Combination Skin
Oily in the T-Zone ( Forehead, nose and chin) while having dry skin on the cheeks.
Skincare products to look out for:
- Gel cleansers and lightweight products
- Can consider using different products for different parts of your face
Sensitive Skin
Gets red easily or it itches. Skin might sometimes sting or burn with certain products.
Skincare products to look out for:
- gentle products that are fragrance free and soothing ****
- AVOID: chemical / physical exfoliants that are too harsh and abrasive and products that contain alcohol
To conclude, despite these general guidelines, everyone’s skin is different at the end of the day. Throughout your journey, you’ll experiment as you go along and you’ll ultimately find a mix of products that you’ll grow to trust and rely on.
Important things to do regardless of your skin type:
- Always do a patch test on your wrist before using any products on your face
- Read labels and always do your research before you buy any products
- Only use and buy products you feel in your gut suits you. Do not rely on what’s trending, who uses it or celebrity endorsements to choose your skincare.
This guide is part of a series to help you begin your journey into building your skincare routine.
Next, refer to our next article on “How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works” where you’ll learn how to build a skincare routine that is effective to you without feeling overwhelmed.