Determining Your Skin Type

Helpful tips on figuring out what kind of skin type you have, and finding the appropriate products for it.
25 Feb, 2011

In the world of cosmetics, makeup and beauty, sometimes determining our skin type can be tricky. What we think we are, we aren't and vice versa. Maybe you're a young woman and you simply don't know. Maybe you're a mature woman and your skin is changing. Whatever the case may be, I'm here to help!

First, let's take a look at a few descriptions:

Normal Skin/Combination Skin – You have a smooth and even texture to your skin with healthy color and medium-sized pores. If you have combination skin, you may have dryness on your cheeks and/or oiliness in your T-Zone (forehead and nose).

Oily Skin – Your skin is shiny, prone to blackheads/blemishes and your pores are large. An easy way to tell for certain if your skin is oily is to take an oil blotting paper or rice paper and press it to your face. If it turns clear, you have oily skin.

Sensitive Skin – Your skin is delicate (becoming red easily and you may find you're allergic to many skin care products and/or cosmetics), thin texture, flushes easily and your pores are fine. You may have broken capillaries as well.

Dry Skin – Your skin feels tight after cleansing and you have a tendency towards fine lines/wrinkles, flaking and red areas (ashy for colored women). When using the blotting paper/rice paper method – if it doesn't stick, your skin is dry.

Once you've determined your skin type, you'll be better able to choose the appropriate skin care products. For example:

• Sensitive skin-types don't want products with high alcohol content.


• Dry skin-types want heavier moisturizers (usually creams).


• Oily skin-types look for mattifying products.

Many companies, both drugstore and high-end alike, have skin care lines geared towards individual skin types. Hopefully this article has helped you determine your skin type and give you a better idea as to what you should look for in skin care products! Visit MakeupTalk.com for the newest in makeup trends, cosmetic information and makeup tutorials.

Contributor: NeutraKris
MakeupTalk Blog Editor