A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding One’s Skin Type (and Caring for It) 

There is a common phrase in every skincare guide – ‘understand your skin type before buying any product.’ What does that mean? Do we all have different skin types? Do we all need different skin care products to achieve the same results, i.e., glowing skin? If you are wondering, “how to know your skin type?” this guide is your first step to achieving your #SkinCareGoals. 

Skin type is the most important factor when cultivating your unique skincare routine. This is because there are different skin types- oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive- and each has its limitations and benefits. In addition, different skin types need different formulations to reap maximum benefits. Read along! 

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Key learning points:

1. The unique skin type is the outcome of oil (sebum) produced by the skin. Skin’s oiliness can change over time under different circumstances, such as weather, humidity, aging, stress, genetics, hormones, etc. 

2. Additionally, your skincare goals have a role to play in curating your unique skin care regimen but again, your skin type matters. 

What’s your Skin Type?

As the body’s largest organ, the skin has a lot of functions to get done. You will be surprised that it regulates body temperature, checks bacterial growth, and protects you from harsh weather stressors. The skin is made up of lipids, known as ceramides. They are important as they hold our skin cells together to keep our skin barrier intact. 

Although your skin’s protective barrier acts as a gatekeeper between the skin and environmental factors, it is also important to learn that an individual’s skin is unique in many ways. This means no formula fits all. So let’s understand different skin types and their unique characteristics so you can cultivate your skincare regime accordingly.

1. Oily skin

Oily skin produces excess sebum, making your face look shinier and greasy, especially around your T-zone. According to several experts, people with oily skin are less likely to get signs of premature aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. But they are more susceptible to problems like acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. 

It’s a myth that oily skin does not need moisturization. A moisturizer keeps the skin’s protective barrier intact and hydrates the skin without triggering breakouts. The ideal care routine for oily skin should be a gentle cleanser that helps remove dirt from the skin, followed by non-comedogenic and oil-free face moisturizer to meet your skin’s essentials. 

2. Dry skin 

Dry skin appears dry, flaky, and irritated. It often feels so tight or stretchy, especially right after cleansing. You may assume it is dehydrated skin, which is more prone to fine lines and hyperpigmentation and looks scaly. A skincare routine for dry skin should have soothing and hydrating skin care products that won’t disturb the skin’s pH while boosting moisturization. 

Once you cleanse your face with a sulfate-free face cleanser, tap into an alcohol-free face toner to boost your hydration level. A face toner that is chemical and toxin-free would work the best because it helps restore skin’s radiance without triggering any irritation. Then use an ultra-hydrating moisturizer (non-comedogenic) or face cream to lock in moisture and restore a natural glow to the skin. 

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Pro-tip: Avoid hot waters or showers, even if you are tempted. Hot showers may strip the skin’s natural oils, irritating skin in the winter. Besides, avoid over-moisturizing your skin to prevent acne and breakouts. 

3.Normal skin

Normal skin is not too dry or oily. Like oily skin, it is not exposed to acne, breakout, flakiness, etc. Instead, normal skin has smaller pores and smooth skin texture, giving a hydrant look to the face. 

But that doesn’t imply that people with normal skin can use regular face cleansers or swear by any skincare routine. Instead, they should opt for skin care products that help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and lock in moisture. 

4. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin type is often irritated and inflamed. It is either too oily sensitive, normal sensitive, or dry-sensitive skin, meaning any category you fall into is concerning. If you use regular skin care products on such skin types, you might have an itching or burning sensation. So be careful when choosing products and root for your dedicated skin care regimen. 

Such skin types are sensitive to changes in environmental factors or external irritants. Therefore, stay away from those ingredients and products formulated with those ingredients. To prevent irritation, your skin care regimen should feature mild cleansers, oil-free moisturizers, and aloe vera face gel. Don’t slack off the use of an SPF when stepping out. 

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Fun Fact: No skin type is the same forever. Unarguably, skin care products that worked for you in summer might not work for your skin in winter. 

5. Combination skin

The combination skin type is slightly strange- it is dry or normal on your face except for the oily T-zone. In addition,

 usually changes with shifts in weather or other factors such as stress, genes, hormones, etc. So, to maintain skin texture, consider shaking up your skincare routine. 

Although double cleansing works for every skin type, it is best for combination skin. 

Ensure that your skin care regimen includes effective cleansing and moisturizing. For example, you can use products crafted with ceramides to restore the skin’s radiance and ensure proper moisturization. Or go for light products that moisturize flaky areas and only apply treatments to specific areas such as your T-zone. 

Reminder: Dehydrated skin is not categorized as a skin type but as a particular condition. You can have dehydrated skin that’s also oily, a combination, or any other type. To boost your skin’s hydration levels, you should use a hydrating face mask twice or thrice a week in addition to your existing skincare regimen. 

How can I identify my Skin Type at Home?

If you’re still unable to identify your skin type based on the description mentioned above, there are tests that you can undergo at home for a definitive conclusion. Skincare experts suggest two methods to help rule out your skin type-

1. The “watch and wait” method

This easy at-home test determines your skin type based on how it shows up after cleansing in the morning. Here are the steps-

– Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then gently pat it dry. Do not apply any makeup or skin care products. 

– Wait for 30 minutes.

– You likely have oily skin if your face appears shiny or oily throughout.

– You likely have dry skin if it is stretchy or tight after the wash. 

– If your T-zone is shimmery but not the rest of the face, it points out you have combination skin. 

– Minimal oil or flakiness, or redness likely suggests you have normal skin. 

2. The blotting sheet method

This quick and effective way gives excellent results when differentiating between oily and dry skin type. This will probably work for you if you don’t have time for the watch-and-wait method. Here are the steps:

– Just take some good-quality blotting paper and gently pat it on different areas of your face. Don’t swipe.

– Now hold the blotting sheet to the light to notice the oil marks. 

– If the sheet has excess oil from all areas of your face, you likely have oily skin. 

– You have combination skin if there is only a small amount of oil on the nose, forehead, and chin.

– You have dry skin if you see no oil marks on the sheet. 

– If there is only a bit of oil, you have normal skin. 

3. ‘Get your picture taken’ method

There is another method that dermatologists use to help evaluate your skin behavior; it is called the photographic method. Vascular filters can show excess or unhealthy blood vessel distribution, indicating sensitive, irritated, and inflamed skin. UV filters can also tell about signs of aging, such as pigmentation and even sun damage. 

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Note that any skin type can have acne and breakouts, but those with normal skin are less likely to experience dehydration, sensitivity, and breakouts. Therefore, your skin type has a huge role in curating the right skincare routine. With different skin concerns, you need different products to boost the health of your skin. 

Our recommendations 

Mamaearth has skin and beauty care ranges for different skin types and concerns. Our color care range is dedicated to giving you a hue of color for your eye and lips. In addition, our all skin type foundation is formulated with the goodness of vitamins giving you buildable coverage lasting up to 12 hours. So let’s get into the details about Mamaearth’s skincare products for your skin type. 

Face cleanser

1. For oily skin: 

Try our Green Tea Face Wash– it features collagen, green tea, niacinamide, and salicylic acid. This face washes deeply cleanses & pulls out dirt and grime without drying out your skin. What’s best? MadeSafe Certified means it contains no harsh chemicals or toxins but only the Goodness of Nature. 

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2. For dry skin:

Our Honey Malai Face Wash is extremely hydrating and nourishing. It has the goodness of Honey, Malai, Vitamin E, and Coconut Oil. The face wash revives your skin’s natural glow leaving it bright & radiant. The skin becomes soft, smooth, and radiantly glowing with each wash.

3. For normal skin: 

Our Vitamin C Foaming Face Wash will leave your skin feeling fresh and hydrated. This all-skin-type face wash contains mild & pH-balanced cleansers suitable for all skin types. In addition, vitamin C is a highly potent antioxidant, helping fight free radical damage and reversing signs of premature aging. 

Face toner

1. For oily skin: 

Niacin Face Toner is power packed with the goodness of witch hazel, niacinamide, citric acid, and aloe vera. Niacinamide is an active form of vitamin B that helps tighten pores and reduces blemishes and sun spots to give your skin an even-toned complexion. In addition, it helps increase skin cell turnover. 

2. For dry skin: 

Our Ubtan Cleansing Milk blends the age-old tradition of Ubtan and science. It has turmeric, saffron, and shea butter to impart an instant glow to the skin. In addition, it is an extremely lightweight formula that doesn’t make the skin greasy and leaves it cleansed and glowing.

3. For normal skin: 

Our Vitamin C Face Toner gently cleanses leftover impurities and excess oil from the skin without disrupting the skin’s pH. It supports the production of healthy collagen, brightens the complexion, and boosts skin’s firmness. 

Face Moisturizer

1. For oily skin

Our Aloe Vera Oil-Free Face Moisturizer is non-greasy and lightweight. It has Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, Black Oats, and Citric Acid that fight free radical damage and improve skin texture. So, this toxin-free face moisturizer is a great exfoliator that unclogs pores and helps correct uneven skin tone.

2. For dry skin

Dry skin needs ultra-nourishing face moisturizer to protect itself from harsh environmental stressors. The best bit is Ubtan Ultra Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturizer, formulated with Turmeric, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, and Saffron. It ensures hydration for up to 24 hours.

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3. For normal skin

Normal skin types can go with any moisturizer. So we recommend using Aqua Glow Gel Face Moisturizer, which has the goodness of Himalayan thermal water, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. This antioxidant-enriched face moisturizer boosts hydration and works very well on sensitive skin. 

Besides your basic CTM routine, your skin care regimen should also have exfoliation to help slough off dead skin cells trapped inside the pores. So, using a face scrub twice or thrice a week is always important to allow the other skin care products to penetrate better.

Your skin can change with changes in the season

Skin type can be wishy-washy and may never remain the same. Your skin is a reflection of your personality. Think of yourself as being introverted at times but going well with the person you love. The same is true for your skin; it might follow a specific pattern but entirely do something unpredictable. 

Changes in the weather, eating habits, and health reflects on your skin. It may change with fluctuating hormones, such as during pregnancy or the menstrual cycle. As we age, the skin changes too. So, it is important to cultivate a routine accordingly. But also remember that what works on your friend’s skin may not work for you. Knowing your skin type and picking your favorites is up to you.

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