The following characteristics should help you determine your skin type.
You have normal (N) skin if it has the following characteristics:
Even-textured.
Problem free, no spots or blemishes.
Has the presence of shine, but it looks smooth, healthy and clear, without the presence of blackheads or acne.
Note: Most people have normal skin. Normal skin can sometimes be delicate and fall under the sub-classification of sensitive (S).
You have dry (D) skin if:
Feels uncomfortable and tight all the time, especially after shaving or washing.
Never shiny, it can peel, flake and look scaly, flaky and lined.
Rough, dull surface does not reflect light very effectively.
Note: Dry skin will usually age more quickly, so those with dry skin should be especially aware of sun exposure.
Dry skin can sometimes be delicate and fall under the sub-classification of sensitive (S).
You have oily (O) skin if it has the following characteristics:
Greasy and shiny, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin).
Dull looking and patchy.
Usually shiny an hour after cleansing and may be accompanied by opened pores, blackheads, spots, pimples or acne.
Note: Some people with oily skin dont suffer from any of the problems that are associated with oily skin; they simply have to tolerate the shine. Most people with oily skin do not have sensitive skin. Oily skin tends to be fairly sturdy and does not react in a sensitive nature. The good news about oily skin is that it tends to age more gracefully.
You have combination (C) skin if it has the following characteristics:
Your skin is a combination of two or more of the above skin types.
Oily areas are normally straight down the middle of your face, the center of the forehead, nose and chin (T-Zone).
Dry areas are often the cheeks and sometimes the forehead.
You have problem (P) skin if it has the following characteristics:
Blackheads or whiteheads (white bumps that do not contain pus and are not swollen or red).
Papules (inflamed, red, raised bumps that do not contain pus).
Pustules (inflamed, red, raised bumps that contain pus).
What causes pimples?
When your body is producing too much oil, and dead skin cells on the surface of skin (or inside the pores) aren't shed normally (this can be done by regular cleansing and weekly exfoliation), they can join together in blocking the exit from a pore. All this excess oil and dead skin cells solidify as a soft, white substance that plugs the pore.
If the surface of the pore is covered by skin, it is called a whitehead (or milia). If the pore is open, without any skin covering, the top of the plug is exposed to air and dirt causing darkening (a blackhead). Whiteheads and blackheads become pimples when P. acnes (a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes) begin growing inside the plug, causing irritation and inflammation. This inflammation and excess oil causes the wall of the oil gland to rupture, spilling the contents (oil, cell debris, bacteria, and all) into the surrounding skin tissue. The body's immune system then responds, sending lymph to the inflamed area to help with repair (and causing swelling), and you now have a pimple.
You have sensitive (S) skin if it has the following characteristics:
Reacts to many skincare and shaving products, usually turning red and botchy.
Has a tendency to go red when touched, exposed to the heat or to the sun.
Reacts to certain fragrances that cause a rash or make it itch.
Has broken red veins on the cheeks and nose.
Note: People with sensitive skin can usually identify the problem easily. They tend to get sunburned easily and will react adversely to detergents and cosmetics.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid the use of gritty exfoliators such as cornmeal, poppyseed, etc.
Simple skin test to help determine your skin type:
1. Moisten a cotton ball with Witch Hazel (natural toner) or rubbing alcohol.
2. Rub the moistened cotton ball along the side of your nose.
3. Wait 10 minutes.
4. Repeat using a new cotton ball.
5. Now examine the 2nd cotton ball.
6. How to read results? If the cotton ball is dirty, you tend to have oily skin. If the cotton ball is clean, you tend to have dry skin.
7. Using the results you should be able to shop for soaps that match your skin type. If you still are unsure, order a sample.
Note: Many people will suffer with dry skin in winter and feel like they have oily skin in summer.
Adjust your soap purchases accordingly.
