Skin type, how and why to determine it?

Skin care every day is a prerequisite for maintaining its healthy appearance. Properly selected care products will prevent early signs of aging, the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. But how to determine the type of skin? What should be the daily care?

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It protects the body from bacteria and viruses, shocks, friction, temperature changes, allergens, negative environmental impacts. It is also involved in the synthesis of vitamin D and is the organ of touch.

It is important to know the characteristics of your skin and choose the right care products to delay the appearance of wrinkles.

Skin types

Each person's skin is unique, but there are several types of it. There are three main types: dry, greasy and normal. Their combination gives a mixed type. It is also customary to single out sensitive and problematic types separately.

Normal skin

• Smooth tone and healthy look
• No major skin problems

Greasy skin

• There is a greasy sheen in the T-zone and cheek area
• Large pores and blackheads
• Prone to comedones and pimples

Dry skin

• Feeling of tightness
• There may be peeling and itching
• Narrow pores
• Dull color

“Normal skin” is a guideline for other types. This type is distinguished by smoothness, elasticity and velvety. It rarely has acne, blackheads or allergic reactions to various cosmetics. It has narrow pores, is evenly colored, does not peel off and does not shine, does not tighten after washing.

With age, such skin becomes closer to normal. The pores of this type of skin are enlarged, the sebaceous glands have increased secretion and secrete a lot of sebum, which leads to clogged pores, frequent blackheads, pimples and blackheads. It also leads to oily sheen. However, this skin has a significant advantage: it stays young longer than all other types due to good natural hydration.

With age, skin of any type becomes closer to dry. Owners of this type of skin often suffer from a feeling of tightness, especially after washing. They often face peeling, but do not know the problems with acne, blackheads and oily sheen. The pores are almost invisible on it. However, such skin quickly ages, because. suffering from lack of moisture. Therefore, it is important for her to constantly moisturize.

Mixed skin

• Dry on the cheeks, but oily in the T-zone
• Enlarged pores on the nose
• More oily in summer, in winter there may be peeling on the forehead and cheeks

Sensitive skin

• Reacts negatively to many products and the environment
• There may be redness, itching and irritation
• Needs treatment

Problematic skin

• Have rashes or spider veins
• Uneven texture
• There may be redness, itching and irritation
• Needs treatment

Based on the name, this type combines areas of the three main types of skin. As a rule, fat with this type are the nose, forehead and chin - this is the so-called T-zone. Dry and normal areas are usually the cheeks and the skin around the eyes. Such skin can become sensitive and irritable in winter, at which time it may show peeling in dry areas, so these areas need to be given more attention in terms of protection from the cold. In the summer, this skin can become more oily, so at this time of the year it is more in need of cleansing.

This species often suffers from redness, peeling and itching. This skin is very sensitive to various external and internal stimuli. Any type under the influence of negative factors can become sensitive. Such factors can be improper care, stress, poor cosmetics, diseases, antibiotic treatment, etc. Such skin requires treatment, so it is necessary to be observed by a dermatologist. It is also necessary to select cosmetics designed for sensitive skin.

This type is distinguished by visible defects: acne, pigment and vascular spots, scars. Such skin may be characterized by increased greasiness or, conversely, excessive dryness, unhealthy color, flabbiness, and “spider veins”. Absolutely any type of skin can be transformed into problematic. This can be caused by stress, poor diet, the environment, or illness. Owners of this type must be observed by a doctor. Such skin can also signal serious disorders in the functioning of internal organs. Only a doctor can tell you about the reasons in your particular case.

The type of facial skin is genetically determined, but under the influence of many factors, it can change throughout a person's life.
For example, hormonal changes can affect the condition of the epidermis.
Also, a change in the condition of the skin of the face can occur due to a sharp change in climate, changes in diet, due to regular stress, while taking certain medications or improperly selected cosmetics.

Below are a few tests to help determine your skin type.

If the napkin is absolutely clean and there are no traces on it, then the skin type is dry.

If there are spots, but they are minor, your skin is normal.

Evenly distributed greasy spots indicate greasy skin type.

If the spots are present only in the areas of the forehead, nose and chin, then your skin type is combination.

Method №2. Skin type test.

How does your skin feel after washing?

A. She looks healthy, clean and smooth.
B. There is a feeling of tightness.
C. Shines all over the face.
D. Cheeks appear normal, but there is sheen on the T-zone.

What is the size of the pores on the skin?

A. Almost invisible.
B. Not noticeable at all.
C. Highly visible, dilated.
D. Most noticeable on the T-zone, and barely visible on the cheeks.

Do pimples and/or blackheads appear?

A. No more than once or twice a month.
B. Almost never.
C. Quite often.
D. Often in the T-zone.

Is there peeling on the face?

A. Rarely.
B. Often.
C. Very rarely or never.
D. Rarely in the cheeks.

Does the season affect the condition of the skin?

A. No effect.
B. Reddens in the cold, dryness appears on the cheekbones, around the eyes, and chin.
C. Glitter all year round, but pimples and/or blackheads may appear in summer.
D. More oily in summer than in winter.

How does feel on the skin when you forgot to apply a moisturizer for your face?

A. I don't use cream. Without it, the skin looks healthy.

B. I never forget about it. Otherwise, the skin will become dry and tight.

C. My skin is already shiny, and if you forget about moisturizing, the shine intensifies.

D. Everything is fine on the cheeks and cheekbones, but in the T-zone a greasy sheen is noticeable.

results

Most responses:

A— Normal skin;

B— Dry;

C- Greasy;

D— Combined.

Worth considering! These methods for determining the type of skin are conditional and do not take into account other features of the skin.
To choose the right care, you need to consult a doctor.
With age, skin type can change.
It is important to understand that the ideal skin type does not exist. Each of the above can become so with proper care.

Care

Choosing the right corrective care is the main reason to know your skin type.

There are basic care steps that are relevant for all skin types.

Cleansing;
Exfoliation and toning;
Moisturizing and nutrition;
Protection.

Any skin needs daily cleansing, moisturizing, nutrition and protection.

During the day, many impurities accumulate on the surface of the skin.
Decorative cosmetics clog pores, dust particles settle on the surface of the skin.
If you do not cleanse your skin every day, it can cause a number of problems:

Clogged pores and blackheads;
Inflammation and acne;
Skin malnutrition;
Decreased elasticity;
The appearance of wrinkles, etc.

Consult a dermatologist/beautician to find the right products for your skin type.

Rules and basic steps of skin care

Important! During care, attention is paid not only to the face, but also to the neck.

cleansing

The first and main stage of skin care for any type. Facial cleansing is aimed at removing impurities: cosmetic residues, dust, sebum, sweat.
Skin cleansing should be done twice a day.
Evening treatment will free the skin from impurities accumulated during the day and remove makeup. You must first treat your face with cleansing milk, two-phase lotion or micellar water, and then be sure to wash your face.
At night, tissue regeneration takes place. Cell division occurs 8 times faster than during the day. Sweat containing toxins accumulates on the surface of the skin. It also needs to be washed off.
Morning cleansing consists of washing with a mild cleanser: foam or gel.

exfoliation

The exfoliating procedure is carried out once a week with the help of peels and scrubs. These are special products designed to exfoliate dead skin cells of the epidermis.
If it is not possible to constantly visit a beautician, then this process can be carried out at home - with the help of scrubs and acid peels.
It is not recommended to use scrubs with natural large abrasive particles - they can leave microtraumas on the skin, which is fraught with infection. It is better to use scrubs with artificial particles. These particles are spherical or hemispherical, they do not injure the skin.

Toning

This is the final stage of cleansing. Tonic restores the normal pH level of the skin and promotes better penetration of the active ingredients of your cream formula into the deep layers of the dermis.
Many consider this step optional. But in fact, the tonic removes the remnants of impurities, restores the acid-base balance of the skin and prepares it for the effect of the cream: moisturizing and nourishing products will work more effectively.
The tonic is applied to a cotton pad and wiped with a slightly damp face along the massage lines, not forgetting the neck. Also, such funds are produced in the form of sprays. A similar product is sprayed onto the skin of the face and neck, massaged with fingertips, and then the remnants of the spray are removed with a dry sponge.

Moisturizing

It is necessary for all skin types without exception and on a regular basis.
Hydration is responsible for:

Skin elasticity;
Improvement of blood microcirculation;
Quality lymph flow;
The absorption of nutrients;
Normalization of metabolic processes;
Activation of all skin functions, including the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

It is widely believed that oily skin does not need moisturizing. However, this is not so - she needs it no less than other types of skin. Skin type is determined by the amount of sebum produced, not the ability to retain moisture. Lack of moisture provokes the sebaceous glands to work even more actively. This leads to the appearance of new rashes and purulent formations.
Moisturizers are best applied in the morning.

Nutrition

Responsible for protecting the skin and strengthening its hydrolipidic mantle, which contributes to the resistance of the epidermis to external negative factors. There are different textures and nutrient formulas for different skin types.
Nutrients provide the skin with:

Regeneration;
Protection - when using nutritious cosmetics, a film is formed on the surface of the skin that protects it from the negative effects of the environment;
Rapid elimination of toxins;
Aesthetic look.

The nutrient is best applied in the evening.

Protection

Sun protection is also essential for all skin types. The sun's rays are one of the main damaging factors. UV radiation has a negative effect on the skin and causes accelerated photoaging. You can read more about this in this article.
Day creams are recommended to choose with an SPF factor. It is necessary to protect the skin from the sun even in autumn and winter.

What kind of care does each skin type need?

Greasy and combination skin suffers from intense sebum production.
Dry skin suffers from a lack of sebum and moisture.
Daily care for problematic and sensitive facial skin is based on the use of products with a mild composition.

Normal skin type

The main task here is to maintain the normal condition of the skin.
For cleansing, it is better to use a soft gel with a balanced level of pH or cleansing milk.
Toning can be done with rose water or regular tonic for normal skin. Products containing alcohol can dry out such skin.
To maintain moisture levels, a liquid or thick moisturizer is great.
For the skin around the eyes, it is recommended to use a gel.

Greasy skin type

Oily skin due to enlarged pores is more exposed to pollution than other types, so special attention should be paid to cleansing.
Choose gentle cleansers such as milk, refreshing gel or lotion.
It is better to use tonics that contain tea tree, grapefruit and witch hazel.
Exfoliators should be gentle: scrubs with small particles or peels for problem skin.
Despite the excess oiliness, such skin needs moisturizing no less than others. Therefore, you can not neglect moisturizing creams.
Night creams should be easier and less oily than products for other skin types.
You can wipe the skin with ice cubes. Cold tones oily skin and tightens pores, while hot water promotes the active release of fat.
Products with artificial materials such as petroleum jelly, mineral oils, ceresin are not recommended. They clog pores.

Dry skin type

Dry skin needs good hydration.
It is better to cleanse dry skin with creamy fatty products.
Rose water is good for toning.
Do not wash with soap. It creates a feeling of tightness.
In no case should you use products containing alcohol, acids and retinol.
Moisturizing and nourishing creams should also be thick and oily, containing SPF filters.
You need to remove makeup with milk, which contains unsaturated fats or waxes, vegetable oils.
Twice a week, you need to use peels or scrubs to exfoliate dead particles of the epidermis and renew cells.

Mixed skin type

Selecting care for each area is very problematic. Therefore, the modern market offers many products designed for such skin, you can use products marked “For all types”.
For cleansing, it is better to choose soft gels or foams for washing with a balanced pH level.
Rose water is ideal for toning. Do not use alcohol-containing lotions, because. they can increase the work of the sebaceous glands in oily areas and dry out the skin in dry or normal areas.
Deep cleansing in the form of peels and scrubs should be done 1-2 times a week.
Mixed skin type is capricious and may require different care in the warm and cold seasons. In summer, you will need to take care of your face as if it were oily, in winter - as if it were dry.
You need special products for combination skin, or you will have to take care of dry and oily areas of the face separately.
To moisturize and soften dry areas, use nourishing, moisturizing formulas, and for the T-zone, use light gels or fluids with a matting effect.

Sensitive skin type

For such skin, it is necessary to choose hypoallergenic products.
A mild cleansing milk is best for cleansing.
Toning is best done with products containing decoctions of medicinal herbs (for example, chamomile).
Such skin is more acute than others in need of regular protection. Therefore, from March to November, it is necessary to use products containing SPF.

Sensitivity in most cases is successfully corrected by special care and the exclusion of negative factors.
A few care tips:

Too hot or cold water negatively affects the condition of the skin, it is better to wash with warm water;
Use of cleansers with a mild detergent base without soap and fragrances;
After washing, it is better to gently blot the skin with a paper towel, rather than rubbing with a cloth towel;
Avoid scrubs;
If drugs are used, apply them first, and after absorption, care products.

Problematic skin type

First of all, you don't have to pop your pimples. Closed comedones and inflammatory elements are not recommended to be squeezed out or opened. This further damages the skin, increases inflammation, promotes infection, and can cause blemishes and scarring.
You need to wash your face twice a day. More often it is not necessary - after all, acne is not formed at all due to the fact that the skin is dirty.
Wash your face with just your hands, with light movements, with warm (but not too hot) water, after washing, apply a towel or blot your face with a napkin, and do not rub the skin.
Be sure to let your skin dry for 10-15 minutes before applying any products.
Makeup products should also be chosen only specially designed for problem skin.

In decorative cosmetics, blush should be excluded, because. they often contain oils and fats - it is better to use shadows instead. It is better to give preference to loose powder instead of compact and corrective means (pencils, concealers) instead of foundation.
It is worth paying attention to cosmetics, which are sold only in pharmacies. Such products often contain additional healing components (for example, zinc), which prevent clogging of pores and even slightly dry out inflammatory elements.
Be sure to protect problem skin from ultraviolet radiation, pigment spots appear more often on such skin.
In the absence of severe inflammation, scrubs can be used, which help to deeply cleanse the skin, exfoliate the top layer of the skin and open the pores. Scrub can be used 1-2 times a week on cleansed skin.
You can use masks made of white clay (kaolin), it absorbs sebum and cleanses the pores.
Masks will not replace acne treatment, but will help make the complexion more even and matte, dry out inflammation, and narrow pores.
Often the cause of skin problems can be hormonal failure! For professional treatment, you should consult a doctor!

Pay attention to the pH level.
For normal skin, a pH of 5.5 is comfortable.
Dry skin is suitable pH 5-6.
Greasy - 3-5.
Alkaline creams with a pH above 7 are not recommended for anyone.

Makeup
There is a widespread belief that the daily use of decorative cosmetics harms the skin.
But it's not! This misconception has existed since the days when lipstick discolored lips, and eyelashes fell out of mascara.
In fact, modern makeup products contain care ingredients that provide additional skin nutrition.
However, decorative means need to be able to use correctly:
1. They must be applied to clean, prepared skin (after cleansing, toning, moisturizing).
2. In the evening, make-up must be washed off, because if it is left overnight, cosmetics, mixed with sebum and dirt, can clog pores and provoke the development of inflammation.
Textures of decorative products are selected depending on the type of leather:
Liquid and cream products are suitable for dry skin.
For oily - dry powdery products. Mineral makeup is ideal.

Important! We must not forget to wash brushes and sponges in a timely manner. Bacteria accumulate on them, which can cause inflammation.

Worth keeping in mind:

Water temperature

When taking a shower or bath and washing, you should use not hot or cold, but warm water.

Acne

Never pop a pimple on your own. You can get an infection. It is better to go to the beautician for cleaning.

Things

Dermatologists advise regularly cleaning devices that come into contact with the skin of the face, such as a smartphone. It is also recommended to change pillowcases frequently.

Alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates the skin, making it dry and speeding up the aging process.

Eco products

Sometimes labels on product packaging as "natural", "eco", or "organic" lure people in.
But natural does not mean effective. The tool may be more expensive, but it will cope worse.
After all, poison ivy is also natural, but no one rubs its extract into their skin.

Wrinkle Cream

Some people believe that applying anti-wrinkle cream at a young age can lead to early aging of the skin. By itself, the cream is not able to provoke the early appearance of wrinkles. Of course, very young girls (under 18) should not use anti-aging cream, but only because it makes no sense.

Do I need to change my skin care products periodically?

There is an opinion that over time the skin gets used to the same cosmetics, and the effect of their use becomes less and less noticeable.

Meanwhile, the decrease in the effectiveness of the used cosmetic products can only be associated with changes in the properties of the skin itself.

Night cream

Many women apply a night cream just before bedtime, however, it is not advisable to do this: the product will not only be partially absorbed into the pillow, but will also clog the pores, since the work of the sebaceous glands changes during sleep. To benefit from nighttime skin care, apply night cream at least one hour before bedtime.

Toothpaste

There is a life hack that toothpaste cures acne. Toothpaste is unlikely to help in the fight against acne. Despite the antibacterial and drying effect, it contains substances that can harm the skin.

Sweet

There is an opinion that acne appears from sweets, but there is no reason to believe so. Leading health institutes write that food does not affect the appearance of acne. A relationship between diet and skin rash cannot be completely ruled out due to lack of research. But if it seems to you that acne happens precisely because of the sweet, you can temporarily eliminate foods from the diet and see if the skin becomes clearer.