The rumors are true. We’re obsessed with skincare. We’ve jade rolled and dermaplaned, we’ve used sheet masks and rubber masks, and we’re never not on the hunt for the next big thing. But, before you start experimenting with sea moss and red algae (seriously, look it up!), it’s important to understand the five different skin types.
Credit: Unsplash
They are: normal, combination, oily, dry, and sensitive. Need some help figuring out yours? Take our quiz below!
How does your skin feel after cleansing?
-
-
Stripped of all moisture.
-
Shiny and oily.
-
Shiny in T-zone but dry on my cheeks.
-
Neither dry nor oily.
-
Red and irritated.
-
By midday your skin needs…
-
-
Moisture and lots of it!
-
Blotting or powder everywhere.
-
Blotting or powder on my nose, forehead, and chin.
-
Not much, honestly.
-
A cooling spritz of facial mist.
-
Let’s talk pores.
-
-
I can barely see them.
-
They’re large and in charge.
-
They tend to congregate just on my nose, forehead, and chin.
-
What pores?
-
They range from normal to large but fluctuate a lot.
-
If you answered mostly A…
It’s likely that you have dry skin. Tightness, itchiness, and flakiness are all giveaways that your skin is in need of serious moisture. Dry skin is largely due to one of the following: climate, hormonal changes, lifestyle and diet, dehydration, or genetics.
If you answered mostly B…
Hellooooo, oily skin! If blotting papers are your best friend, then odds are this is your skin type. In addition to enlarged pores, it’s likely that you also have blemishes and blackheads. Oily skin can be caused or worsened by hot and humid weather, hormonal changes, and stress.
If you answered mostly C…
Enter: combination skin. This skin type isn’t as easily identifiable as dry skin or oily skin. You probably experience dryness on your cheeks but oiliness and enlarged pores in your T-zone. Combination skin is often attributed to genetics, stress, and using products that don’t suit your skin.
If you answered mostly D…
Yup, you guessed it. You have normal skin. When your skin is bare, it’s likely that it feels neither dry nor oily, and you probably have few if any visible concerns. However, normal skin can often develop into a different skin type when responding to hormonal changes.
If you answered mostly E…
You have sensitive skin! Technically, this isn’t a skin type – it’s more of a skin condition. People with sensitive skin might have rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, so it’s important to keep track of your triggers. Harsh chemicals, rough exfoliants, and extreme climates could be irritating your skin. If you identify as this skin type, a dermatologist can help to give you more insight.
Okay, so now that you know your skin type, we can finally stock up on skincare!
By Mia Zarrella, Staff Writer
