Skin Types Uncovered: Pairing You With Your Skincare Soulmate

Ignoring your skin type can lead to various skin issues, both immediately and in the long run. The key to maintaining healthy skin is using products that are formulated for your skin type and not generic ones that cater to the masses. And choosing the right products depends largely on educating yourself first. So, here are five skin type characteristics and how to take care of each with a sprinkle of expert advice from dermatologist, Dr. Sadhana Deshmukh.

There are five basic skin types and here is the best indicator to recognize them:

1. Normal skin:

Normal skin type is neither too oily or dry. It is generally less reactive to external aggressors and pretty easy to maintain.

2. Dry skin:

Dry skin type is often flaky, always has some sort of peeling and can even have a powdery look. It lacks hydration and feels tight on your face. Dry skin also leads to sensitivity to products. For instance, foaming face washes or exfoliating serums causing irritability on dry skin is quite common.

3. Oily skin:

Oily skin is characterised by its greasiness throughout the face. This happens because of the overactivity of sebaceous glands (sometimes they can even be more in number), leading to excessive sebum (oil) production on the skin.

4. Combination skin:

A combination skin type is identified as having an oily T-zone and dry cheeks. The oiliness and the dryness are a response to weather conditions - with summers causing extreme oiliness and winters causing dryness.

5. Sensitive skin:

Sensitive skin is characterised by its reactions to products, foods and environmental factors in a manner that is more persistent with constant triggers.

Now that you have a basic idea of the different skin types, here are tips on how to take care of each:

When you are blessed with normal skin type, it is very important to maintain it. Normal skin is well-balanced when it comes to pH and oil production. Even though you don't need a targeted routine, it does not mean you need not pay attention to it. Here are some basic tips and products for normalskin:

• Use sunscreen both outdoors and indoors, since UV rays from open windows and gadgets can still damage your skin. So, don't forget sun protection for normal skin either. A broad-spectrum formula with a minimum SPF of 30 can get the job done, with re-application needed if you are spending time outdoors. Pond's Serum Boost Sunscreen Cream SPF 55 is perfect for keeping your skin tan-free and protected from harsh UV rays.
• Make sure to moisturise your skin regularly, regardless of your skin type. Hydrated skin is healthy skin!
• Remove your makeup before going to bed every night. Makeup can clog pores and sleep with clean skin is important for letting it breathe.
• Incorporate potent ingredients in your skincare routine - like vitamin C for youthful skin, retinol (derm-approved) for mature skin and hyaluronic acid for dry, dull skin. An all-rounder like the Simple Active Skin Barrier Care Smoothing Gel Cleanser is your best friend as it has hyaluronic acid, glycerine and ceramide to maintain your skin's health and strength.

Some of the major reasons for oily skin type in people are hormonal changes, climate (heat and humidity can trigger it), genetics and large pore size. Oily skin also tends to be more prone to acne and breakouts. Some of the tips to take care of oily skin are:

• Wash your skin with mattifying skincare products like oil-absorbing cleansers and always follow up with a moisturiser. But see that the moisturiser is lightweight and non-sticky like Pond's Super Light Gel so it can moisturise without worsening the oiliness.
• Incorporate ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid to deal with acne caused by dirt and oil-clogged pores. Lakmé Lumi-Smooth AHA+ Facewash has salicylic acid to slowly clear away the buildup from your skin to give you a clear, smooth and even complexion.
• Use lightweight and oil control essentials like water-based, gel-based and silicone-based products to maintain oily skin type.
• Do not indulge in overwashing or skip the moisturiser as it can lead to more oil production. If you do feel like you need to wash your face more on a particular day, use plain water instead.
• Take a helping hand from blotting papers and rice papers to de-grease your face instantly.

Some of the major causes of dry skin type have been attributed to genetics, seasonal changes, improper skincare habits and ageing. Some of the tips, in addition to what we saw above, that can help take care of dry skin are:

• Moisturizing products for dry skin are a must such as Lakmé Vit C Brilliance Serum which not only moisturises but smoothens your skin and brings a natural glow. Also, turn to lightweight products like Lakmē Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Brightening Light Creme to help your skin naturally seal in moisture while fading away blemishes thanks to the niacinamide in it.
• It is very important to moisturise dry skin type, with twice a day being the recommended amount.
• Avoid the habit of taking long showers or hot showers, they can strip your skin of natural oils, causing dryness. Let your skin air dry post a shower.
• If you live in dry and cold climates, use a humidifier in your house for boosting skin hydration.
• Look for emollient ingredients in your products - namely, zinc oxide, mineral oil, squalene, glycerin, beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, and synthetic compounds like butyl stearate and diglycol laurate.

In addition to being a response to changing weather, combination skin type is also caused because of genetics or harsh ingredients disturbing your skin's natural balance. Here are some tips for combination skin solutions:

• Use a gentle cleanser so as to avoid overstimulating the larger pores present in your T-zone. The Pond's Hydra Light Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel Facewash is a multi-tasking skincare face wash that seals in moisture for the dry patches, doesn't worsen the oiliness and effectively cleanses away the day's dirt and sweat.
• Adapt two different skincare routines for your face. For instance, you can use some mattifying sunscreens and toners on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), just to treat the excessive oiliness. Similarly, reserve the use of heavy creams just for the dry areas on your face.
• Keep your overall skincare purchases relatively oil-free, as oil-infused products can be quite rich on the T-zone.

The major cause behind this skin type is the over-sensitivity of nerve endings present under your skin. Any stimulus, like products, sun exposure or even eating spicy food can trigger this sensitivity. As a result, you see a reddish or pinkish appearance of skin, sometimes leading to stubborn irritations that are painful. Some tips to care for sensitive skin are:

• Avoid products with fragrances, sulphates, dyes and parabens in them (or any harsh ingredients for that matter). For hypoallergenic skincare, we suggest Simple Skincare as their products are free of such chemicals and have plant-based formulas that are equally effective.
• Alcoholic toners and astringents are a big no-no for sensitive skin.
• Taking vitamin supplements can help strengthen your skin against irritants. Sometimes, using cooled lotions that have been kept in the refrigerator can help reduce inflammation caused by hot climates.
• Always do patch testing for sensitive skin to make sure you do not react negatively to any new skincare product. Also, consult a dermat if you are not sure about what to use.

To rule out any sensitivity to a new product, do a patch test on your skin before using it. Apply the product on the inside of your arm and wait for 24 hours to see if there are any adverse reactions to it.

A skin allergy can just be related to a particular ingredient, and not the others. Whereas skin sensitivity stays constant with harsh products, sun exposure and certain foods.

Once you have washed your face, let it air dry. Then gently press a tissue against different areas of your face on how to know your skin type:

Normal skin: No excess oil or dry patches on the tissue.

Oily skin: Tissue may appear greasy, especially in the T-zone.

Dry skin: Tissue may not pick up much oil and might feel rough or tight against your skin.

Combination skin: T-zone may have oil residue, while other areas may feel normal or dry.

Check for Sensitivity: Note any signs of sensitivity, such as redness, itching, or burning sensations, particularly after introducing new products or environmental exposure.