Understanding Skin: A Guide To Different Skin Types

Let's break it down with the skin type characteristics of the five main types: Normal Skin: This type has balanced moisture levels, few to no blemishes, smooth texture and even tone without patches of dryness or oiliness. Oily Skin: It has excess sebum production, often leading to a shiny appearance, especially in the T-zone, enlarged pores, and prone to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Your skin may also feel greasy, particularly by midday. Dry Skin: Insufficient sebum production can result in a lack of natural moisture. Can lead to flakiness, roughness, or tightness, especially after cleansing with a dull complexion. Fine lines and wrinkles may appear more prominent. Combination Skin: Combination skin type is a combination of oily and dry areas, typically with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks. Sensitive Skin: It is easily irritated or reactive to skincare products, environmental factors, or certain ingredients.

Here's a guide to determining skin type. 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.

Each skin type has different skin concerns which is why you need to know your skin type. Say you have oily skin, your skincare routine should look into acne management and oiliness. For dryness, it is all about moisturising and hydrating serums while for sensitivity, you should avoid harsh chemicals. So, to help you with this, we've picked out some essentials for each skin type! Normal Skin: To maintain your flawless complexion, make sure to always cleanse and moisturise. After all, prevention is better than cure! So, for normal skincare product selection, something simple like the Lakmē Micellar Pure Facewash should do. It efficiently removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture. Its gentle formula combines micellar water with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, leaving the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and balanced. Oily Skin: Your attention should fall on products that can control the excess oiliness and keep your pores clear. Designed for oily skin, Pond's Bright Beauty Mineral Clay Face Mask is infused with mineral clay and vitamin B3 which absorb excess oil, purify pores, and control shine. Its formulation helps minimise the appearance of pores and leaves the skin refreshed, clarified, and visibly brighter. Dry Skin: Look for products that won't strip your skin's natural moisture. Creamy moisturisers are also a boon. For dry skin, Pond's Hydra Light Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Night Gel provides intense hydration with its lightweight gel texture and hyaluronic acid-infused formula. It nourishes the skin overnight, supporting its natural renewal process for a smoother, plumper, and more radiant complexion. Combination Skin: Now, combination skin type isn't as tricky as it looks. You can use different products meant for different parts of your face. Or, thanks to technology, dual formulas which allow the product to work on even the driest of skin without worsening the oiliness. So, why not try something like the Lakmē Sun Expert 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen? This honestly is the best sunscreen for all skin types as it has SPF 50 PA++ for UVA/B and offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays while hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid. Its non-greasy formula balances oil production in the T-zone while providing essential hydration to drier areas. Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic products formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. For sensitive skin, Simple Skincare's Vitamin B3 Booster Serum features a gentle yet effective formula enriched with vitamin F and ceramides to soothe and strengthen sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly, delivering essential nutrients and hydration without causing irritation, promoting a healthier, more balanced complexion.

Did you know that your lifestyle choices and environmental factors can also affect your skin? Lifestyle impact on skin can range from less sleep to even stress. Meanwhile, environmental factors like the harsh sun or dust and pollution will most definitely require you to get skin protection. Diet and Hydration: Diets high in sugar and processed foods may exacerbate acne, while inadequate hydration can lead to dryness and dullness. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health. Stress: Chronic stress can trigger hormonal changes that may lead to increased oil production, breakouts, and exacerbation of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress levels. Sleep: Inadequate sleep can disrupt the skin's natural repair processes, leading to a dull complexion and dark circles. Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure without sun protection can cause sunburn, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Also, wear sunglasses, cover yourself and stay indoors when the UV index is high.

Yes, skincare is still important for normal skin to maintain its health and prevent future issues. A basic routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection can help keep normal skin looking its best.

Allergy refers to an immune system response to a specific substance, while sensitive skin reacts easily to various factors such as skincare products, environmental irritants, or changes in weather. Not all sensitive skin reactions are allergies.

Yes, oily skin can benefit from sheet masks. Look for masks with ingredients like salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid to help control oil production and hydrate the skin without clogging pores.