How to Identify Your Skin Type
We receive a lot of information from the Internet, fashion magazines, sales people, friends, and the media about skin type and sometimes, it can be a lot of misinformation. So many conflicting ideas and opinions can lead to misconceptions and confusion about how to identify your own skin type and choose the best products. Even the name adds to the confusion, since many people have more than one skin type! It’s important to understand the factors that contribute to your skin type and the products that work best for each type. That way, you can better understand your skin as it changes and be confident that you have the right products for your unique needs.
Factors that Impact Your Skin Type
Your skin type isn’t just the skin you were born with. Many factors contribute to the appearance, health and needs of your skin, and these factors can change over time. These factors include:
- Hormones
- Skin Disorders
- Genetics
- Medications
- Skin-Care Routine
- Stress
- Diet
- Smoking or Second-hand Smoke
- Sun Exposure
- Pollution
- Climate
Identify Your Skin Type
After taking these controllable factors into account, you can take a closer look to identify your skin type.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a high quality toner with antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients.
- Wait two hours to see what your skin does without applying any other products or makeup.
The skin behaviour outlined below is a general guide for each skin type. Remember that it is possible to see any combination of the descriptions below happening on your face, since your skin can have multiple types.
Skin Behavior
- Some areas are oily and some areas are dry: You may have combination skin.
- Most areas appear dry, flaky, matte or feel tight: You may have dry to very dry skin.
- Redness with or without bumps (but not pimples): You may have sensitive skin or rosacea
- Moderate breakouts around hormone cycles: You may have acne or blemish-prone skin
- Lines evident around eyes, mouth, and/or cheeks: You may have aging skin or wrinkles
- Persistent breakouts (some scarring): You may have acne or blemish-prone skin.
- Some fine lines and/or skin discolorations: You may have sun-damaged skin.
- Some areas have red, dry, flaky patches that swell, burn or itch: You may have eczema.
- Four hours after cleansing, skin has excess oil: You may have oily skin
- No signs of oiliness or dryness; can be sensitive: You may have normal skin.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Skin Type
Once you have a clear understanding of your skin, you can start using a skin-care routine that is perfectly suited to your skin type. You may need a combination of products to treat the different types of skin on your face, and certain ingredients may work better for different individuals. review the basic guidelines to choosing product types that work best for your skin type.
Want professional help determining the best products for your skin type? Visit the Medi-Spa Clinic at Canadian Beauty College today for customized care. Contact us to learn more about your skin type and craft the perfect skin-care routine for you.
Interested in Becoming a Skin Care Professional?
If you’d like a career where you can help people look and feel their best, consider esthetician courses in Toronto from the Canadian Beauty College. From makeup to esthetics and skin care, we train some of the best professionals in the industry.
Learn more about our Toronto esthetician school online or visit us for an open house every second Saturday of each month. For more information on our courses, call us at 866-720-4920.