Do you really understand your own skin?

Most of us, especially women, wish to have flawless, healthy and beautiful skin. So surely more than once you have wondered whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. Have you truly known about the skin types and "listened" to what your skin needs? The answer in this article will help you find out.

1. COMMON SKIN TYPES

There are 5 different skin types: normal skin, oily skin, dry skin, combination skin and sensitive skin. Each skin type has its own distinct characteristics, so let's explore them together.

NORMAL SKIN

This skin type is neither too dry nor too oily, so it is quite "comfortable" and has some characteristics such as:

– No or few blemishes.

– Pores are almost invisible.

– Low sensitivity.

For those with normal skin, the skin is quite soft and does not yet require special care.

OILY SKIN

This condition is caused by excessive sebum production, usually due to heredity or hormones. Those with oily skin may have:

– Relatively large pores.

– Dull or shiny, thick skin.

– Commonly experiences conditions such as: blackheads, acne or other blemishes.

DRY SKIN

A lack of water in the skin leads to a dry, tight, flaky condition with the following characteristics:

– Very small pores, almost invisible.

– Dull skin, poor elasticity.

– The skin is easily irritated, with red patches appearing on it.

If the skin is too dry, it can lead to cracking, flaking, itching or irritation, so you need to pay attention to providing adequate moisture to the skin to improve this condition.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Sensitive skin is easily irritated, quite thin and fragile, often accompanied by discomfort with the following specific signs:

– Redness

– Itching

– Dry, tight

– Warmth

If you have sensitive skin, your skin may be easily irritated. The skin loses its protective function, making it easy for microorganisms and irritants to penetrate, while increasing the risk of infection and allergic reactions.

Therefore, try to identify the agents that cause allergies so you can avoid them and take more care of your skin.

COMBINATION SKIN

This skin shows characteristics of both dry and oily skin because the distribution of sebaceous and sweat glands is uneven. The area that secretes more oil is usually the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), while the skin on the cheeks is normal or dry.

Combination skin may have:

– Pores that look larger than normal

– Blackheads

– Shiny skin

2. HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE

To determine which skin type you have, you can follow these steps:

– Step 01: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

– Step 02: Gently pat the skin dry and do not use any other products.

– Step 03: After 30 minutes, observe the T-zone.

Here is how to interpret what you see

– Normal skin: Your skin will not flake or show signs of irritation and redness. The T-zone is unchanged, with no signs of oily shine.

– Oily skin: Your skin will look shiny, especially in the T-zone, which will be noticeably greasy.

– Dry skin: Your skin may look dull, slightly tight, even showing signs of flaking and red patches. The T-zone shows no signs of oiliness.

– Combination skin: Your T-zone will be oily, but the rest of your face will be dry and flaky.

– Sensitive skin: Your skin may develop redness, dryness and be easily irritated. Especially with this skin type, the signs will be more evident after applying certain products.

3. PROPER CARE FOR EACH SKIN TYPE

Each skin type has its own care method, so find the skincare routine that suits you, ladies!

NORMAL SKIN

If you have normal skin, you are truly lucky. You have the most ideal skin type — neither too dry nor too oily — so it rarely breaks out and is not easily irritated. However, that does not mean you can skimp on skincare. Regardless of skin type, you should:

– Apply sunscreen every day.

– Use makeup remover and cleanser to remove makeup and dirt at the end of the day.

– Avoid touching your face.

OILY SKIN

Caring for oily skin requires you to pay careful attention to product ingredients. Stay away from things that can clog your pores and choose products labeled oil-free and non-comedogenic.

The important secret in caring for oily skin is to exfoliate regularly and use a moisturizer for oily skin. Applying moisturizer may sound counterproductive, but it is necessary even for oily skin, because if the skin is not adequately moisturized it secretes more oil. So choose a gentle, oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin soft and properly hydrated.

DRY SKIN

In contrast to oily skin, those with dry skin face the problem of underactive sebaceous glands beneath the skin, leading to poorer-than-normal oil regulation on the skin's surface. So the most important key in caring for dry skin is using a moisturizer. In addition, many things can worsen dry skin. Here are some tips to soothe your dry skin and prevent it from getting worse:

– Avoid bathing in water that is too hot and limit bathing for too long.

– Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Do it right after you bathe to help lock moisture into the skin.

– Use a humidifier.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Sensitive skin is very easily irritated, so choose products made specifically for sensitive skin and limit products that use fragrances to minimize any risk of irritation.

Skin sensitivity varies from person to person. If your skin is very easily irritated, it may be a hidden sign of certain skin conditions. Therefore, quickly see a dermatologist to get the best advice and treatment.

COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin is the most common skin type but is difficult to identify and easily misunderstood by many people. Because it has two opposite conditions, special attention is needed when choosing skincare products. You should choose products made specifically for combination skin and be cautious with products containing fragrances.

4. TIPS FOR CHOOSING COSMETICS SUITABLE FOR YOUR SKIN

– For normal skin, choosing cosmetics is quite easy. However, for sensitive, dry or oily skin, choosing cosmetics is very difficult because the skin is easily irritated.

– Therefore, when choosing cosmetics, you should look for products that state which skin type they are suitable for, and limit the use of products containing preservatives to avoid causing skin irritation.

– The fragrance of cosmetics is also an ingredient that easily causes irritation and stinging for sensitive skin. The best way is to choose neutral skincare products or cosmetics that are alcohol-free, fragrance-free and acid-free. You may consider specialized dermo-cosmetic lines to achieve the best skincare results.

– A small tip when using a product for the first time: you can test it on a small area of skin before starting to use the cosmetic on your face. This avoids the situation where some products suit your skin type but can still cause irritation.

Understanding your skin can help you care for it better. But your skin type can also change over time and with the seasons. So if you are having problems with your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get advice and find a skincare routine that makes you feel your freshest and most confident.