The importance of knowing your
skin type

Determining skin type is still a mysterious process for some women. My experience in working with them has taught me that a large majority of them have no idea what their skin type is. I cannot stress the importance of knowing something like this. It’s difficult to purchase the proper cosmetic products without knowing if your skin is oily, dry, combination etc.

First, I want you to know that the type of skin you have can be a combination of types. For example, my skin is very oily, but it’s also sensitive. If I use a moisturizer with fragrance, my skin will literally break out into a mild rash. I use an oil-free moisturizer that is also fragrance-free.

On the other hand, you may be a woman with acne-prone skin that is also dry. In this case, you should not invest in oil-absorbing products. Be sure to pay attention to your overall skin type and choose products based on what your needs are. It’s common to mix and match products from different lines too, so don’t feel bad about that.

It’s good for you to know that your skin type will change based on certain factors such as diet, stress, weather, pregnancy etc. I highly recommended tweaking your skin care regimen, if you see fit. If you’re wondering what to do about that oily skin of yours, well I have news for you: There’s nothing you can do! Believe me, I'm just as irritated with mine.

It’s very common for ethnic women to have oily skin, although a lot of us don’t. I’ve asked dermatologists for suggestions on “suppressing the oil”, and they didn’t have any advice. I did find that oil-control products work well, but my skin tends to dry out if I use them on a regular basis. The reason is because those products typically contain alcohol, which tends to dry out the skin.

Determine your skin type

Your skin is oily if:

◈Your face looks shiny, especially in the T-zone

◈Your foundation tends to crease, especially in the forehead area and around the mouth (smile lines)

◈Your foundation “melts” or wears off

◈You are acne-prone, have whiteheads/blackheads

◈You have large pores

Your skin is dry if:

◈You have rough, flaky skin (or red patches)

◈Your skin feels tight or itchy (especially after cleansing)

◈You’ve never had acne

◈You’re sensitive to sun, wind, and cold

Your skin is sensitive if:

◈It irritates easily

◈You sunburn easily

◈Your skin is red or blotchy

◈You have negative reactions to certain cosmetic products

◈You have broken capillaries beneath the surface of your skin

Your skin is combination if:

◈Products help one area of your face, but irritate the other

◈You have dry cheeks, but an oily (or acne-prone) T-zone

◈Your skin is unbalanced (oily in certain areas, but dry in others)

Your skin is normal if:

◈You have even skin tone

◈You can use any products without irritations

◈You have few or no breakouts; you have smooth skin

◈Your skin always looks and feels supple, with or without moisturizer

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