What is my skin type?: A Full Guide To Discover It

If you’ve ever wondered “What is my skin type?”, then this post can help! Knowing your skin type is an important first step to creating the right skincare routine for yourself. So whether you’re a seasoned skincare veteran or just beginning your journey into skin care, understanding what kind of skin you have and how to take proper care of it will serve as invaluable knowledge. 

Keep reading to discover all there is to know about finding out your skin type and getting started with a personalized routine that works for you!

What are the different types of skin?

When it comes to skin, no two are alike. There are six different skin types and each one has its own unique set of characteristics. Let’s find them out!

1. Normal skin

Normal skin type is usually characterized by a healthy texture, balanced sebum production, and even skin tone. Other signs to look for include a smooth feel, no sensitivity or tightness after cleansing, and a healthy glow. This type of skin has no specific concerns.

2. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin type is usually characterized by reactions to certain beauty ingredients, reactions to temperature changes or skincare products, and a tendency for redness and irritation. Other signs to look for include sensations of tightness or itchiness after cleansing, sensitivity to the sun, and persistent redness.

3. Dry skin

Dry skin type is usually characterized by flakiness, tightness, and tight pores. Other signs to look for may include itchiness, redness, irritability, a feeling of dryness throughout the day, and patches of rough skin or eczema. You may also experience flakes on your face after washing it.

4. Oily skin

Oily skin type is characterized by large pores, an excess of sebum production (excess oil), and a shiny complexion. Other signs to look out for include frequent breakouts or blackheads, excessive oiliness even after cleansing, and consistent shininess on your forehead, nose, and chin (or the 'T-zone'). Additionally, the texture of oily skin can often be thicker than other skin types.

5. Combination skin

Combination skin type is usually characterized by breakout activity in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), dryness or tightness around the cheeks, and an oily nose. Other signs to look for include visible pores on the nose, occasional blackheads on the chin, and occasional breakouts on other parts of the face.

6. Acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin can often be identified by the presence of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and redness. Generally, acne is caused when pores are blocked with dirt or oil that prevents natural exfoliation and results in clogged pores. If these symptoms persist despite taking preventative measures such as cleansing regularly and using the right products for your skin type, it’s likely that you have acne-prone skin.

How to determine skin type: The 4 Main Methods

Do you ever get confused when trying to figure out your skin type? We've all been there- you walk into the skincare aisle and suddenly find yourself overwhelmed by all of the choices. The only thing that remains constant is feeling completely lost when it comes to finding your perfect products. But don't worry, we have a solution! Let's talk about how to determine your skin type so that you can put an end to guesswork and start shopping for what works best for your unique complexion.

The Blotting Sheet Method

One way to determine your skin type is to do a simple "tissue test". First, cleanse your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Next, press a tissue against different parts of your face (forehead, cheek, nose, and chin) and wait a few minutes. If the tissue turns out oily, you have oily skin; if it remains clear or just slightly oily then you have normal or combination skin; and if the tissue turns out dry or looks papery then you likely have dry or mature skin. Additionally, if you notice any redness or sensitivity with the cleanse then you could also have sensitive skin. 

The Bare-Faced Method

The bare-faced method is another way to determine your skin type. To do this, you should start by washing your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry. Then, observe your skin for several hours without applying for any products or coverage. At the end of the observation period, evaluate how your skin looks and feels to determine what type of skin you have. If your face appears oily or shiny throughout the entire process, then you have oily skin. If it does not stay overly shiny but some areas feel tight or dry, then you have normal or combination skin. Lastly, if you experience dryness that does not improve after cleansing and nothing else happens, then you have dry or mature skin.

Get a dermatologist's diagnosis

To determine your skin type, speak to your dermatologist or consult a skin specialist. During the visit, they may ask questions about your daily skincare habits and perform a physical examination of your skin. Additionally, they could also run tests to determine what type of skin you have. After they have made an assessment, they will provide you with a diagnosis of which skin type you have and a treatment plan to care for it.

Do Asian Beauty Essentials’ quiz

Taking our test is the easiest way to find out your skin type! Throughout the test, we’ll ask you questions about how your skin feels during the morning, your main skin concerns, and more so we can determine your skin type and even recommend products tailored to your skincare needs! 

Take our quiz today and discover what’s your skin type!

How to take care of your skin according to your skin type

Now that you know your skin type, here are some tips to take care of it. Read on!

1. Normal skin

Having normal skin and no skin concerns doesn't mean you won’t take care of it. Here is some guidance on how to properly take care of your normal skin:

Gentle exfoliate two or three times a week, a normal type of skin can exfoliate two to three times a week to remove impurities and dead skin cells, this will also clear your face and prepare it for other skincare products. Use a gentle moisturizer to give your skin a smooth appearance, just make sure to apply it gently on your skin. 

Always wear sunscreen, it is important to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours when outdoors and after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen will help protect your skin from UV rays and prevent sunburns, premature aging, and other long-term skin damage. Furthermore, products with antioxidants can be beneficial for maintaining the health of normal skin as well.

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2. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin demands extra care. That’s why you must pick label products for sensitive skin types. Here are some things to take into special consideration: 

Use a gentle moisturizer that has calming and soothing ingredients like tea tree oil, Centella Asiatica, and green tea. Look for a hypoallergenic moisturizer with natural ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. You can keep your moisturizer cool before applying it. For sensitive skin, it is important to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, look for a non-comedogenic formula and select a product specifically made for sensitive skin. Additionally, physical blockers like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide can also be beneficial for protecting against UV rays without irritating the skin.

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Look for fragrance-free products

When shopping for products specifically made for sensitive skin, it is important to look for those that are fragrance-free. Fragrances can cause a variety of reactions, such as skin irritation and inflammation, in people with sensitive skin. Make sure to read the labels on products before purchasing and avoid those with artificial fragrances or dyes. Additionally, products should be free of alcohol and harsh chemicals which can also irritate the skin.

3. Dry skin

If you have dry skin, you must look for products that provide extra moisturizing and smoothing appearance. Besides, we will give you some extra advice:

For dry skin, it is important to use a gentle cleanser that won't strip away natural oils. Look for nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid which can help to soothe and hydrate the skin. It's also recommended to use lukewarm water when cleansing, as hot water can further dry out the skin. After cleansing, make sure to apply a moisturizer containing natural oils such as avocado or jojoba oil to help lock in moisture.

For those with dry skin, it's important to use a sunscreen that offers adequate sun protection without irritating the skin. Look for gentle formulas with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum physical sun protection. These ingredients help to form a barrier on the skin, blocking out both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid products containing alcohol or synthetic fragrances, as these can dry out the skin.

It is important to use a serum that will help to replenish and restore skin health. Look for serums containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin E which can help to hydrate and nourish the skin. Make sure to apply your serum after cleansing but before moisturizing for maximum hydration.

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Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is key to healthy, glowing skin. Start by drinking the recommended amount of water each day, as this helps to replenish dehydrated cells and promote cell turnover.

4. Oily skin

This type of skin demands specific care as well. Look for oily skin-labeled products to control oily skin. Here are extra tips:

Oily skin requires regular cleansing to remove excess oils that can contribute to acne and clogged pores. Start by using a gentle cleanser formulated for oily skin, as this will help to reduce the production of sebum without over-stripping the skin. 

Despite being prone to excess oil, it’s important not to avoid moisturizer when you have oily skin. Moisturizing helps to balance the skin and reduce sebum production – if your skin is overly dry, your body will naturally produce more oil in an attempt to rehydrate. 

Choose a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer that won’t add any additional grease and apply it immediately after cleansing, while your face is still damp. 

Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you should skip sunscreen. UV rays can still cause sun damage and aging, even when your complexion appears to be shiny or greasy. Opt for an oil-free sunscreen with a matte finish, as this will help minimize the appearance of shine without blocking your pores.

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5. Combination skin

The best thing for combination skin is to find the skin’s natural balance. Combination skin can require a bit more of a specialized approach, however, it is still possible to keep your skin balanced and healthy. Start your skin care regimen by cleansing your skin twice a day – once in the morning and again at night. 

Use a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for combination skin types to ensure that you don’t strip the natural oils from your skin or irritate any areas of sensitivity. Next, use an exfoliator two to three times per week to help rid the pores of any dirt and oil buildup. Finish off with an oil-balancing moisturizer that contains ingredients that won’t clog your pores or leave your face feeling too greasy. Remember to always use sunscreen.

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6. Acne-prone skin

Taking care of acne-prone skin doesn’t have to be difficult. First, establish a regular cleansing routine – this should include washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Then apply an oil-free moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated while avoiding any pore-clogging ingredients. Additionally, you can use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria and inflammation. During the day don’t forget to use sunscreen. Finally, avoid touching your face throughout the day, and always remove any makeup before going to bed.

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Where to find all your skin type needs

When it comes to face and skin care, Asian Beauty Essentials has got you covered! Finding the best skincare routine for your particular skin type can seem daunting but with the help of Asian Beauty Essentials, it no longer has to be. 

No matter your skin type or its needs, there is a product tailored just for you at our store. With quality ingredients and an impressive selection of products to choose from crafted by the best Asian brands, there’s something perfect for everyone.