How to Determine Your Skin Type

How can you effectively care for your skin if you don't know your skin type? This is a brief overview on the 5 different types of skin types and a few natural ingredients to consider based on your skin type. 

The truth is this doesn't have to be tedious. Learning your skin is a process but the more you pay attention to specific characteristics, the more you will learn what works well and what products you can toss. It makes it easier to learn what ingredients do well with your skin type and what to avoid. 

Let's get into it! Identifying your skin type is the first step in knowing which products to choose for your skin to thrive. There are five main skin types: sensitive skin, normal skin, dry skin, oily skin and combination skin. 

1. Sensitive skin: this skin type is often influenced by the environment, allergies, or genetics. There are varying signs that are connected to this skin type including adverse and quick reactions to fragrance, rashes, bumps, burning sensation after using a product on your skin/face, and the appearance of dry patches on your skin. You have be careful with testing new products because of the unknown reaction.  Suitable natural ingredients for sensitive skin: when caring for your sensitive skin, it's important to select items that are mild, anti-inflammatory, and soothing to the skin. Good natural ingredients for sensitive skin include oatmeal, chamomile oil, and jojoba oil. 

2. Normal skin: ladies with this skin type are often referred to as 'lucky.' This skin type is less prone to breakouts and irritations. Normal skin also has fewer adverse reactions when it comes to experimenting with new products or even regular weather changes. There is no urgency to moisturize throughout the day constantly. Normal skin also tends to remain firm without the appearance of premature aging and fine lines. Suitable natural ingredients for normal skin: normal skin is excellent at withstanding all most any natural ingredients. Some very beneficial ingredients include vitamin c, avocado oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. 

3. Dry-skin: there are some specific signs to look out for when identifying dry skin such as flaky skin, sensitivity, cracks, and itchiness—triggers for dry skin range from genes, environment, illness, and lifestyle decisions. Suitable natural ingredients for dry skin: applying your choice of a natural moisturizer throughout the day proves to be beneficial for this dry skin. Using natural ingredients like honey, olive oil, and frankincense oil are great selections. 

4. Oily skin: if your skin constantly appears to be shiny or greasy, it is likely that this is your skin type. Oily skin doesn't keep makeup for long without the need for blotting and touchups. It thrives better with a matte facial powder to balance the shine. It is important to note that even your skin is oily, it still needs to be moisturized. Often, oily girls think skipping the moisturizer helps, but it really makes it worse. Oily skin is often a result of the skin "thinking" it's dry, so it over produces oil causing the skin to oily. Suitable natural ingredients for oily skin: it's best to select facial products that don't add extra shine to the face like mineral oil and petroleum-based products. Shea butter, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil are great natural ingredients that moisturize skin. 

5. Combination skin: some ladies naturally struggle with deciphering if their skin is dry or oily. In most cases, this means you have combination skin. For combination skin, the area across the forehead and the line running down the nose (t-zone) is often oily, while the other areas of the face are dry or normal. Suitable natural ingredients for combination skin: the preferred natural ingredients that work for this skin type include lavender oil, jojoba oil, and honey. When applying your facial products, be sure to treat them according to the section of your face that is dry or oily to receive the best skin care benefits. 

As you care for your skin, the first step is to ensure you know your skin type. Without knowing your skin type, you could be choosing the wrong ingredients in products and worsening your skin instead of choosing the right ingredients to improve it!

This will then guide the natural ingredients that can comfortably be applied to your face for the best skincare results.