How to determine your skin type! A guide to the right skin & facial care

Which face cream is right for you? There are thousands of creams, hundreds of suppliers, but only one important question: what skin type are you? Choosing the right skincare products is crucial to keeping your skin healthy and radiant. An important first step is to determine your individual skin type. Why is this so important? Because different skin types have different needs, and using products that don’t suit your skin type can lead to problems such as dryness, oiliness, blemishes or irritation. We show you how to determine your own skin type to find the right skin & face care routine for you.

The different skin types

Choosing the right face cream depends on your individual skin type. To find out what skin type you are, you can use a simple checklist. Dry skin often feels rough and flaky, while oily skin is shiny and oily. Combination skin combines both characteristics, while sensitive skin reacts easily to external stimuli. Choosing the right face cream can help to optimally care for your skin and overcome problems such as dryness or shine. Here is a chart to help you determine your skin type:

Before we start to determine your skin type, let’s first look at the four main categories of skin types:

Type 1 Dry skin

Dry skin often feels rough and flaky. It tends to feel tight and red and can also be prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Dry skin needs a lot of moisture and care to strengthen its natural barrier.

Type 2: Oily skin

Oily skin is shiny and greasy, especially in the so-called T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose and chin. Enlarged pores and a tendency to blackheads and acne are common characteristics of oily skin. The right skincare can help reduce shine and control blemishes.

Type 3: Combination skin

Combination skin is a combination of dry and oily areas. The T-zone is often oily, while cheeks and other areas tend to be dry. Enlarged pores in the T-zone and occasional breakouts are characteristic of combination skin. Skin care must be tailored to the needs of both skin types.

Type 4 Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin reacts easily to external stimuli such as wind, sun or certain skin care products. Redness, itching or burning may occur. Sensitive skin requires gentle and soothing skin care products to avoid irritation.

Checklist: What skin type are you?

What skin type are you? Find out:

Skin type	Characteristics and signs
Dry skin	Often feels dry and rough
	May be scaly or peeling
	Tends to feel tight and reddened
	Tends to fine lines and wrinkles
Oily skin	Appears shiny and greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
	Enlarged pores
	Prone to blackheads and acne
	Make-up can smudge easily
Combination skin	T-zone is oily (forehead, nose, chin), while cheeks and other areas tend to be dry
	Enlarged pores in the T-zone
	Prone to occasional outbursts
Sensitive skin	Reacts easily to external stimuli such as wind, sun or certain skin care products
	May cause redness, itching or burning
	Requires gentle and soothing skin care products

PS! Of course this also applies to you men! Find out more here: Skin care for men.

How to determine your skin type in 4 steps

Now that you know the different skin types, it’s time to find out your own skin type. Here’s a simple method to find out:

Step 1: Thorough cleaning

Wash your face thoroughly to remove all traces of make-up and skincare products. Use a mild cleanser that does not irritate your skin.

Step 2: Short waiting time

Leave your skin in its natural state for about an hour without applying any other products.

Step 3: Observe, touch your skin

After this waiting period, look at your skin carefully and touch it lightly to determine how it feels.

Step 4: Determination

You can determine your skin type based on the following characteristics:

1. Dry skin: Feels dry, rough, flaky, prone to redness and may have fine lines or wrinkles
2. Oily skin: is shiny and greasy, especially in the T-zone, has enlarged pores and is prone to blackheads or acne
3. Combination skin: The T-zone is oily while other areas are dry, and enlarged pores and occasional breakouts may occur
4. Sensitive skin: reacts easily to external stimuli with redness, itching or burning

This is how it works!

Determining your skin type is the first step to an effective skincare routine. Once you know your skin type, you can select products that suit your specific needs. Remember that your skin type can change over time, so it is advisable to check your skin regularly and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Well cared for skin not only looks healthy, it feels healthy too.

x

The right skin care

Want to learn more about home care? Read on here:

• The right skin care
• Face creams in comparison