What's my skin type?

As for me, I used to find it difficult to answer such an easy question: What's your skin type? 

The condition of your skin - though it's genetically coded, changes quite often due to many factors that affect your life. If you eat unhealthy, consume too much sugar, drink less water, sleep less, become stressed, take medicine just to mention some problems that will show up on your skin. However, your skin type is a constant state your skin is in and is essential to know in order to find the best cosmetic treatment and products intended for your skin.

Normal Skin

It's neither dry nor oily. You have an even skin complexion, there is no discoloration on you face. Your skin has no pimples, blackheads, and pores are barely visible. The skin feels smooth, elastic, and does not get flaky. Basically, you don't really have any problems with your skin.

Dry Skin (Dehydrated Skin, Combination Skin)

Obviously your skin feels dry and often tight and flaky; especially after you take a shower. Your skin lacks moisture and is a bit droopy. Your skin color is a bit dull and not even in color; you might have some red patches. Your skin might also be sensitive to irritation. Pores are visible and pimples and blackheads do appear on your face. Unfortunately, dry skin is more prone to aging, so fine lines are apparent.

You might have an oily T-zone and dry cheeks which means you not only have dry, but also dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is what's also known as combination skin.

Tip: Exfoliate twice a week and go for alcohol-free toners and cleansers. Use a heavy and hydrating moisturizer that seals in moisture well. If your T-zone tends to get oily, use an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer in that area. You might also want to invest into a humidifier.

Oily Skin

We talk about oily skin when the whole face is oily. That means it's greasy and shiny due to the overproduction of sebaceous glands. Your skin is very much prone to blackheads and pimples. Pores are large and visible. Your skin has an unpleasant feel to it and might also have an unpleasant smell. But to say something nice about this skin type too, your skin is less likely to show signs of aging.

Tip: Use hydrating cosmetic products formulated for oily skin. Exfoliate regularly and use an oil-free moisturizer. Include only oil-free products in your make up kit. 

Sensitive Skin

It's not really a skin type, but rather a skin condition. You have one of the three skin types listed above, and sensitivity in your skin as an extra. Sensitive skin is thin, dry and tight. You tend to have a lot of redness due to irritation. You might also be sensitive to certain ingredients in cosmetic products that cause itchiness and often a burning feel. Your skin has fine pores and pimples are also present.

Tip: Go for cosmetic products formulated for sensitive skin and choose natural, hypoallergenic products that lack of perfume and preservatory ingredients. 

Problematic Skin

Again, it's a skin condition in which your skin is prone to acne and often gets flaky whether you have dry or oily skin. 

Tip: The best cure is prevention; if you have the right treatments your skin will show improvement (exfoliation, facials, etc...).Consult with a dermatologist or your beautician for the required treatments.