What’s Your Skin Type?

Skin Type

How to Maintain Beautiful Skin

Skin types are much like personalities, they each differ from each person. The typical skin types are normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive.  Even though these are considered the typical skin types, chances are your skin could be combination of two, i.e. sensitive and oily. Aging, hormonal fluctuations and seasonal changes can all affect or alter our skin type.  It's important to properly understand the traits of each skin type and how to identify them correctly so you can treat your skin accordingly.

 Factors that affect your skin type include:

• Water Content – Affects skin's elasticity, comfort and moisture level
• Oil (lipid) Content – Content which affects skin's softness and texture
• Sensitivity Level – How prone skin is to irritation

Identifying your true skin type is simple and will help you identify which skin care products are best suited for you. Telltale signs that you are using the wrong products for your skin type include; stinging, endless flaking, inflammation, burning, excessive oiliness or dryness.  An effective home test for determining your skin type is to first wash your face with a gentle cleanser, make sure to thoroughly remove make-up, excess dirt and oil.  Do not apply any moisturizer or toners, just wait an hour or so, this will allow your skin to react in its own natural way.  Next, gently dab your T-Zone area with a white tissue. Now you can honestly identify your skin's true nature. Below you will find skin type characteristics, select the one that best suits you.

What's Your Skin Type?

• Normal Skin – Balanced skin is not too oily or too dry. Skin naturally feels supple and smooth. Normal skin types typically don't experience any severe sensitivity and barely have visible pores, along with an overall glowing complexion. (If using the tissue test above, tissue should not be too oily or flaky)
• Oily Skin – T-Zone (nose, forehead and chin) feel especially oily, along with exposed enlarged pores, shiny and/or dull complexion, blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes. Weather, elevated stress levels, exposure to too much humidity or heat, puberty and hormonal fluctuations are all contributing factors that can exasperate oiliness.  (If using the tissue test above, tissue should be moderately to obviously oily)
• Combination Skin – Typically can be dry or normal in some area and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead and chin). Usually the skin tends to be oily on the T-zone and normal to dry everywhere else. Combination skin can suffer from large pores, black heads, and shiny skin. This skin type is the most common. (If using the tissue test above, tissue should be slightly oily with perhaps some dry or flakiness)
• Dry Skin – Skin feels tight, less elastic, dehydrated and sometimes flaky. Skin may look rough, show more visible lines, and red patches. Dry skin is typically associated with small or invisible pores. Extremely dry weather, harsh chemicals, ultra violet rays, long hot baths, certain medications, aging and hormonal changes are all factors that can worsen dry skin.  (If using the tissue test above, tissue will be very dry and even flaky)
• Sensitive Skin Type – Reacts easily to regular skin products.  One could have dry or oily skin along with sensitive skin.  Using chemically formulated products can lead to redness, itching, burning, and dryness. (If using the tissue test above, skin might feel slightly irritated, dry and even flaky)

If you want to guarantee accurate results in finding the best treatment for your skin type, visit Miami Center for Dermatology. Dr. Longwill and her staff are experts in allowing you to be able to acquire the best results in any dermatological need. Call 305.279.SKIN to book an appointment today!

Here at the Miami Center for Dermatology, your comfort and satisfaction is our main concern. For that reason, we offer Products and Treatments for your Skin Type. Call Today to schedule an appointment at (305) 279-7546 or Click Here to Contact Us Today!