Natural Skin care is not a one-size-fits-all situation and using the wrong products on your face can cause you to experience skin issues and problems. But it can also become quite costly, not to mention stressful.
So, it all comes down to discovering what your individual skin type is then, tailoring your natural skin care routine to that specific skin type.
What Are the Different Skin Types?
There are five main skin types: oily, dry, combination, normal, and sensitive. Below we will discuss the best ways to determine which skin type you have and how to better address your skin concerns, to provide you with that healthy complexion you have been searching for!
How to Identify Your Skin Type
Fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, inflammation, acne breakouts, dry flaky patches, sensitivity, uneven texture, and enlarged pores are only some of the different skin conditions that people commonly experience.
Some of these skin conditions can be a result of your genetics, age, natural oil production, but also other outside factors too. Food, stress, sleep, skincare products, sun exposure, and certain habits contribute to your skin. Even the different seasons can determine how your skin behaves.
So, before you go on a spending spree looking for a problem skincare product, take the time to really look at your skin and pay attention to how it feels. Here are three basic steps you can use to determine your skin type:
Step One: Notice how your skin feels
It’s important to notice how your skin feels on any given day of the week. The texture of your skin can reveal a lot about its natural essence, and if your skincare routine needs an adjustment.
Normal skin - feels even, balanced, and neither too dry nor too oily or sensitive.
Sensitive skin - usually feels itchy, patchy, dry and can sometimes sting or burn.
Oily skin - will feel greasy and shiny all over. If you feel like you are constantly reaching for the oil blotting sheets, this means you probably have oily skin.
Dry skin - will feel tight and dry. It is normal for it to be flaky and crack, especially in the winter months.
Combination skin - usually feels oily in the T-zone (the area that includes your forehead, nose, and chin) but dry everywhere else. It can also be oily and dry in different locations, but if you notice two or more different textures on your face, it is a sign that you have combination skin.
Step Two: Take a look at your pores
Your pores are also big indicators of your skin type. Their size and tendency to get clogged can tell you a lot about your skin and its sebum (oil) production.
Normal skin - People with normal skin usually have pores that are unnoticeable.
Sensitive skin - People with sensitive skin often have normal to large pores, but this can differ based on a possible reaction to a specific product, irritant, or hormone balance.
Oily skin - People with oily skin often struggle with large pores that get easily clogged with sweat and oils the body releases.
Dry skin - People with dry skin typically have small tight pores. Often giving you the sensation as if someone put a clear skin mask on your face- your pores are clear, but they are as dry as the desert.
Combination skin - If pores are large and often clogged around the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin) but are small and unnoticeable on the cheeks and other areas of the face, this is a sign of combination skin.
Step Three: Notice how your skin feels after cleansing
Start by washing your face with a natural gentle cleanser like Raybae Beauty’s Refreshing Rosehip Cleanser. Next, gently pat your skin dry with a clean – soft cloth and then wait for 30 minutes. When the time is up, look at the appearance of your skin.
Normal skin - Will feel clean and clear after cleansing, even if you feel you need a little moisturizer. But generally, your skin doesn’t feel too parched, shiny, or sensitive.
Sensitive skin - Will often feel clean and a bit dry after washing but the wrong cleanser may trigger itching and irritation to occur. When you historically notice that your skin is frequently dry, red or feels discomfort with some products, you likely have sensitive skin.
Oily skin - Will feel clean and oil-free, almost the only time it feels that way. Shortly after cleansing, typically starting around that 30 minute marker you might notice that the oil is starting to return, leaving you with a shiny face.
Dry skin - May feel tight, flaky, and dehydrated. Especially, if you are using a cleanser or facewash that has any sort of drying agents in it.
Combination skin - Will often feel clean, refreshed and oil-free around the T-zone area but tight and dry around the cheeks and the rest of your face.
Find The Best Routine for Your Skin Type
Regardless of what your unique skin type is, there are three basic non-negotiable products that everyone should have in their natural skincare routine: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. However, I would argue that a face serum should also be included too.
Beyond the three must haves. The type of products you need, their ingredients, the application, and frequency of use- will vary based on what your specific skin type is.
To learn about the Best Natural Skin Care Routine for your specific skin type
click here.
