Have you ever wondered why your skin care routine does not work wonders for you, while it may work wonders for others? It could be because of your skin type! Knowing your skin type is crucial in curating a skincare routine that will work best for you. In this blog, I will help you identify your skin type while dispelling common misconceptions about the process.

Misconception #1: Dry Skin is the Same as Dehydrated Skin

It is easy to mistake dry skin for dehydrated skin, but they are not the same! Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. If your skin feels tight or looks dull or flaky, it could be because you have dry skin. But if it looks parched, is prone to acne and has fine lines, then your skin is dehydrated. To test if you have dehydrated skin, pinch your skin, and if it takes time to regain its structure, then your skin is likely dehydrated.

A comparison of dry and dehydrated skin types. Dry skin appears to have a lack of natural oils, while dehydrated skin lacks water.

Misconception #2: Oily Skin is Always Bad

Oily skin may be a hassle to deal with, but it has its benefits. Oil acts as a natural barrier between pollutants and your skin, making it less prone to wrinkles. But if you produce more oil than usual, making your skin shiny and prone to acne, you may have oily skin. Take note that having oily skin doesn’t mean you don’t need hydration. Don’t skip moisturizers, as drying out your skin makes your body produce more oil!

An illustration of someone with oily skin. The skin appears shiny and has visible oil secretion.

Misconception #3: Combination Skin is Complicated to Handle

Combination skin may seem tricky to manage, but it’s not as complicated as you may think! The most common combination skin type is an oily t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry or normal cheeks. If you have combination skin, treat the oily and dry areas separately. Use toners and spot treatments for oily areas and nourishing creams and lotions for dry areas.

An image comparing the T-zone with the cheeks. The T-zone appears oily, while the cheeks appear dry.

Misconception #4: Sensitive Skin is a Skin Type

Contrary to belief, sensitive skin is not a skin type; it is a skin condition. It means that your skin is more vulnerable to external variables such as UV rays, fragrances, and chemicals. If you easily get redness, irritation, and rashes from products or environmental factors, you may have sensitive skin. Choose products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and made for sensitive skin types.

An illustration of someone with sensitive skin. The skin appears red, irritated, and prone to rashes.

Determining your skin type is just the first step in curating a skincare routine that fits you. Identify yours and experiment with products that cater to your specific skin type, and you’ll see the results for yourself!

An image of different skin types, including the examples of how people can have different combinations among them.