What's your skin type

What's your skin type

Determining your skin type helps you pick the right skincare products and regime. For example, those with acne-prone skin should use products specific to their problem, or else more inflammation occurs, resulting in more acne.

Do note that skin types can change with time. For example skin gets drier as one ages.

Use this test to determine your skin type: Wash face, pat dry, press a piece of rice paper or oil blotter on different spots of the face. In oily areas, the paper will stick and become translucent.

There are five skin types:

Normal

Skin is neither oily nor dry after washing the face. It's smooth and soft. Use products meant for normal skin.

Oily

Skin always has a shine and is prone to acne. It can be caused or made worse by hormonal imbalance, stress and using the wrong facial products.

Wash the face more than twice a day and especially after perspirng. Use products for oily skin and that includes cleanser and mineral make-up facial powder. Don't massage.

Combination

Skin has an oily T-zone (the area in the centre of the face) but is dry elsewhere. Use products labelled for combination skin.

Dry

Skin is rough and dull. Lines are more visible. If skin gets too dry, it becomes itchy and inflammed. Apply a rich moisturiser soon after a wash. Use gentle soaps, avoid scrubs and wash your face only once a day.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin has red patches usually over the T-zone. It gets itchy and red easily after using most products. Thus, you should seek professional advice on suitable products. If you still have problems deciding on the right products, ask the professionals.

Dr Komathy Rajaratnam is the founder of The Lifestyle Clinic at 16-03 Camden Medical Centre, Tel: 6733-0788. Her articles deal with beauty and aesthetic issues relevant to the Indian body type.


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