The Ultimate Guide To Understanding The Skin Types: Tests & Dermatitis

What is my skin type? How do I understand skin types? If you are looking for answers to these questions, you have landed on the right page! 

Knowing and understanding your skin type is the first step in decoding your skin’s needs and taking the right steps to take care of it. Care varies depending on your oily, dry, combination, normal or sensitive skin types.

Skin is the largest organ of the body and has numerous important functions. It is important to protect and care for it. Read on for an in-depth understanding of skin types and how you can find out what your skin type is through observation.

Table Of Contents

1. How To Understand Skin Type?

2. What Is My Skin Type?

3. At-Home Tests For Understanding Of Skin Types

4. Types Of Dermatitis

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

How To Understand Skin Type?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) classifies skin into five main categories: combination, oily, dry, oily, and sensitive. Every skin type has certain qualities and requirements that might impact how your complexion feels and looks. 

Knowing what kind of skin you have will help you make decisions that will provide your skin the specialised care and protection it needs, both now and in the future. 

• The quantity of sebum (oil) your skin produces determines your skin type. 

• The amount of oil on the skin can vary over time and be impacted by several parameters, including hormones, stress, humidity, genetic makeup, and ageing.

• The blotting sheet method can tell you what type of skin you have in about thirty minutes.

  
  

Observation is key to understanding what skin type you have read further to explore details on skin types and what you relate with the most.

Apart from all this, you must also pay proper attention to nutrition for healthy skin.

Also read: Healthy Diet And Lifestyle Tips

What Is My Skin Type?

There is no one solution to achieving perfect skin; what works for one may not work for the other, which is why understanding skin types is essential. 

Here, we elaborate on different skin types for a better understanding of what type you may have:

1. Dry Skin Type

Dry skin, as the name suggests, is skin that lacks moisture and feels and looks dry.  The natural oil production in dry skin is typically lower than in other skin types. Some characteristics can be:

• It may become rough, flaky, or even scaly, giving it a dull appearance.

• It can feel tightened or less elastic.

• Seems significantly dehydrated.

• It could be more prone to showing wrinkles and fine lines. 

• It might also start to itch or feel inflamed.

Ceramides and other mild, calming, and moisturising substances that support the preservation of the skin's protective moisture barrier should be a part of any dry skin care regimen. 

Avoiding very long, hot showers, moisturising many times a day, and using fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and alcohol-free skincare products for people with dry skin types are recommended.

2. Oily Skin Type

Excess sebum produced by oily skin makes the skin feel and look greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): 

• People with oily skin may have fewer wrinkles overall. 

• They may also be more likely to develop enlarged pores.

• This also means you are more prone to acne breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.

• Your skin gets greasy and extra shiny easily.

• Your pores get clogged more easily than other skin types.

Remember that although though oily skin produces more natural oils than other skin types, it still needs the same amount of moisture. Choosing the correct products that moisturise and feed your face without blocking pores or causing breakouts is the key to supporting oily skin. 

A mild, foamy cleanser that eliminates excess oil, debris, and other pollutants is a must in any routine for oily skin. A lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturiser that gives your oily skin the vital moisture it needs should also be a part of it.

3. Normal Skin Type

The normal skin type basically means skin that is balanced and does not feel overly greasy or dry. Some basic characteristics are: 

• It does not feel tight or greasy.

• Skin does not flake off or cause breakouts. 

• Normal-skinned people usually have smooth skin.

• Tiny pores and a lower susceptibility to breakouts or irritation. 

Normal skin does not have any particular problems, but it still needs to be properly cared for to feel and look its best. The optimum daily skincare routine helps you keep your skin hydrated by retaining moisture and bolstering your skin's barrier defences.

Also read: Herbal Teas For Skin Health: A Natural Glow From Within

4. Sensitive Skin Type

Although sensitive skin is considered a skin type, there are three types of sensitive skin: normal, dry, and oily. Whatever skin type you have, if you have sensitive skin:

• It may seem red and feel dry, itchy, or burning. 

• It is prone to reacting badly to new products.

• These symptoms could be caused by skin that is more sensitive to outside irritants and could be brought on by specific substances, such as fragrances or dyes, in addition to the environment or season.

If you have sensitive skin, you might be able to identify the elements that make it worse so you can stay away from cleansers, moisturisers, and other products with those particular compounds. To lessen your exposure to triggering chemicals, you can also make changes to your surroundings. 

Do not forget your SPF, and always patch test products on your hand or the back of your ear to know if they suit you or not.

5. Combination Skin Type

As the name suggests, a combination skin type is a combination of normal, dry and oily. Some parts of your face are dry, some oily and some even normal, and this mapping can vary from person to person. Here are some characteristics:

• Both dry and oily skin types are represented in combination skin.

• The T-zone is typically oily, while the cheekbones can be either normal or dry. 

• This skin type can change with the seasons and for several reasons, including hormone fluctuations and stress. 

For skin that is dry in some areas and oily or normal in others, proper washing and hydration are essential.

At-Home Tests For Understanding Of Skin Types

Here are some easy methods to know your skin type in under half an hour in the comfort of your home:

1. Blotting Sheet Test

Start with pat drying your face after using a mild cleanser, then let it sit for half an hour. Blotting sheets should be pressed against different parts of your face. To view the oil marks, hold the sheets up to the light. Here is the analysis:

• You have oily skin if the sheets absorb a lot of oil from your entire face.

• Your skin is most likely dry if it absorbs very little to no oil.

• You have combination skin if there is very little oil from your T-zone on the sheets.

• You probably have normal skin if there is not much oil visible on any part of your face.

2. Wait And Observe Test

The main principle of this test is to watch how your skin behaves after being cleansed and left alone without any products. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it be for 30 minutes. Here is the analysis:

• You most likely have oily skin if your face seems shiny all over.

• You probably have dry skin if it is flaky or scaly and feels tight.

• If your T-zone is the sole area that shines, your skin type is most likely a combination.

• Your skin type is probably normal if it feels comfortable and hydrated but not oily.

Also see: Effective Morning Habits To Improve Your Skin Health

Types Of Dermatitis

Eczema is another name for dermatitis. Itchy, scaly skin, a swelling rash, dandruff-like scaling, and leaking blisters are some of the symptoms.

Every kind of dermatitis has a unique set of symptoms and usually affects different areas of the body. Multiple types may be present at the same time. The following are the types of dermatitis:

1. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This occurs when the skin comes into contact with compounds to which it is allergic. Usually, the rash only appears where the allergen comes into contact. 

Perfumes, personal hygiene products, poison ivy, ragweed pollen, and nickel, which are used in jewellery and other objects, are common allergens. Here are some symptoms:

• Itching.

• Blisters and bumps, occasionally with crusting and oozing.

• Swollen rash.

2. Statis Dermatitis

When fluid accumulates in the lower legs due to varicose veins or other circulation issues, it can lead to stasis dermatitis. The pressure the swelling creates reduces the skin's ability to absorb oxygen and blood. Common signs include:

• Skin discoloured and thickened on the shins or ankles.

• Itching and burning sensations.

• Open sores, sometimes crusting and oozing.

• Inflammation.

3. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

When some substances come into touch with the skin and create a rash, irritant contact dermatitis occurs. While they differ, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis have several characteristics. 

Strong irritants can cause reactions in some persons after just one exposure. Others who come into repeated touch with even minor irritants may get a rash. Solvents, bleach, soap, and hair products are common irritants. Typical signs are:

• Itching.

• Blisters and bumps, occasionally with crusting and oozing.

• Swollen rash.

4. Atopic Dermatitis

Another name for atopic dermatitis is eczema. It usually appears on the front of the neck, behind the knees and in the creases of the elbows. It may flare up and then subside for a while. Typical signs include:

• Skin that is dry and cracked.

• Itching

• Raw skin as a result of scratching.

• Little elevated lumps on the skin that are either black or brown.

• Crusting and oozing.

• Thicker skin.

5. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is frequently observed on greasy body parts. On the scalp, it can also manifest as itchy, persistent dandruff. This kind of dermatitis is called "cradle cap" in babies. Symptoms are:

• Dandruff.

• Patches of oily skin on the head, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits or groin region or beneath the breasts coated in flaky white or yellow scales or crust.

• Rash that itches.

6. Neurodermatitis

Another name for neurodermatitis is lichen simplex chronicus. It itches more the more you scratch it. 

It usually affects the scalp, neck, wrists, forearms, ankles, vulva, scrotum, and anus—areas that are easily accessible for scratching. Here are some symptoms:

• Patch or patches of scaly, itching skin.

• Leathery-thick skin.

• Rough, swollen and elevated areas that are darker than surrounding skin.

7. Perioral Dermatitis

Around the mouth, little pus-filled pimples develop when someone has perioral dermatitis. Also susceptible to this kind of dermatitis are the skin surrounding the eyes, cheeks, and nose. 

Although the exact origin of perioral dermatitis is not known, various inhalers, nasal sprays, and creams include corticosteroid medication that may contribute to the condition.

The Final Say

Now we know that understanding of skin type is crucial majorly because that is how you will understand how to take proper care of it. Determining your skin type can be done through simple at-home tests, but it can make a huge difference! 

Dermatitis is amongst the most common skin diseases, and it manifests in various types. If you notice any symptoms, do not forget to consult your doctor for solutions and further information. 

Good skin comes with a good lifestyle. You should check out our website, ToneOp for more such content and diet plans tailored to your medical conditions.

FAQs

1. What is a good facewash for oily skin?

Using a gentle foaming cleanser that is dermatologically tested is important. Make sure not to use harsh soaps that dry out your skin because they can irritate and cause reactions. Follow up with a moisturiser even if you have oily skin. Consult your doctor for specific concerns.

2. What do flat red spots on the skin indicate?

It could be anything from acne and rashes allergies to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or pityriasis rosea. Consult your dermatologist to know what exactly the cause behind your red spots is.

References:

• https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/what-skin-type-do-i-have

• https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/in-depth/dermatitis-pictures/art-20546854 

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