February 2, 2023
How to identify your skin type in three steps
by Lena Severin
You want to find the right care for your skin, but you don't know exactly how? What do you have to pay attention to when choosing your care and which products are actually good for your skin?
The first step in finding the right facial care is to determine your skin type. This way you can create a good care base that is good for your skin, supports it and gives it exactly what it needs. And that is exactly what this article is about:
- Skin types 1x1: What four skin types are there?
- How do I know my skin type?
- Skin conditions: precise care for your skin
- What is important in care
1. Skin types 1x1: What skin types are there?
THERE ARE 4 SKIN TYPES:
Balanced skin
You may already know this skin type as “normal skin”. We changed the name because we believe that all skin is “normal” and there is no such thing as “abnormal” skin. Balanced skin describes the condition in which the skin can maintain regulated sebum production, a healthy glow is visible, the pores are not overly large and the skin looks fresh and smooth overall.
Oily skin
The cause of oily skin is an overproduction of sebum. This creates a shiny complexion, the skin can be slightly red in places and the pores are usually enlarged. Blackheads and blemishes can occur more frequently because the large amount of sebum does not drain away quickly enough and the pores can easily become clogged.
Combination skin
This skin type causes a lot of confusion, because if you have combination skin, you will notice a mixture of oily and dry skin on your face. The T-zone, i.e. forehead, nose and chin, is rather shiny, the pores are enlarged and, as with oily skin, blemishes can occur more frequently. At the same time, the cheeks and the area around the eyes are rather dry, the pores are very fine and the skin can even flake in particularly dry areas.
Dry skin
Dry skin is caused by an underproduction of sebum. Without the so-called sebum, the skin cannot be kept as supple and the protective layer of sebum is too thin. This means that it dries out more quickly, flakes or even cracks. The skin then often appears very thin, the pores are barely visible and the complexion is rather dull and pale.
2. How do I know my skin type?
Now that you have an overview of the differences between the individual skin types, you may already have an idea of what your skin type is. To be on the safe side, you can do the self-test:
3 STEPS TO YOUR SKIN TYPE
Ideally, you should prepare your skin by cleansing it normally with water in the morning and not applying any care products at first. After one or two hours, you can then take a close look at your skin in the mirror.
Step 1: How does your sebum production work?
Look in the mirror and observe where and how much your skin shines in the light. Moving your head slightly from side to side and up and down will help you do this.
Your skin doesn’t shine at all?
- This indicates dry skin, as a slight shine should be visible.
Is your skin shiny in the T-zone?
- This is an indication of combination skin: no shine on the cheeks, but on the forehead, nose and chin. In the picture above, you can see the typical shine of this skin type.
Does your skin shine all over your face?
- Too much sebum causes the shine of oily skin.
Is the shine of your skin light and even?
- Well-hydrated skin and a rosy complexion on the face, without major irregularities, indicate balanced skin.
Step 2: What do your pores look like?
Are your pores not or only barely visible on your entire face?
- Dry skin lacks sebum because the pores of this skin type are often too small.
Are your pores dilated in the T-zone and can you see blackheads there, while the rest of your face appears to have finer pores?
- These two areas of the face are typical for combination skin.
Are your pores enlarged all over your face and do you notice blackheads and a few blemishes?
- This suggests oily skin.
Are your pores fine, barely visible and even?
- This is what balanced skin looks like.
Step 3: How plump and elastic does your skin feel?
For this step, you can gently push your skin together in several places on your face and observe how it reacts. Are wrinkles forming?
Do you have papery skin and fine wrinkles all over your face?
- This indicates dry skin.
Do you have fine wrinkles in the dry cheek area, but plump skin in the T-zone?
- This speaks for combination skin.
Is your entire facial skin very plump?
- This is a characteristic of oily skin.
Do you have plump skin overall, but slight wrinkles around your eyes?
- This is how balanced skin behaves.
With these three observation steps, you can easily determine what skin type you have. Our model, with whom we did the 3-step test, for example, has combination skin. In the picture above, you can clearly see in step 1 that her T-zone is shiny, while her cheeks look rather dull. In the second step, you can clearly see the enlarged pores in the nose area, next to fine skin on the outer face. And in the last picture, you can clearly see the dryness of the cheek region in the small wrinkles around her fingers.
It’s not that difficult to recognize your own skin type, is it?
3. Skin conditions: precise care for your skin
If you know your skin type, you can expand the basis of your skin care. In addition to skin types, there are also skin conditions that play a role in the proper care of your skin.
In contrast to skin types, which usually accompany us throughout our lives, skin conditions are determined by factors such as age, care products, climate and UV radiation. They are therefore temporary and reflect the current needs of the skin. In fact, you can have several skin conditions at the same time.
A common combination, for example, is dehydrated and mature skin, as the skin tends to not retain moisture as well as it used to. The important thing about these skin conditions is that they require acute care so that the skin can balance itself out again. So pay attention to how your skin changes and give it the care it needs in specific areas.
SKIN CONDITIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Impure skin
Pimples, blackheads, etc. can occur, for example, due to excessive sebum production, hormonal changes or as a reaction to comedogenic (pore-clogging) cosmetics.
Here you can find further information and the right products for this skin condition.
Sensitive skin
Red, burning or cracked skin can be a sign of overly aggressive cosmetics or incorrect washing habits. But hormonal changes can also cause increased sensitivity.
Here you can find further information and the right products for this skin condition.
Dehydrated skin
This is where things get a little more difficult, as dehydrated skin and dry skin are often confused. The difference: dry skin lacks lipids, while dehydrated skin lacks moisture. The result is dry flakes and a desert-like skin texture. The skin can feel tight after contact with water and fine lines and wrinkles can appear.
Here you can find further information and the right products for this skin condition.
Mature skin
Sooner or later, we will all experience this skin condition. It is particularly important that we stimulate collagen production with our care and give our skin plenty of moisture and richness. In this way, we support it in maintaining its natural functions even as we age and in protecting us from the outside.
Here you can find further information and the right products for this skin condition.
By the way, we have already put together sets for every skin type and skin condition to make your selection easier. Browse through and find the perfect care set for your skin:
4. What is important in care
It is important that you get to know your skin, understand what it reacts to and how you can support it. If you know your skin type, you already have a good basis for your care.
If you notice any changes in your skin, you can find out how to best care for your skin condition on our website under Skin Knowledge .
I hope this article has helped you shed some light on the skin care jungle. If you still have questions or are still unsure which cosmetics are really suitable for your skin, please contact our team for individual advice at info@junglueck.de.
Happy nursing!