How to know what skin type I have got
Greasy, mixed, dry skin… Every skin is different and it is important to use the right products for your skin type. Discover how to know your skin type.
There are four types of skin that are determined by our genetics: normal, dry, greasy and mixed skin. There are also sensitive skins, which easily react to external agents. Another thing is the state of our skin, which can be influenced by internal and external factors, such as pollution, climate, stress, tobacco, medication... In addition, our skin can vary depending on other factors, such as ageing, or the appearance of chronic diseases.
Each skin type has its own characteristics. For this reason, the most important step to look after it properly is to know your skin type.
Characteristics of each skin type
1. Normal skin
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Characteristics: the 'T-zone' (forehead, chin and nose) may be a little greasy, but in general the sebum and hydration are balanced, and the skin is neither too greasy nor too dry. It has a smooth aspect with small pores and no visible imperfections, a pinkish shade, and good circulation and elasticity.
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Care: apply day and night facial cream with a gentle massage to stimulate circulation. It is advisable to use a gentle exfoliant once a week to remove dead cells. A specific cream should be used for the area around the eyes.
2. Dry skin
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Characteristics: it has a rough and flaky appearance because it lacks hydration and lipids (fat) to retain moisture and form a protective shield against external influences. It is a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. It is less elastic, tauter, and often tends to itch. It has a dull appearance. It tends to be irritated by external environmental factors, such as temperature.
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Care: try to drink two litres of water a day and eat a healthy diet. Use day creams with a sun protection factor or special creams for this type of skin, and use serums to complement your daily moisturising routine.
3. Greasy skin
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Characteristics: it has many blackheads, and also pimples and zits, with shiny spots all over the face. The pores look very dilated and open, and the skin texture is irregular, not uniform.
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Care: avoid touching the pimples and blackheads. Clean and remove makeup from your face every night to avoid blocking your pores. Use cleansing and skin care products to restore your skin's natural balance. Exfoliate your skin and use a face mask once a week. Use matting facial care products to moisturise your face and prevent shine.
4. Mixed skin
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Characteristics: it usually has a shiny appearance and tends to develop impurities, especially in the so-called 'T-zone' (forehead, nose and chin), with enlarged pores in this area. The cheeks are usually between normal and dry.
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Care: use cream regularly as well as products indicated for mixed skins. It is important to cleanse your skin thoroughly before using facial care products. Wash your face with warm water, neither cold nor very hot.
5. Sensitive skin
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Characteristics: it usually presents redness, itching, tautness or burning in certain areas of the face. Alterations appear when there are certain changes in temperature or climate.
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Care: it needs special care that will provide relief and, at the same time, strengthen its natural protection barrier. You will have to choose your cosmetics well, as your skin can react very easily to any of their components. Use a cream that protects your skin against harmful environmental factors. When you wash your face, gently towel dry your skin by dabbing it rather than rubbing it. Preferably use unscented products for this skin type.
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