It's crucial to know your skin type to build an effective skincare routine. Here’s how you can find out what your exact skin type is. 

The one-size-fits-all approach does not apply to skincare since we all have different skin types. We are all guilty of buying expensive skincare products that promise dramatic results without considering our skin requirements. But why is it so crucial to take your skin type into account before purchasing products? Knowing your skin type helps you determine which products will benefit it and which ones can do more damage than good.

Each person has a different skin type with particular needs based on their age, climatic conditions, hormones, and lifestyle. Each individual's skin is biologically configured differently and is genetically predisposed to create varying amounts of oil. But how can you determine what your exact skin type is?

How to find out your skin type?

Try this easy technique if you want to determine your skin type:

• Thoroughly cleanse your face with a mild cleanser. Pat it dry, but avoid using any products after washing your face.
• Observe how your skin feels and looks after 30 minutes.
• You probably have oily skin if your face appears shiny all over.
• You have dry skin if it feels tight and looks drab.
• You have sensitive skin if it is extremely irritated and uncomfortable.
• If your skin is only shiny on the t-zone, you have combination skin.

What are the different skin types?

• Oily skin

If your skin appears glossy and shiny; especially in the T-zone, you have an oily skin type. Oily skin is known to have a coarse texture and a lot of comedones or plugged open pores. You are more prone to developing acne due to overproduction of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, especially throughout adolescence. But compared to other skin types, oily skin ages slowly because the oils keep the skin supple, which makes it less likely for wrinkles and lines to develop. This skin type requires mild, water-based skin care products. Stay away from heavier creams because they can clog your pores. Foaming cleansers are also a good addition to your routine because they effectively remove extra oil. You can try By Biolite’s Deep Pore Cleanser to gently unclog your pores and get rid of excess oil.

• Dry skin

If you have small pores and your skin feels stretched and taut, you have dry skin. Lack of shine and greasiness is other indicators of dry skin. Dry skin ages more rapidly, develop fine lines and wrinkles early, and lack of moisture causes several skin-related problems, all of which could make you look older than you are. Avoid harsh products with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or alcohol if you have dry skin. Choose mild, intensely nourishing products instead. By Biolite’s Hydra Boost Gel instantly moisturizes your skin and gives you a healthy, luminous complexion.

• Combination skin

This skin type has characteristics of both dry skin type and oily skin type, with certain areas leaning more toward oily skin than others. The nose and forehead tend to be oilier, while the cheeks and perioral area typically tend to be dry. This skin type is characterized by medium pores, an even and smooth texture, good blood flow, and a healthy color. Stick to light, water-based products if you have combination skin. To prevent breakouts, incorporate salicylic acid-based skincare products in your skincare routine. If you have combination skin, check out By Biolite’s Aqua Fluid. It delivers intense hydration to the deeper levels of your skin without clogging the pores.

• Sensitive skin

If you can see thin, tiny capillaries present on the surface of your skin, you have sensitive skin. Skin sensitivity results from a breakdown in the skin's barrier. So, people with this skin type are particularly sensitive to a range of stimuli, including heat and sunlight. In fact, just touching the face can cause it to turn red or break out. We recommend going for products that do not contain alcohol or fragrances, as they can irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin, By Biolite’s Sensitive Skin Set is an excellent option. It supports healthy skin and calms redness and irritation.