How To Determine Your Skin Type

Step 1 – In the morning, wash your face with a gentle, non-drying cleanser. Rinse and pat dry. Do not apply anything to the skin. Wait 30 minutes.

Step 2 – After 30 minutes, examine your face closely in a mirror and notice how it feels.

Step 3 – Answer the Examination Questions below.

Step 4 – If you feel uncertain, wait an additional 30 minutes or up to 12 hours before applying anything to skin and examine your skin again. Answer the Examination Questions again.

You likely have OILY skin if you answered yes to questions 1 and 2 and circled all four facial locations and/or you answered no to questions 3 and 4.

You likely have DRY skin if you answered yes to questions 3 and 4 and circled all four facial locations and/or you answered no to questions 1 and 2.

You likely have COMBINATION skin if you answered yes to questions 1 and/or 2 and circled at least two of the facial locations and yes to questions 3 and/or 4 in at least 1 facial location. You may have also noticed that your oiliness was mostly in your T-zone (nose and middle of the forehead) while you were dry on your cheeks and/or chin.

You likely have NORMAL skin if you answered no to questions 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Two skin types that you may also experience and likely are already of aware of are blemish-prone skin and sensitive skin. Both can occur concomitantly with any of the above skin types. For more information on blemish-prone skin, check out our article Banish Blemishes from the Inside Out and, for more information on sensitive skin, check out our article Sensitive Skin: Choosing Body Care Products.

Now that you know your skin type, you can choose products that will best support your healthy, radiant skin. A good basic skin-care routine for everyone involves a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. You may also choose to add serums and masks to further enhance your skin-care routine. Choose products designed for your skin type from each category. And remember, skin type is affected by your age, hormones, diet, and lifestyle, and by the climate in which you live. Pay attention to it throughout life, as it may shift, and always remember that the most effective way to care for your skin is from the inside out, with a healthy, blood-sugar balancing diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, quality protein from humanely and sustainably raised animals, healthy fats, and enough pure water.