How Do I Know if My Skin Dry or Oily?

Do you often wonder why your skin feels dry and tight one day, and shiny and oily the other day? Well, figuring out the right skin type can be confusing, and you may question your skin type. If you are new to skincare, you must know how important it is to know your skin type to get the correct skincare treatment.
Worry not, as we have curated this guide on how to tell if you have oily or dry skin. We have also mentioned the best skincare tips for those two skin type so you can give your skin the perfect treatment.
 

Understanding Different Types of Skin

Understanding the different skin types is vital to curating the perfect skincare routine. Generally, there are five types of skin, normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin. They are classified based on the water content of the stratum corneum, sebum secretion, and skin reactivity to external stimuli. Each skin type comes with its challenges and benefits. Hence, figuring out the right skin type is essential to choosing the skincare product designed for that particular skin type.

The normal skin which refers to well-balanced skin without any major skin concerns. Normal skin doesn’t feel tight or greasy and has ample moisture.

Dry skin is characterized by tightness, dryness, and flaky skin that often cracks and lacks moisture. If you wonder why is my face so oily then you probably have oily skin. Oily skin features higher than average sebum, which makes the skin appear shiny or greasy. Oily skin is prone to breakouts and blackheads.

Combination skin, the most common skin type, is characterized by symptoms of oily and dry skin, such as dryness and oiliness in different areas. People with combination skin often have oiliness in their T-zone face area while other parts may be dry. Sensitive skin is highly sensitive to environmental stressors, including skincare products. The degree of sensitivity varies from person to person as some individuals experience redness, itchiness, and discomfort when exposed to these stressors.

Now that you have learned about the different types of skin, you must choose the correct skincare routine to prevent acne breakouts if you have oily skin or moisturize your skin if it is dry. It’s worth noting that most of us are born with normal skin type but as we age, factors like puberty, genetics, diet and lifestyle, and environmental factors can cause our skin to change.

 

Dry vs. Oily: Which Is Mine

Dry vs. Oily is one parameter pairs in the Baumann Skin Type System. Specifically, oily skin has abundant sebum secretion and a pH <4.5. This type is most common during puberty and in individuals with high androgen levels or androgen-sensitive receptors. In dry skin, the water content in the stratum corneum is below 10%, sebum secretion is low, and pH is >6.5. This type is common among older people. In younger individuals, dry skin is often due to dehydration, while sebum levels can be normal, excessive, or slightly low.

 If you don’t know your skin type and want to figure out your skin type, you may consider using the following Dry vs. Oily methods to learn whether you have oily or dry skin.

 

The Wait and Watch Method

The most basic method to figure out your skin type is the wait-and-watch method where you observe how your skin reacts after cleansing. To begin, be bare-faced, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and pat it dry. Wait for 30 minutes and if your skin appears shiny, you have oily skin and if your skin feels flaky or dry, you have dry skin.

 

The Blotting Sheet Method

The other method is to press blotting sheets to your face to figure out your skin type as these sheets absorb oil. To begin, press blotting sheets to different areas of your face and then hold the sheets in light to see oil markings. If the sheets appear wet and soaked, you have oily skin and if they are dry or absorb minimal oil, you most likely have dry skin.

 

Skincare Tips for Dry and Oily Skin

If you want to make your skin appear bright and supple, follow the skincare tips below to make the most of your skincare routine.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. For oily skin, make sure to wash your face at least twice a day and after sweating. For dry skin, you may use a cleanser having stearic acid or linoleic acid as they help repair your skin.

Apply appropriate moisturizer after washing your face and hands. For dry skin, look for fragrance and allergen-free moisturizers. Limit your bath time to no more than once a day as long showers remove skin’s natural oils and make it dry. Use lukewarm water, not hot water for a bath. For oily skin, apply an oil-free moisturizer to reach water-oil balance. Salicylic acid is recommended for unclogging pores, so look for products containing this ingredient.

If you are looking for powerful methods beyond skincare products, consider JOVS 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask to combat dark circles and reverse aging signs as it is an at-home beauty device suitable for all skin types. If you have pigmentation or dull skin around your neck or chest, consider the JOVS LED Neck & Chest Mask as it offers exceptional results in just 4 weeks.

 

Conclusion

Knowing your skin type can work wonders for your skincare routine. By applying correct skincare products, you can enhance your skin and say goodbye to various skin issues. Follow the right skincare routine to make your skin stand out and appear fresh and vibrant.