By answering the questions below you can find out what type of skin you have. Just tick the answer-a, b, c or d -that closely applies to your skin.
1. After cleansing, how does your skin feel?
(a) Tight and rough
(b) Smooth and supple
(c) Slightly oily
(d) Oily in some areas, tight in others
2. How often does your skin break out in spots?
(a) Almost never
(b) Rarely
(c) Often
(d) Only in the T -Zone (across the forehead and down the nose and chin)
3. Which of the following best describes your skin texture?
(a) Smooth and transparent
(b) Firm and even
(c) Slightly rough and uneven
(d) A mixture of the above
4. How does your skin look during the day?
(a) Flaky and chapped
(b) Clean and fresh-looking
(c) Shiny
(d) Shiny in the T-Zone
Now add up how many a's, b's, c's and d's you scored.
If the majority of your answers are a's, our skin is dry.
If the majority of your answers are b's, your skin is normal.
If the majority of your answers are c's, your skin is oily.
If the majority of your answers are d's your skin is combination.
"The type of skin you have depends on the activity of the subaceous, or oil producing glands."
Normal Skin:
Balanced Skin. It is neither oily nor dry. It has a translucent, soft, smooth texture and a healthy glow.
Dry Skin:
The subaceous glands are less active. The skin lacks both oil and moisture. It is fine textured and fragile as it is vulnerable to changes to temperature and humidity. It flakes easily and develops early lines and wrinkles. See Dry Skin
Oily Skin:
The subaceous glands are over active. The skin has a greasy shine. The texture is coarse due to enlarged pores. It is prone to clogged pores, blackheads, pimples and acne. See Oily Skin
Sensitive Skin:
Sensitive skin can be easily irritated. Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and stinging. After a wash a wash it feels dry and itchy in places. By midday there are flaky patches and some redness. Occasionally break out in spots. See Sensitive Skin
Combination Skin:
The skin has a greasy area, while surrounding areas are dry. The T-zone consists of forehead, nose and chin are usually greasy. The cheeks and area around eyes are dry. This is the most common skin type.
Apart from these, there are other types which are exagerrated versions of the main types, they have been dealt with separately under skin problems, ageing skin, and so on.
