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Writer's pictureLeanne Cope

How to Figure Out Your Skin Type | LM Clinical

Updated: Sep 30, 2021



It is often confusing to figure out which skin products are best suited to your skin. So, the first thing you need to do is to find out what skin type you have.


However, not many people know how to do this correctly, so in today’s blog, we will be going through the correct way to find out your skin type and the characteristics of each skin variation.


The Different Skin Types -


Oily Skin - If you have this skin type, it will produce an excess of sebum that makes the skin look shiny and potentially feel greasy, in particular around the T-zone of your face (forehead, nose and chin). If you have oily skin you may find that you have quite enlarged pores and are more likely to develop acne blemishes and breakouts.


Dry Skin - This skin type is typically dull and can become rough and sometimes flaky/scaly. It often feels very tight and has a lack of elasticity, and you may find that you are more prone to showing fine lines.


Normal Skin - The most balanced of skin types, feeling neither dry nor oily, not prone to breakouts, flakiness, greasiness or tightness. Your pores are generally small and the skin’s texture is smooth and is less likely to be prone to sensitivity and blemishes.


Combination Skin - Involves areas of the skin that are dry, some that are oily and sensitive. The T-zone being commonly oily and the cheeks being dry or normal.


Sensitive Skin - Although this is often referred to as a skin type, you can have any of the above skin types and have sensitive skin as well. No matter what skin type you have, if you have sensitive skin, it may appear red, feel like it is burning, itching or dry. These symptoms can mean that you have skin that can be more vulnerable to external irritants and might be caused by certain ingredients such as dyes, fragrances as well as environmental factors. Therefore, this means that you can possibly determine which ingredients are causing the reactions and avoid the products which contain these.


If you are still a bit confused as to which skin type you have, there are a few simple tests you can perform to give you a clear answer.


Blotting Sheets -


When you press them against your skin, they absorb oil, which can be useful to identify which skin type you have. Make sure you have a freshly cleansed and dry face and let it rest with no product or 30 minutes before using the blotting sheets. Press the sheets to various areas of your face and then hold them up against the light to see the oil markings.


If you have quite a heavy amount of oil, you have oily skin, if little or no oil, you are likely to have dry skin, or if you have a small amount from your T-zone then you will have combination skin, if you see a small amount of oil from all areas of your face, you're likely to have normal skin.


Watch and Wait -


This simple test can be carried out at home just by observing how your skin behaves and reacts after performing certain activities such as cleansing.


Similarly to the blotting sheets, lightly clean your face, dry and leave for 30 minutes, if you see a shine appear, you are most likely to have oily skin, if it feels tight and flaky, you have dry skin; if shiny just around your T-zone, you probably have combination skin; lastly, if your skin feels hydrated and comfortable and not oily, you have normal skin.


As always, if you are ever unsure or need some professional guidance on what is best for your skin, feel free to message us, and we can book you in for a consultation to find exactly what your skin needs!


You can contact us on:


Instagram - @lmclinical

Facebook - @LMClinical

Email - hello@lmclinical.co.uk


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