I’ve always wondered what my skin type was. At times I think it’s oily and at other times I think it’s dry. Regardless of what type of skin I think I have, I moisturize everyday but sometimes it feels greasy, especially in the summer months. Now that winter is around the corner, it’ll start feeling dry. I wonder if any of this is normal?
I decided to do a little research to see what the difference was so I could finally figure out what my skin type is.
Skin Care: Quieting Oily Skin
Oily skin is identified by an excess of oil (the technical term is sebum) on the face. Some people with oily skin begin to feel greasy only a few hours after washing. A very oily person would feel the need to wash their face between noon and 5 p.m., because oil has built up during the day. You may also notice more oil on your “T-zone” because of all the oil glands in the forehead, nose, and chin.
Skin Care: Soothing Dry Skin
Dry skin, on the other hand, suffers from a lack of natural moisture — there’s little oil to act as a surface barrier and lock in moisture. People with dry skin feel a tightness about their face, and their skin is often irritated. Flaking is another symptom, but it’s not always a sure sign of dry skin.
Skin Care: Balancing Combination Skin
Combination skin is a blend of both oily and dry skin. People with combination skin usually find that their oily skin is concentrated in the T-zone, while their cheeks remain dry. Combination skin can be influenced by genetics and, again, by puberty, when oil glands increase their production of sebum.
If you’re still not sure about your skin type or the best way to nourish it, consult a dermatologist who can recommend an over-the-counter skin care regimen or offer you a physician’s line of products.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
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