Viral Easy DIY Tests To Know Your Exact Skin Type

Stop guessing whether your true skin type is normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. 

You will only be sure once you have carried out the necessary tests and trials and seen results proving that you have a certain skin type. 

To help you discover your skin type, we’ve created this blog post with two easy facial skin type test options to choose from, as well as a bonus test that you can carry out at home at your convenience. 

So get ready to find out your skin type!

The wait-and-watch method

This method uses only your face wash or cleanser to observe how your skin reacts after cleansing.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
2. Wait for 30 minutes and observe how your skin reacts.

Based on your observations,

• If your skin looks shiny after 30 minutes, you likely have oily skin.
• If your skin feels tight, flaky, or scaly, you likely have dry skin.
• If your T-zone is oily while other areas are dry or normal, you likely have combination skin.
• If your skin feels hydrated but not oily, you likely have normal skin.

 

Read more: How to Know My Skin Type and Provide the Best Care for It

The blotting sheet method

This is another method you can use to determine your skin type. It involves placing blotting sheets on different areas of your face to check for oil absorption. If you don’t have blotting paper, you can use a single layer of tissue paper instead.

This test can be done right after using the wait-and-watch method. After completing methods 1, 2, and 3 of the wait-and-watch method, do the following:

1. Gently press blotting sheets or a single layer of tissue paper on different parts of your face.
2. Carefully hold the sheets up against the light to allow light to pass through and reveal oil markings.

Now, based on the results,

• If all the sheets from all areas of your face are soaked in oil, it means you have oily skin.
• If only your T-zone is soaked in oil, you have combination skin.
• If the blotting sheets absorb very little to no oil, you likely have dry skin.
• If you notice only a small amount of oil in every area of your face, you have a normal skin type.

BONUS: 

Patch test

This additional test determines your skin’s sensitivity and reaction to skincare products. Whenever I buy a new face product, I use this test to make sure it won’t cause any irritation or harsh reactions.

To conduct a patch test:

1. Apply a small amount of the product to a quarter-sized patch of your skin. Some common areas for this test include the back of your ears or near your jawline.
2. Leave the product on for the recommended time (e.g., 5 minutes for a cleanser) and observe how your skin reacts.
3. Observe the area for the next 24 hours for any signs of discomfort.
4. If you experience a negative reaction, wash the affected area immediately and stop use. You can also use petroleum jelly or a cool compress to relieve any irritation. If the irritation persists, seek medical attention.

By performing the patch test, you will avoid damage from harmful ingredients and find the products that are best suited to your skin type. So make sure you patch-test new skincare products before using them.

Your Next Step

Now that you have completed the tests above, you should have a better understanding of your skin type. Take the time to learn more about how to identify and understand your skin type, so you can choose skincare products that are specifically suited for your skin’s needs. This will help ensure that your skin receives the proper care it needs and deserves. 

 

Read more:  7 Optimal Skincare Routine Will Make Skin Beautiful and Fresh

To do this, I have compiled blogs featuring the top products for your specific skin type.

7 Advised Normal Skincare Products

Top 10 Oil Skin Products for Your Face

8 Facial Care Products for Your Dry Skin

5 Best Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin

So choose the product that suits your skin type and prepare to enhance your skincare routine. 

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REFERENCES

CeraVe (2023). What Skin Type Do I Have? | Determine Your Skin Type | CeraVe. (online) www.cerave.com. Available at: https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/what-skin-type-do-i-have#:~:text=If%20your%20skin%20appears%20shiny (Accessed June 7, 2024).

Kennedy, K. (2023). Just Your Type: How to Determine Your Skin Type—and Why It Matters. (online) Dermatology Centre of Acadiana. Available at: https://dermcenterofacadiana.com/just-your-type-how-to-determine-your-skin-type-and-why-it-matters/ (Accessed June 11, 2024).

TruSelf Organics (2018). How to Determine Your Skin Type in 2 Easy Steps. (online) TruSelf Organics. Available at: https://www.truselforganics.com/blogs/news/how-to-determine-your-skin-type (Accessed June 11, 2024).

Williams, F. (2022). How to Perform a Patch Test for Skincare Products. (online) www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/patch-test-skincare#importance (Accessed June 11, 2024).