Skin Types 101

Just as we all have different personalities, the way that our skin behaves can vary from person to person. While everyone’s skin is unique, there are a few skin types that most people fall into. Knowing your skin type can be incredibly helpful when deciding what products to use and how best to care for your skin. Dr. Alexandra Bowles, board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology, shares how to identify skin types and most importantly, how to best take care of them.

Not sure which skin type you have? Take the quiz to find out!

1. How would you describe the appearance of your skin at the end of the day?

a. Dry or flaky

b. Shiny or oily

c. Shiny in some areas (such as T-zone), but matte/flaky in other areas

d. Red or irritated

2. How do your pores look?

a. Small and spaced out

b. Large and densely packed

c. Small in some areas but larger in others (such as the nose or T zone)

d. Moderate to large in size and reactive to various triggers such as products, foods, heat

3. If you cleanse your skin but don’t apply products afterwards, how does your skin feel after a few minutes?

a. Tight or dry

b. Greasy or oily

c. Tight in some areas, but greasy in others

d. Hot, stinging, burning, or red

Add up your answers, see which letter you answered most frequently, and match it up with a skin type below! This quiz may not accurately diagnose your skin type, so it’s best to schedule a visit with your dermatologist to be sure.

Skin Types Quiz Answer Key:

• Mostly A: Dry Skin
• Mostly B: Oily Skin
• Mostly C: Combination Skin
• Mostly D: Sensitive Skin

Skincare Tips by Skin Types

The key to great skin starts with the basics! Everyone should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen in their daily skincare routine to protect against UV damage, which can cause both skin cancer and premature aging. If you’re looking for increased anti-aging benefits, incorporating products such as growth factors, antioxidants, or retinoids into your routine can be a great choice. Your cleanser and moisturizer is where your skin type can make a big difference. Dr. Bowles shares her favorites below, along with other tips to best care for your unique skin type.

Dry Skin

Hydrate from within! Making sure we maintain healthy moisture levels in our skin is a must, especially for those with dry skin. First and foremost, be sure to drink plenty of water! I also love incorporating a hyaluronic acid product into your skincare routine, as it is a humectant, meaning it retains moisture. To seal the skin and promote a healthy skin barrier, I recommend using a cream moisturizer as opposed to a lighter lotion. Lastly, be sure not to over-exfoliate or overuse retinoids as these can dry out your skin if not used carefully.

Dr. Bowles’ Product Picks: SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen and SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you may be able to tolerate a gel or foaming cleanser to clean your skin and I recommend using an exfoliating cleanser 1-2 times per week at most. Incorporating a retinol can also help to control oil production. Lastly, be sure to use a moisturizer both in the morning and at night! I commonly see patients with oily skin not moisturizing appropriately; however, this can have the opposite effect and actually cause your skin to produce more oil. For oily skin, keeping your skin balanced and moisturized is key. Dr. Bowles’ Product Picks: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser and SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer.

Combination Skin

Combination skin can be tricky because you have both dry and oily skin! I recommend that my patients cleanse their skin daily with a gentle cleanser intended for combination skin. Some patients will also benefit from applying retinol in oily areas such as the T- zone while applying hyaluronic acid to the dry areas such as the cheeks. Finishing your skincare routine with an overall light moisturizer is a must to lock in that moisture.

Dr. Bowles’ Product Picks: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser and Avène Tolérance Control Cream.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a skin type that varies heavily from one person to another. I find it incredibly important for those with sensitive skin to keep the skin barrier healthy and happy with overall gentle products, gentle cleansers, and cream moisturizers. In addition, it is important to minimize skincare that can be irritating such as exfoliants, retinols, and cosmetics. It is important to work with your dermatologist to find the products that are right for you and pinpoint what makes your skin sensitive.

Dr. Bowles’ Product Picks: Avène Xeracalm Cleansing Oil and SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream.

Overall, each skin type can be treated in a variety of ways and should be addressed personally. The best way to ensure you’re properly caring for your unique skin type is to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist! We know that every patient’s skin has different needs and the best skincare is individualized. At Mona Dermatology, our providers combine both medical and cosmetic dermatology to give you the most comprehensive product and treatment options for your skin. You can schedule a visit with one of our providers online at monadermatology.com or by calling 513.984.4800.

You can read the full article “Skin Types 101” via Cincinnati Magazine’s Issuu.