What is My Skin Type?

If you haven’t noticed, over at Flying Cow, we’re big on taking care of our skin. In order to take proper care of your skin, it is important to first determine what type of skin you have. Many people assume they can copy someone else’s skincare regimen and get the exact same results, and sometimes (if they’re lucky) this can be true. Oftentimes, however, most people just find themselves in the same spot as before, or even worse. It’s time to ditch that frustration and to finally find out what best fits YOUR skin type!

There are so many different, unique types of skin, but they are placed into more broad categories to first identify the overall feel and behavior of the skin. These categories are labeled: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. Just based on the names, you may be able to pick out which one sounds more like your skin type, but let’s dig a little deeper.

Normal Skin Type

The “normal” skin type actually just means “balanced.” Not too oily, not too dry. The overall texture of this skin type is smooth with minimal pores or breakouts. If you have this skin type, consider yourself blessed! The normal skin may be considered the “least problematic” skin type, but it is still important to build a regimen that supports this balance in the skin. A mild cleanser and moisturizer will be your best friends, as well as light exfoliation once a week (2).

Oily Skin Type

The oily skin type is characterized by excess sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that is meant to protect the skin from drying out and it is mainly released from tiny glands in the hair follicles (1). This excess sebum can cause skin issues like clogged pores and breakouts. This is why it is important that those with this skin type use products that help control oils, such as gel-based cleansers and oil-free moisturizers. It is still important to moisturize, as skipping this step can cause the skin to overcompensate with more oil production (2).

Dry Skin Type

Dry skin has the opposite issue, it does not produce enough moisture, resulting in the skin feeling tight, rough, or itchy. There are a range of factors that can cause dry skin such as genetics, hormonal changes, weather (wind or UV rays), and even the soaps you use (3). For this skin type, it is important to build a skincare routine to support the skin’s ability to hold moisture. This routine should include a mild, gentle cleanser, little to no exfoliation, and a thicker moisturizer (1).

Combination Skin Type

The combination skin type, widely considered the most common, is characterized by a mix of oily and dry skin. There may be specific spots on your face that get dryer or oilier throughout the day. Typically, the forehead, nose, and chin are the oilier spots while the cheeks tend to remain dry. This can also be different for some, but for most, this is the case. For this skin type, it is important to address both areas of the skin accordingly. For the dryer areas, opt for a thicker moisturizer. For the oilier areas, try to use a gel-based moisturizer (2). It may seem tedious, but it is very worth it.

Sensitive Skin Type

Those with sensitive skin tend to be more prone to irritation and reactions to different products or environmental factors. Sensitive skin requires gentle, fragrance-free products (2). It is important to avoid harsh treatments and to always do a test patch when trying out new products. Many people with sensitive skin have shown to respond well to aloe vera and chamomile (2).

How Can I Identify My Skin Type?

Identifying your skin type is actually easier than it seems! Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait an hour or two before applying any other products. If your face feels fine with little to no oiliness or dryness, you likely have normal skin. Those with flakiness or feelings of tightness probably have dry skin. Feelings of irritation in the skin are a telltale sign of sensitive skin. If you are dry in some areas, but oily in others, you likely have combination skin. Greasiness, particularly in the T-zone (chin, nose, and forehead) most likely points to oily skin (2).

Skincare is not a "one size fits all" approach, so it may take a few tries to find the routine that works best for your skin. Start small and prepare to be surprised by how much your skin will love you with the right care!

Author: Emma Fields

Emma is a beloved part of our Flying Cow fam! She’s normally the first face you see in our Lubbock, TX store and she’s always more than happy to answer all your tallow questions. She’s also one of our social media assistants! When she’s not labelling tallow or making fun videos, Emma is normally doing homework as she works toward her major in Psychology with a focus in Addiction at Texas Tech.