The easy way to help work out your skin type

Skin type can be difficult to determine sometimes. But we have an easy beauty hack for working it out once and for all.

Skin type - it seems like a simple concept doesn't it? Are you dry, oily, combination, sensitive or normal? Sometimes you're looking at your skin thinking... I'm all of those things. What's the deal? True, there are times when our skin goes haywire thanks to external factors or hormones. Unfortunately, that's all part and parcel of life. But overall, we each do have a certain skin type. So how, do you work out which you are?

One of the main reasons it's important to have an idea of your skin type is to know how to treat it. If you have a sensitive complexion, but you're overloading your skin with glycolic or salicylic acid, it won't do it any favours. Similarly, using products for dry skin on a combination, or oily complexion might cause congestion and breakouts.

Of course, it's worth mentioning that there are skin types, and skin conditions. Skin conditions can happen to any skin type, but they aren't a type in themselves (if that makes sense). The most common skin condition is dehydration, which can lead to a feeling of tightness, fine lines and an overall lacklustre complexion. To help combat dehydration you can use masks, hydrating serums or the ol' favourite - drink plenty of water. Any skin type benefits from staying hydrated, especially during winter and early spring when central heating is still blasting (in Ireland at least!).

If you're confused about which skin type you are though, there is a simple test you can do. This can be done in the morning after a shower, or in the evening after you've removed your makeup. Firstly, ensure that your skin is squeaky clean, with no residue from products left on it. Don't apply any products for a few hours, and see how your skin behaves.

After 2 - 3 hours (or overnight if you prefer) if your skin is shiny but generally comfortable then it's naturally oily. If it's shinier along the T-Zone, but a bit tighter across cheeks, you're likely combination. Tightness all over? Sounds like dry skin. If there's nothing major to report, you're lucky enough to have a "normal" complexion. Tight, a little, itchy, red, irritated and uncomfortable = sensitive.

This is just a simple test to help determine your basic skin type. For a more in-depth analysis, we'd recommend booking in for a skin consultation with a specialist. But hopefully, this will be enough to help!