The Skin Type Test
Nobody is perfect and few, if any at all have a perfect skin. We often wonder, why is it that some of us have lovely and glowing complexion whereas others burst into pimples and all kinds of spots?

Why is it that some of us have to wash their faces four times a day to keep the oils off their faces, while others can happily smear their faces with oil based products.

Well, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the above discrepancies. Some of them being hormones, heredity, pollution, Sun, extreme weathers etc. However it is very important to know that the health of the skin also depends on how well it is looked after.

Every individual must have a good skin care programme. The right choice of products, weather protection, diet will preserve and improve the skin tone for many more coming years. Hence to understand your skin type is very important. A specific skin type needs specific care.

If you use a product that is not for your skin type, it may do more harm than good.

There are basically FOUR types of skin:

1.Dry
2.oily
3.Combination
4.Normal

Take this test to find out what skin type you are:

Blot your face with a tissue paper the first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up.

If it has traces of oilyness -you have oily skin.
If the tissue is clean all over- you have dry skin.
If the tissue is oily at places (over the forehead, nose, chin) and clean at other places-your skin is a Combination skin.
A normal skin will show minimal traces of oilyness all over.

To remember:

While going through this test remember extreme climates will make a difference to your skin. A hot and humid climate tends to make our skin oily while cold and dry climate makes our skin dry. Too much of exposure to an Air-conditioner will also make your skin dry.

DRY SKIN

Dry skin is fairly common. It lacks sheen and lustre, falls dry and rough due to lack of natural oils. Winters and rough weathers can accentuate this condition.

Dry skin is sensitive and needs special protection against Sun, wind soaps and tends to age faster. Regular care with nourishing cold creams and moisturising lotions is a must.

Soaked Sesame (Til) crushed with a dash of oil with 4-5 drops of honey will make an excellent face wash.

OILY SKIN

How to recognize an oily skin Oily skin has a shiny appearance and is most problematic. It is more common in adolescents due to increased secretion of oil from the oil glands.

Constant greasy/oily look, acne, pustule nodules and scars following acne, open pores, white heads and black heads are a common problem. It needs regular cleansing. Acne and excessive oiliness needs expert guidance in choosing right product. Non-oily and water based products have to be used.

COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin is the most common skin type. It has an oily T-ZONE i.e. forehead, nose and chin and the rest of the face being dry to normal. Weather makes this condition more difficult. Sensible handling and cleaning of the skin is important here. Water based moisturiser and Aloe creams will help balance the T-ZONE.

NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin has a moist, smooth and glowing complexion. It is free from blemish and open pores. It has just the desired amount of oil and moisture. It can be the dream skin every woman wishes for with proper care. Taking a skin type test is a good starting point for a skin care regimen.