NYC dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss has shared a simple, free test to determine if you have oily, dry, or combination skin. To take the test, you wash your face, pat it dry, and then do nothing for 30 minutes. Based on how your skin feels after this time, you can determine your skin type. If your skin feels scaly and rough, you are likely to have dry skin. If your skin looks oily and you can see your reflection, you have oily skin. If the middle of your face is oily and the rest is rough, you have combination skin.
Knowing your skin type is important in creating a skincare routine. Idriss shared that 45 products are useful for nourishing dry skin, while 23 products are recommended for combating oily skin. Additionally, she noted that if your skin feels tight and squeaky clean after 30 minutes, you are likely dehydrated. This means your skin is lacking water and moisture, although dehydration is not considered a skin type. She also mentioned that there is no such thing as “normal skin,” particularly for women, as hormonal fluctuations can cause skin to vary throughout the month.
Maintaining hydrated skin is crucial for skincare. A Yale School of Medicine faculty member recommended drinking around 13 cups of water for men and 9 cups for women daily to help keep skin hydrated. However, other experts suggest that water consumption alone is not enough. They recommend including fruits and vegetables with high water content, avoiding alcohol, exfoliating the skin, and using a humidifier in the home to help keep the skin hydrated.
In addition to hydration, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can contribute to healthy skin. Eating foods rich in vitamins and nutrients, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and using sunscreen are all crucial for skin health. In addition, skincare routines should be tailored to each individual’s skin type to address specific concerns such as acne, dryness, or aging. Regular visits to a dermatologist can also help identify any skin issues and provide personalized recommendations for skincare products and treatments.
Taking care of your skin is essential, and understanding your skin type is the first step in developing an effective skincare routine. By following simple tests like the one shared by Dr. Shereene Idriss, individuals can determine their skin type and choose appropriate skincare products to address any concerns. In addition to using skincare products, maintaining hydration, a healthy lifestyle, and protecting the skin from sun damage are all key factors in achieving healthy, radiant skin. Consulting with skincare experts can provide further guidance and recommendations for personalized skincare routines.
