After showering, avoid applying any products to your face for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, observe your skin's responses.
1 - Does your skin feel itchy or prone to redness?
Your skin is likely “dehydrated”
If your skin feels itchy or displays fine lines when you skip your skincare routine, it may lack moisture. It often appears dull, with fine lines (especially around the eyes and mouth) and reduced suppleness.
Skincare Tips:
Opt for hydrating products with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture.
Spray a hydrating mist on your skin during the day, especially in winter or air-conditioned environments.
Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly.
DIY Mask:
- Cucumber blended with aloe vera gel for intense hydration.
- Honey and yogurt: Mix a tablespoon of honey with yogurt for a soothing, hydrating mask. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Avoid:
Hot water and cleansers containing alcohol or sulfates that can dry out your skin.
Recommended Foods:
- Cucumber to boost hydration.
- Watermelon, rich in water.
- Red bell pepper to support your skin barrier.
2 - Does your skin feel tight and dry?
You likely have dry skin
Dry skin often feels tight, may flake, and lacks elasticity. It needs extra nutrients and lipids.
Skincare Tips:
Choose rich, nourishing products with plant oils like sweet almond oil to replenish lipids.
Apply a few drops of pure plant oil before night cream for added nourishment.
DIY Mask:
- Honey and plant oil for deep nourishment.
- Avocado and banana: Mash a quarter of an avocado with a piece of banana for a soothing, nourishing mask. Leave on for 20 minutes.
Avoid:
Harsh cleansers and frequent exfoliation, which can damage the lipid barrier. Protect your skin from the cold in winter with a barrier cream.
Recommended Foods:
- Avocado, rich in fatty acids.
- Walnuts for omega-3s.
- Salmon to reduce inflammation.
3 - Is it shiny all over?
You likely have oily skin
Oily skin is often shiny, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). It tends to have enlarged pores and is more prone to breakouts.
Skincare Tips:
Use a gentle cleanser to avoid over-stimulating oil production.
Choose non-comedogenic products with a lightweight texture to prevent clogging pores.
Avoid rich creams; instead, use gels or mattifying lotions.
DIY Mask:
- Clay-based masks like green clay to absorb excess oil.
- Tomato and lemon: Crush a tomato with a few drops of lemon juice for a purifying mask (rinse well and avoid sun exposure after).
Avoid:
Over-cleansing and frequent scrubbing, which can irritate skin and increase oil production.
Recommended Foods:
- Tomatoes for purifying effects.
- Green tea for anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lemon to support detoxification.
4 - Does it feel oily in some areas (forehead, nose, chin)?
You have combination skin
Combination skin has an oily T-zone, while cheeks may feel normal or dry. Balancing this type can be tricky as it requires different care for different areas.
Skincare Tips:
Use specific products for different areas, like mattifying treatments on the T-zone and hydrating treatments on the cheeks.
DIY Mask:
- Plain yogurt and honey for balanced hydration.
- White clay and honey: Apply clay to the T-zone and honey to the cheeks for balanced care.
Avoid:
Heavy products on the entire face or overly drying treatments on the T-zone. Don’t skip moisturizing drier areas.
Recommended Foods:
- Apples for antioxidants.
- Cucumbers for hydration without excess oil.
- Cashews to help regulate oil production.
5 - Is it soft, supple, and free from discomfort?
You have normal skin, lucky you!
Normal skin is well-balanced, soft, and shows no notable dryness or oiliness. It stays comfortable throughout the day and is less reactive to weather changes.
Skincare Tips:
Maintain a gentle routine with light, non-comedogenic moisturizing products.
DIY Mask:
- Honey and yogurt for a hydrating, soothing effect.
- Aloe vera gel and cucumber: Blend cucumber with a bit of aloe vera gel for a refreshing mask.
Avoid:
While normal skin is balanced, it’s important to keep it hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.
Recommended Foods:
- Carrots for a healthy glow.
- Almonds for essential fatty acids.
- Kiwi for vitamin C.
Tips for Skin Health
Our skin is protected by a natural water-and-lipid barrier known as the hydrolipidic film. Imbalances in this film are often responsible for skin discomfort.
To preserve this protective layer:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid harsh makeup removers, like micellar water, which can strip the skin.
- Limit prolonged contact with absorbent fabrics (like cotton) that can dehydrate the skin.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to retain skin moisture overnight.
- Avoid drying products that disrupt this natural barrier.
- Always use sunscreen when exposed to the sun, even in winter.
By recognizing your skin's unique needs, you can tailor your skincare routine to keep it healthy and radiant every day.