A guide to knowing your skin type

Caring for your skin starts with knowing what type it is. Here is a quick guide to determine how dry, oily, combination, sensitive and normal skin types are like, to help you find a routine that best suits you.

Dry Skin

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: People with dry skin tend to have almost invisible pores and a complexion that looks dull and rough. They might also have reddish patches on the skin and have a tendency to show lines and wrinkles.

WHAT TO DO: If you have dry skin, wash with a gentle cleanser or moisturising cleansing. Its gentle formula doesn’t overdry the skin; in fact, it has added emollients to moisturise while it cleanses. Avoid taking overly long baths too, as this can worsen your skin.

Applying a moisturiser immediately after cleansing will help soothe skin and minimise visible lines. Be sure to apply it while your skin is still damp, as this will help lock in moisture. And remember to reapply moisturiser throughout the day when your skin feels dry. Using a sunscreen which has moisturising ingredients also helps to protect against sun damage that may aggravate dry skin.

The ideal face moisturiser for dry skin should contain ingredients such as glycerin that help the skin hold water. And remember that exfoliating once a week with a gentle exfoliator is more than enough. It’s also best to use a gentle skin cleanser in between exfoliation.

Oily Skin to Combination Skin

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: People with oily skin and combination skin face common symptoms, therefore their care needs are quite similar. Oily skin has visible enlarged pores and a shiny complexion, which are caused by excessive sebum (the substance that lubricates and waterproofs our skin). Whereas for combination skin, there’s a good chance that your skin has a little bit of both dryness on the cheeks and oiliness in the T-zone.

WHAT TO DO: If you have oily skin or combination skin, you might be tempted to wash your face more often to rid it of excess oil and dirt. However, it’s important to avoid overwashing as it dries out your skin and leads to even more oil production. You may want to try Lita Alis Skin Cleanser for its pH balanced formula that effectively cleans without irritating.

People with oily skin can benefit from regular exfoliation, as it removes the build-up of dead skin cells on the surface and reduces clogged pores. But do avoid harsh exfoliators. Those with combination skin should start by exfoliating once or twice a week, and slowly work their way up if needed.

Whether oily or combination skin, it’s best to apply a lightweight moisturiser that’s fast-absorbing . It provides long-lasting hydration and is non-greasy. And when choosing any skincare product, be sure to choose one that is labelled “non-comedogenic”, meaning it’s formulated not to clog pores.

Aside from moisturiser, use a sunscreen regularly as this helps prevent over-secretion of sebum induced by the sun. Works best as it is lightweight, non-comedogenic, non-greasy and provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Sensitive Skin

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: If you have sensitive skin, you might experience symptoms such as redness and itchiness. You might also find that your skin gets easily irritated when exposed to certain skincare product ingredients and environmental triggers.

WHAT TO DO: Remember, over-cleansing can aggravate sensitive skin, so go easy on the cleansing and scrubbing. Also, use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water which could strip your skin’s protective layer.

Stay clear of soap and heavily scented products, as they tend to dry out and cause irritation on the skin. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser that’s soap- and fragrance-free like Lita Alis Skin Cleanser.

Moisturising should also be done often. Be sure to choose a moisturiser that boosts hydration. For that, you can try Lita Alis Moisturizing Cream as it contains sweet almond oil, an ingredient that helps reduce dryness and itch by keeping skin moisturised.

Finding a suitable sunscreen for sensitive skin is not easy as many contain chemicals that tend to irritate the skin. So it’s important to use one that’s dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin as it would have a gentler yet effective formula. For that, you can try the fragrance- and paraben-free Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel.

Be sure to monitor how your skin would react to the products you use, and take note of those that cause reactions such as burning, stinging, itching and redness. Now that’s how you keep your skin feeling healthy and happy.

Normal Skin

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Normal skin in general, describes skin with few to no blemishes, no sensitivity, very few visible pores, and balanced hydration levels.People with this skin type rarely experience dryness, greasiness or frequent break-outs.

WHAT TO DO: Normal skin can be rather fuss-free, but it’s still best to use gentle and clinically proven skincare products to keep it functioning optimally. For starters, use a gentle cleanser like Lita Alis Skin Cleanser to clean and moisturise your skin without stripping its natural oils and causing irritation.

After cleansing, apply a good moisturiser from top to toe. Use one like Lita Alis Moisturizing Cream - it contains extra strength emollients and humectants to help prevent moisture loss while providing long-lasting hydration.

Even normal skin is not resistant to sun damage, so always apply sunscreen. It absorbs easily and gives your skin broad spectrum protection from harmful UV rays. Being proactive with your skincare and maintaining your skin properly keeps it healthy and beautiful.

Now that you've learned more about your skin type, it's time to care for it the right way with Lita Alis.