Photo source allaboutyou.com
There are three major ways. The first is to see your dermatologist (sorry, but it needed to be said). A great source for finding a dermatologist locator is available through the American Academy of Dermatology here.
The second is to read Dr. Leslie Baumann‘s The Skin Type Solution. After answering a 64-question survey, you tally up your answers and are assigned one of sixteen skin types. Dr. Baumann even gives specific product recommendations for each of the sixteen skin types. In short, I highly recommend it.
The third way is mentioned in the April 2008 issue of Oprah Magazine. Dr. Susan Taylor, M.D. gives beauty director Valerie Monroe the way you can find out without spending any money:
1. Wash your face with a cleanser designed for normal skin.
Two great options: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($10.75, Amazon.com), or the new Clarisonic Skin Care Brush ($195.00, Sephora.com) used with the Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser ($25.00, Clarisonic.com), but any normal cleanser will do. Then rinse well, and pat dry with a soft towel.
2. Wait for one hour.
I personally suggest that you spend your time reading the FutureDerm.com blog. *wink* 🙂
3. Evaluate your skin.
According to Dr. Taylor:
If it feels tight, ashy, or flaky- you have dry skin. (For advice on how to treat dry skin, please click here.)
If you’re oily only across the forehead, down the nose, and on the chin- you have combination skin.
If you need to blot your whole face with a tissue- you have oily skin.
If your face feels irritated or slightly itchy- you have sensitive skin.
4. Repeat this test four times a year.
This is because skin type can change according to the season. In fact, according to Dr. Leslie Baumann in Cosmetic Dermatology, “dry skin occurs more during the fall and winter months because of low humidity and excessive bathing.” My advice would be to try to remember to repeat the test on the first day of each season (since it’s marked on the calendar anyway) and besides, what better way to start off a new season than with fresh skin care? 🙂 )
Happy testing! Leave your comments below. 🙂