What kind of skin do you have?

We all have different kinds of skin and, therefore different needs: normal, oily, dry, sensitive or a combination of all these. What type of skin do you have slynkey girls? I have compiled this list so you can work out what type of skin type you have.

You have Normal skin if:

• Your skin tone is fair to medium
• You don't get too many breakouts and if you do it's usually in the T-zone.
• Your skin burns first and sometimes tans.
• Your pores are larger in the T-zone.
• After cleansing your cheeks feel a little tight.
• Your skin has a smooth and even texture.

Having normal skin is great because your skin has a high natural water content on the outer layer and this means that moisture is locked in. However, sometimes your skin will misbehave and this is where the term "combination skin" comes from. Combination skin can be oily sometimes (i.e. in the T-zone), dry in the winter or even sensitive in hot sticky weather and in the cold of winter.

You have Dry skin if:

• Your skin feels tight, especially after cleansing.
• Your skin burns quickly and then peels.
• You have a fair complexion.
• Wrinkles will be more visible in a person with dry skin.
• You often have itchy, flaky and chapped skin (especially cheeks and forehead).

If you suffer from dry skin it is important that you use products that are going to improve your skin tone and not make your skin so dry and flaky. Use lotion and milk cleansers because they have more moisturizing properties than gel-based cleansers. Look for toners that are especially formulated for dry skin and definitely stay away from alcohol-based toners. It is really important to moisturise your skin regularly if you have dry skin - look for a heavier moisturiser (even a night cream) just as long the product does not clog your pores.

You have Oily skin if:

• Your skin breaks out often and is prone to blemishes.
• You often have blackheads and enlarged pores.
• Skin is often shiny even shortly after cleansing especially on the chin, nose and forehead.
• Less prone to aging and wrinkles compared to other skin types.
• Your skin tends to tan rather than burn.

slynkey girls with oily skin can get regular deep cleaning facials these are great as they can remove blackheads and clean up your pores. It is also important for you to follow a good cleansing routine - use a mild cleanser to wash your face twice a day, a toner (alcohol-based toners are best for oily skin) and a light moisturiser that doesn't clog your pores.

You have Sensitive skin if:

• Your skin burns quickly in the sun
• You blush and flush easily.
• People with this skin type often have very fair skin.
• You often have allergic reactions to particular ingredients and fragrances.

If you have sensitive skin you need to be really careful with the products you put on your face and do not take samples from people in the mall or from magazines, speak to a professional that can help you decide which products are best for your skin.

I was always pretty happy with having normal skin until out of nowhere I developed a more oily skin tone - I hated it at the start but soon realized the many benefits of having oily skin: I can tan easier (I went from wearing Ivory shade foundation to Nude without really even realizing it) and as I get older I'll get less facial lines so I'm pretty happy with that!

Good luck at finding your own skin type slynkey girls!

By Natasha Cain - Christchurch