Mistake #1: Not cleansing the face before diagnosing your skin type. The first common mistakes people make when trying to determine their skin type is they analysis their skin when dirty/sweaty or covered in makeup. The first step in any professional skin analysis is to double cleanse the skin. You should do the same remove all makeup, dirt, sweat and grime from your face and pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Allow your skin to dry and to return to its natural state. Then feel and look at the skin to start determine your skin type.

Mistake #2: The skin type on your nose may be different to the type on your cheeks. Focusing on one area of your face instead of looking at the whole area. The second common mistakes people make when trying to determine their skin type is where they focus. It is easy to focus on one area that is causing you problems and apply that to the whole of your face. Choosing products just for the problem issues can lead to damage and other skin problems in other areas. For example if you get the occasional acne breakout then do a spot treatment in that area only. See why you are getting breakouts and deal with the cause and not treat the symptoms only – What is triggering your acne.

Mistake #3: Not understanding the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. The third common mistakes people make when trying to determine their skin type is knowing the difference between dry and dehydrated. Dry skin means there is little to no oil production and the skin will appear rough and flaky.  Dehydrated skin means there is little water in the skin and the skin can feel tight.

A dry skin needs oil-based products keep the moisture barrier intact and add essential oils to the skin where as dehydrated skin needs an humectant barrier to keep the water within the skin.  Many people who suffer acne will not use a moisturizer but though they are producing excessive oil by not using the correct moistener they tend to suffer from dehydrated skin which leads to the skins only form of defense – producing more oil – which leads to more breakouts.

Mistake #4: Different area of the face need different skincare. This is similar to mistake #1. A common mistakes people make when trying to determine their skin type is that they do not realize that the eye area is very fine and thus needs to have special product formulation to deliver the active ingredients to the skin cell and also protect the area from dehydration and dryness. The eye area has its own unique problems for example puffyness, darkness etc.  Read why even teenagers should be using eye creams.

Mistake #5: Thinking they have sensitive skin. Most people think they have sensitive skin. As they react to all types of skincare products or they easily flush and their skin becomes red when touched. There is many reasons for the way the skin reacts this way. For example a person may get a breakout and it is from pore clogging products (some makeup) and not using the correct cleanser to remove it.  I had a patient that thought she had rosacea but once after investigation it was sunburn. She went running everyday without sunscreen but wore a hat and sunglasses. The area that was most exposed was her cheeks and add sweat to the equation she was getting sun burnt on her cheeks every time she ran. We added zinc based sunscreen and her red sensitive cheeks disappeared.  If you think you do have sensitive skin then you need to see a professional skin specialist to analysis and pinpoint your true sensitivity to recommend the perfect treatment for you.

Mistake #6: You pick your skin care line based on media hype. Have you selected the line you are using based on how popular it is in the media? Contrary to the popular belief that there is only 4 skin types dry, normal, oily or the T Bar combination and as an esthetician working with skin for many years, I know this not to be correct. Because the aim is to sell to many, they will produce a product that seems perfect for all skin types. They will cleaverly touch on the most common skin types and concerns pulling you in to their web.  For example they may be selling anti wrinkle cream but your wrinkles may be from dehydration and all you need is the correct moisturizer and not snake venom.  Remember the quality of a skin care line and it’s benefits is not a reflection of how many TV ad’s or magazines it has been featured in. Also if this skincare is sold in department or drug stores before you commit to spending money on them read the article on professional skincare verse department store products.

Don’t Make these common mistakes people make when trying to determine their skin type.

The solution is so easy.  Your skin is as individual as you. Invest your time and money in having a Esthetician to help you determine your true skin type.  Together you can work on reducing any problems and helping you towards healthy glowing skin.