How to determine the sensitivity of the skin on the face. How to tell if you have a sensitive scalp
Delicate, velvety skin with a perfect matte tone, a gift from nature only for a few. And incorrectly selected products can lead to rapid aging, irritation and inflammation. Moisture content, balance of lipids and acids, sufficient facial blood circulation are the factors that shape the epidermis. Having learned to determine your skin type, it is easy to take care of your face, maintaining youth and freshness. To do this, it’s worth spending a few minutes and taking the test online.
Take an online test - what is your skin type?
Dry type
Very sensitive and delicate dry skin is most often susceptible to various peelings and irritations. Pale pink color, sometimes with yellowish tint, through a thin layer of epidermis, facial vessels are visible. Lack of lipids affects immune properties; even small temperature changes cause redness on the face. It is not uncommon for a feeling of tightness to remain after washing or removing makeup. Proper skin care will help prevent the appearance of wrinkles, premature aging, sagging - the main problems of the dry type.
Find out more about caring for dry type you can.
Normal type
Moisturized, with a perfect even tone, elastic - normal facial skin. Thanks to the balanced functioning of the sebaceous glands, there is no peeling or irritation. How can you not see inflammation and clogged ducts in the form of black dots? It is worth determining your facial skin type in order to maintain a harmonious state in the future, prevent the appearance of wrinkles and dehydration.
Find out more about caring for normal type you can.
Combined type
The easiest way to correctly identify this type of epidermis is visually. Oily shine in the nose, chin, forehead and contrasting dry cheeks and temples. Factor environment often leads to the appearance of comedones and acne in problem areas. Combination skin needs comprehensive care, separately for each area of the face.
Find out more about caring for combined type you can.
Fat type
A test to determine your skin type should be taken after hormonal changes are completed. adolescence. After this period, increased oiliness, inflammation and acne can be attributed to oily skin. Insufficient blood flow activity and excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands lead to a porous, lumpy structure with uneven pigmentation. A huge plus is its slow aging, thanks to the increased lipid content. Using a test, you can determine this type at home and, following the care advice, normalize the condition.
Find out more about caring for bold type you can.
The path to ideal skin has long been determined by the best cosmetologists and dermatologists. The first step - how to determine your skin type - has already been taken. By implementing all the recommendations, it is easy to become the happy owner of ideal, radiant skin.
Which products are suitable for your skin type
Video: How to determine your skin type at home
Skin type is determined genetically, but its features can change throughout life under the influence of various circumstances:
hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause;
with a sharp change in climate;
under the influence of lifestyle and eating habits, including harmful ones;
as a result of stress that most of us don't even notice anymore.
Monitor the condition of your skin and focus on its condition when choosing care products.
How to determine the current skin condition? Cleanse your face, sit in front of a mirror and look at your reflection.
Normal skin
There are no visible flaws on it:
color - uniform, relief - smooth;
skin texture - matte, with a slight glow.
You are lucky, normal skin does not experience dryness and flaking, and blackheads and oily sheen do not appear on it.
Dry skin
Even the naked eye can see that it is thin and delicate, its pores are practically invisible. Until a certain age, beautiful porcelain skin without a single pimple is an obvious advantage.
But don't delude yourself. Dry skin is often sensitive because it lacks lipids that prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the epidermis.
Skin can be dry, oily, normal, combination. © iStock
Under the influence of climatic factors or incorrectly selected cosmetics, it easily becomes dehydrated and begins to flake, causing a feeling of tightness.
In addition, dry skin fades faster; doctors even have a characteristic for this type of aging - finely wrinkled.
Oily skin
Oily skin looks thick, and even without a magnifying mirror it is easy to notice enlarged pores and blackheads. Her eternal companions:
excessive shine;
uneven texture;
sallow complexion;
rashes that often become inflamed.
Oily skin, paradoxically, can also be dehydrated and even sensitive, especially with aggressive care, that is, abuse of alcohol toners, scrubs, products with acids and retinol.
All these imperfections pay off with one big advantage: oily skin ages much more slowly and is not prone to the formation of premature wrinkles.
Combination skin
This is the most common type, combining the characteristics oily skin in the area (nose, forehead, chin) and dry or normal in the U-zone (cheekbones and cheeks). Care for such skin should also be combined; the main thing is to choose the right products for each area of the face.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive, that is, poorly protected from aggressive environmental factors, can be any type of skin - dry, oily, normal or.
A characteristic sign of sensitive skin is an acute reaction to a change in climate or cosmetics, new food, stress, alcohol: the face turns red, itching and dryness may appear on the chin and cheeks.
Over the course of a lifetime, the type and condition of your skin may change. © iStock
How cosmetologists determine skin type
An experienced cosmetologist can determine your skin type visually, but will still ask a few questions. Additional digital diagnostics, for example, videodermatoscopy, consists of examining the skin under high magnification in order to carefully examine the texture of the skin, the condition of the pores, dark spots, micro-peeling invisible to the eye. Using various attachments, you can even measure the degree of greasiness and dehydration.
A cosmetologist can determine your skin type visually and using dermatoscopy. © iStock
How cosmetics affect the skin
Doctors are unanimous: with regular use, well-chosen cosmetical tools are able to correct problems characteristic of any skin type. For example, reduce sebum production and mattify oily skin, and in the case of dry skin, form a protective hydrolipidic film and eliminate discomfort.
When selecting cosmetics, it is important to focus on two parameters:
product texture: light non-comedogenic products are suitable for oily skin, rich ones that provide comfort for dry skin;
active components: they are responsible for the stated result.
Care for different skin types
Properly selected cosmetic products can reduce discomfort and temporarily improve appearance skin or completely eliminate the problem.
Normal
No enlarged pores, no comedones, no acne - it’s not surprising that girls with normal skin often take care lightly. And completely in vain. To preserve nature's gift, do not neglect the basic rules of care. Choose products labeled “for normal skin.”
Cosmetics for normal skin
| Product name | Main characteristics | Rules of application |
| Micellar cleansing gel, Garnier | The product is enriched with natural grape extract and micelles. Suitable for all skin types. | Apply to damp skin, lather the gel with a little water, massage lightly in a circular motion and wash it off. |
| Moisturizing toner Equalizing Toner, SkinCeuticals | Refreshes the skin, maintains a protective pH level, eliminates impurities. Contains natural extracts of witch hazel, thyme, cucumber, kiwi, aloe and chamomile. Suitable for men's skin. | Apply to a cotton pad and treat previously cleansed skin of the face, neck, and décolleté. |
| Day care cream for normal and combination skin Idéalia, Vichy | Suitable as a base for makeup. Black tea extract adds radiance, adenosine stimulates cell energy metabolism, and blueberry extract has antioxidant properties. | Apply daily morning and/or evening to cleansed face and neck, avoiding the eye area. |
Dry
Those with dry skin should use products with acids and retinol with caution, as they can cause irritation and discomfort. Moisturizing and nourishing are what dry skin needs.
Cosmetics for dry skin
| Product name | Main characteristics | Rules of application |
| Soft gel-cream “Absolute tenderness”, L’Oréal Paris | Gently removes impurities, soothes and softens the skin. Does not cause allergies or a feeling of dryness. | Use to cleanse skin and remove makeup. |
| Moisturizing balm for dry and very dry skin Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm, Kiehl’s | Absorbs quickly and does not leave a sticky feeling. Soothes and softens the skin, prevents moisture loss. | Use morning and/or evening. Warm a small amount of balm on your fingertips and apply to cleansed facial skin, avoiding the eye area. |
| Night face cream “Magic cream-sleep” against signs of fatigue, Garnier | Combines the effectiveness of a mask and the light texture of a cream. Reduces wrinkles, moisturizes the skin, makes it smoother, firmer and tighter. | Apply a small amount of cream to cleansed facial skin two hours before bedtime. Use gentle massage movements to spread over the entire face. |
| Nourishing cream for deep restoration of dry and very dry skin Nutritic Intense Riche, La Roche-Posay | Replenishes the lack of lipids and moisture, instantly brings a feeling of comfort. | Apply on frosty days 30-60 minutes before leaving the house. |
Fat
Choosing effective remedy For oily skin, remember that it needs products labeled “non-comedogenic.” You should be extremely careful when using products containing oils.
Cosmetics for oily skin
| Product name | Main characteristics | Terms of use |
| Night care Normaderm Detox, Vichy | Eliminates excess sebum produced at night. The cream with a light non-sticky texture is comfortable to use. | Apply every evening before bed. clean skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. |
| Cleansing mattifying mask Effaclar, La Roche-Posay | Reduces pores and absorbs excess sebum thanks to the two types of mineral clay included in the composition. Suitable for very sensitive skin. | Use 1-2 times a week. Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, avoiding contact with eyes and lips (if the mask gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with water). Leave on skin for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Apply cream. |
| Cream-sorbet for the face mattifying “Life-giving hydration” with green tea extract Skin Naturals, Garnier | Mattifies the skin and instantly creates a feeling of freshness. | Apply in the morning to previously cleansed facial skin. |
| Copes with increased activity of the sebaceous glands, delicately softens and moisturizes the skin without weighing it down. | It is best to use morning and evening after thoroughly cleansing the skin. |
Combined
Choosing a product for combination skin, keep in mind that the T-zone tends to be oily with large pores, while the cheeks and eye area tend to be dry.
Oils, calcium and jasmine extract help maintain lipid balance and stimulate skin regeneration.
Sensitive skin Due to a number of problems in care, specialists identify individuals as a separate subgroup. The fact is that such facial skin is too sensitive to any external irritants. Therefore, if not proper care it can give different signals, including the appearance of itching and redness. But with proper care, facial skin will look even better than other types. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and general tips for caring for such problematic facial skin in order to avoid further complications.
How to easily determine skin sensitivity
Dermatologists can identify sensitive skin almost at first glance. An inexperienced person, in order not to make mistakes in care, should be guided by the following signs that can indicate this problematic category of epidermis:
- The skin of the face with this skin type is usually quite thin;
- Sebum can be produced in places, and in a very thin layer;
- The pallor of sensitive skin is usually due to a lack of coloring pigment in this area;
- After simply washing with water, there is a feeling of tightness in the upper layers of the skin;
- Irritation is nothing new for this skin type. They are usually localized in the T zone;
- The skin may begin to resent different ways to use even the most gentle decorative cosmetics;
- Burning sensations and peeling are constant companions for those with sensitive skin;
Getting sunburned too often
Knowledge of these signs will help with up to 99% probability to accurately determine the presence or absence problem skin faces. You have learned that your skin is sensitive, so you should know the basic tips and methods for caring for it in order to avoid redness, peeling and other troubles. Treatment for problematic facial skin may be necessary.
The problem for owners of this type of facial skin is precisely in finding and eliminating the very irritant that affects the skin in this way. After all, it’s one thing when the skin turns red from the food you eat. And it’s completely different when it dries immediately when a girl goes outside in too hot or cold time of year.
Any procedures involving sudden changes should be avoided temperature regime environment, be it a bathhouse or diving into an ice hole. You also need to use products with SPF protection year-round, which are ideal for this skin type.
These tips will come in handy for those with sensitive skin.
Sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis, but it is nonetheless very important information, which is worth knowing about yourself. If you're wondering if this problem might be affecting you, these simple signs can help. If you have them, this may be an indication of skin sensitivity.
First sign
Think about it, have you ever had an allergic reaction to hygiene products such as soap, body cream, shampoo? If this happens more than three times, the sign can be counted. 
Second sign
Have you ever had a rash after using it? sunscreen? This is another important criterion! 
Third sign
Do you experience itching after using hair products or applying face cream? This is another indicator. 
Fourth sign
How do you choose cosmetics? If you are very careful and are wary of purchasing it because you often have allergies, you may already suspect that you have a problem. 
Fifth sign
What is your relationship with perfumes and fragrances? Give yourself credit if certain smells irritate you. 
Sixth sign
Have you ever had an allergic reaction to medications, such as creams or ointments? This is also worth paying attention to. 
Seventh sign
Have you experienced allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever? If yes, you should know that this may already be the cause of the development of sensitivity. 
What is the conclusion?
If you answered yes to several of the questions on the list, you probably have really sensitive skin. Please note that there is a difference between irritation and a true allergy. Allergies occur due to an incorrect reaction of the immune system to certain components of hygiene products, which leads to redness, swelling, itching, burning and even inflammation. Sensitive skin does not react to the components of a particular product, but to its presence. For example, if you use a harsh scrub, the skin will be very irritated, even causing eczema. It’s not a matter of allergies to the scrub! The same applies to other means. For example, you can apply a cream with vitamin C on your face, where there will be no more than ten percent of it, but if its content is higher than twenty percent, a problem will arise. Troubles only happen with certain foods, but you are not allergic to them, they just make your skin irritated.
How to solve a problem?
If you have sensitive skin, you can combat irritation with a few simple steps. For example, try to choose cosmetics specifically for sensitive skin. Remember that products with a short list of ingredients are better for you - the less “chemicals”, the less likely it is to cause irritation. Organic products are usually safer, but you may be allergic to herbal extracts. If anything causes itching or burning and worsens your skin condition, stop using the product immediately or, in severe cases, consult a doctor. If you have a rash, do not expose the affected area to sunlight. If the problem is on the face, wear a wide-brimmed hat. In general, it is best not to use over-the-counter ointments such as lidocaine. Apply only those ointments that your doctor recommends. Even in products from the pharmacy there are many substances that are dangerous to you, which can worsen your condition and cause a rash or more severe irritation. The only drug from the pharmacy that you can safely use are allergy pills available without a prescription. They will ease your condition while you wait for a doctor's consultation.
Increasingly, residents of megacities are faced with such a problem as skin hypersensitivity. As soon as you touch your face or apply cream on it, the skin instantly turns red and feels discomfort. The autumn season, with temperature changes and cold winds, is the time to determine whether you have sensitive skin. And if this is the case, then adjust her care.
Creams for sensitive skin: La Solution 10 de Chanel, Chanel; night Gentle Night Cream, Clarins; Make-Up Expert, Nivea; night Toleriane Ultra Nuit, La Roche-Posay; Nutri Soothing Cream, Thalgo; anti-aging Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkle, Radiance, Apot.Care.
1. What is sensitive skin?
“First of all, it is not the type of skin, but its condition, which is characterized by an excessive reaction to the action of external and internal factors, - says Irina Ignatieva, a cosmetologist at the OblakaStudio beauty salon on Rublevskoye Highway. “That is, any type of skin can be sensitive: dry, oily, combination.” “Such skin is prone to allergic reactions, redness, and capillaries are clearly visible in some areas of the face,” adds Clinique training expert Elena Grishechkina.
2. How do you know if you have sensitive skin?
If redness, peeling, irritation, dryness, and sometimes inflammation appear on the face in response to weather(sun, wind, cold), using cosmetics, taking medications, spicy food, alcohol - most likely, sensitive skin. In this case, a similar reaction should be expected on cosmetic procedures: peelings, injections, masks.”
Natalia Starokozheva
cosmetologist, founder of the network of clinics " Beautiful life»
Masks for sensitive skin: Hydraphase Intense Masque, La Roche-Posay; “Hydration + comfort”, Garnier; Masque Mineral Desalterant, Vichy; night Moist Moist, Dr. Jart+; Hydra Sparkling, Givenchy.
3. Why does the skin become sensitive?
- Heredity.“Sometimes sensitivity is inherited,” explains Natalya Starokozheva, cosmetologist and founder of the Beautiful Life clinic chain. - In addition, this problem often occurs in white-skinned and fair-haired people. Moreover, it can manifest itself after birth or during life due to adverse environmental influences or lack of nutrients. Sensitivity may also accompany such skin diseases, like psoriasis, eczema, demodicosis.”
- Abuse of sebum-regulating cosmetics.“Contrary to stereotypes, hypersensitivity more often affects girls not with dry skin, but with oily skin,” says Irina Nikolaeva, cosmetologist, creator of the Irushka brand. “By relying on sebum-regulating and drying products, they deprive their skin of protection.”
- Diseases and improper care. According to Irina Ignatieva, “the problem of skin sensitivity is associated with the thinning of the hydrolipid mantle, and therefore a decrease in its barrier function. If the problem with the skin is not natural, then the causes of the malfunction may be infectious, skin, nervous diseases, metabolic disorders, allergies, and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. As well as improper care and excessive exposure to exfoliating scrubs, peels, creams with acids and retinoids.”
4. Is it possible to get rid of this problem?
“If the cause of hypersensitivity is a hereditary factor (a small number of sebaceous glands) or chronic skin diseases, then it is almost impossible to get rid of it. In other cases, we need to figure out what caused the problem and work to solve it,” says Natalya Starokozheva.
Lip Calm and Black & Goldy eye patches, all Beautydrugs; mask for the skin around the eyes Spa Treatment, Lundenilona; balm for dry sensitive skin areas, Lucas Pawpaw.
According to Irina Nikolaeva, in order for the skin to go from sensitive to normal, in addition to external care, internal care is necessary.
- “Drink enough water. Not liquid, but clean still water. Optimal quantity for a healthy person - 2 liters per day. Try to consume most of it in the first half of the day so as not to provoke swelling.
- Eat a balanced diet. Hypersensitivity often affects vegetarians and vegans who do not consume animal fats, which greatly reduces the protective and functional functions of the skin. Meat contains a huge amount of protein that the body needs; not a single product of plant origin can fill it. If you categorically do not accept meat products, replace them with fish.
- Take dietary supplements. If you can’t eat a balanced diet, or you are over 30 years old, or both, include collagen and dietary supplements in your diet. hyaluronic acid in liquid or powder form."
5. How to properly care for sensitive skin?
“The main purpose of care is protection, hydration, and reduction of sensitivity. And here it is important to follow some rules, says Ekaterina Dobrydneva, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand. - Main - gentle cleansing. Soap is not suitable, use milk, foam, cream, micellar water. Suitable for relieving tingling sensations thermal water. Use it during the day, when the skin is especially susceptible to aggressive environmental factors.”
Cleansers: Gentle Cleanser gel, SkinCeauticals; makeup remover water Milky Water, Carita; Gentle Cleansing Water, Rouge Bunny Rouge; makeup remover SOS Dermo-Sensitive Make-Up Remover, Vivescence; Secret de Purete mousse, Guerlain; Love Nature cleansing cream, Oriflame; makeup remover balm Dizzolv"It, Cailyn.
Be sure to rinse off your cleanser, even micellar water. Otherwise, the cleansing components continue their work, dehydrating and thinning your skin. After washing, apply a soothing tonic, spray or fluid, and only then serum and cream.
Peeling pads Anew Clinical, Avon; tonic Gentle Toning Lotion, Dior; spray tonic “Rose”, Ausganica; moisturizing gommage Hydra Vegetal, Yves Rocher; Lavender tonic, Shik Halal; peeling with protein molecules Instant Peel, Earthen.
6. What components should be in cosmetics for sensitive skin?
- Hyaluronic acid Helps hydrate and retain moisture in the skin for comfort.
- Caffeine, sucrose and gentian root extract calm and relieve stress.
Panthenol and bisabolol have a calming effect.
- Phytosphingosine and glycosaminoglycans make broken capillaries on the surface of the skin less noticeable.
- Shea butter, wheat germ extract, linoleic acid restore the moisture barrier.
- Antioxidants provide protection from external aggressors.
Fluid Dermatosic, Valmont; Relax Code serum, Irushka; Redness Solutions foundation and mineral powder for redness, all Clinique; Centella Recovery Skin-Salve balm, Kiehl's; moisturizing serum, Eve Lome.
“Yes, if you choose decorative cosmetics developed by dermatologists, without perfumes,” says Elena Grishechkina. “And redness can be visually corrected with a primer with a yellowish or greenish tint.”
“It’s better not to use powder textures, but to even out the tone, apply a light BB or CC cream,” recommends Irina Nikolaeva.
Irina Ignatieva does not recommend using liquid eyeliner for eyelids: “It often contains highly allergenic latex. Also not the best option- waterproof mascara, the removal of which will require quite aggressive cleansers.”
“When choosing decorative cosmetics, be sure to test the products on the back of your hand,” says Ekaterina Dobrydneva. “If there are no obvious reactions, you can safely use it.”