Each skin type has different needs. The key to beautiful skin is to customize your skin care routine to match the needs of your specific skin type, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. People with normal to dry skin should learn about their skin type to keep their skin as healthy as possible.
Determining Skin Type
Individuals trying to determine if they have normal to dry skin should perform the following test, according to the website DermNet NZ, published by the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Wait approximately one hour after washing your face, then press a tissue to the skin of your cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. If you have no oily residue on the tissue and no shine on your face, you have normal skin. If you have dry skin, you will also have no oil on the tissue, but your face will feel tight or appear flaky.
Considerations
Some individuals have combination skin. For example, the T-zone, which consists of the forehead, nose and chin, may be normal, but the skin of the cheeks are dry. If you have combination normal-dry skin, you will need to alter your skin care regimen to meet the needs of both types.
Dry Skin Symptoms
Dry skin is most prominent on the shins, hands and sides of the abdomen, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It often is itchy, flaky or scaling, and may be more prevalent in the winter when humidity is low. Because dry skin can lead to eczema, it is important to treat the areas of dry skin appropriately.
Skin Care
To keep your skin looking its best, it is important to have an appropriate daily skin care regimen. Only use lukewarm water when showering or bathing, as using very hot or cold water may dry out your skin further. Limit your showers and baths to five or 10 minutes. After drying off from showering or bathing, immediately apply moisturizer to your skin. Although it is useful to apply this moisturizer to all areas of the skin, take special care to apply extra moisturizer to areas of dry skin. Exfoliate the dry skin approximately once a week.
Warning
Although using products containing retinols can even skin tone and texture, you should use these products sparingly to start if you have dry or sensitive skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The AAD also recommends using a moisturizer in addition to the retinol product to keep the skin properly hydrated. People with dry to normal skin who use retinol products too often may dry out their skin even more, which increases the likelihood of eczema and infections.
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