Take the quiz: what's your skin type?


Beauty
23/08/2019
Answering these five simple questions will not only help you define your skin type, but how best to look after it, ensuring your skin always looks its best.

Over time, our skin changes and so does what it needs to keep it at its best.

It may even be that those creams and potions that once worked wonders for you are now proving less effective. Determining what your skin needs now means you can keep it happy and fend off premature ageing with the perfect array of products.

Take the quiz below to discover what your skin is really trying to tell you.

What does your skin look like an hour after you wash it?
a) Overall it looks pretty normal.
b) Dry, dull and taut.
c) Oh look, my nose is shiny again.

After wearing foundation for a few hours, your foundation looks...
a) The same as it did when I put it on.
b) A mess - it's gone all patchy and flakey.
c) What foundation? That slid off 30 minutes ago.

How big are your pores?
a) Tiny, thanks.
b) I have bigger issues than my pores.
c) Surprised you can't see them from there.

How does your skin react to the sun?
a) I love the sun (and so does my skin).
b) Salt water and sunscreen tend to irritate my skin.
c) Grease, grease and more grease.

How often does your skin need moisturising?
a) In the morning and before I go to bed usually.
b) Every hour if I could.
c) Sometimes I avoid moisturising completely.

Mostly As: Normal with a touch of combination
Congratulations you have hit the skin type jackpot! Being mostly problem free, your skin is neither too oily nor too dry, and you enjoy a clear and smooth complexion (you lucky thing!).

For you, a skincare routine should be simple: cleanse, moisturise and wear sunscreen. Opt for something quick and easy for your no-fuss regimen, such as Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF15 Day Lotion. Its non-greasy formula gives your skin everything it needs in one go, including a broad-spectrum SPF.

Mostly Bs: Dry and sensitive
Your poor skin gets upset by changes in temperature, is prone to irritation from certain creams and chemicals, and often feels like it is crying out for moisture.

The nights are key for you as this is when your skin repairs itself and, as dry skin is more prone to premature ageing, it's important to encourage healing.

Use a nourishing moisturiser formulated specifically for sensitive skin such as Olay Regenerist 3-Point Age-Defying Night Cream. This helps replace the moisture lost during the day and aids the natural regeneration process that happens at night.

And don't forget an SPF during the day to ensure the overnight regeneration process isn't negatively impacted by the sun.

Mostly Cs: Oily and problematic
Your skin is in overdrive when it comes to oil production, which leaves you feeling greasy, acne-prone and battling against large pores. But it's not all bad news; oily skin can be completely manageable and is slower to age (lucky you!).

Effective cleansing is crucial and using a cleansing brush, such as the Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Cleansing System, is proven to clean up to four times more effectively and can help remove stubborn dirt and oil.

Also don't skip on the moisturiser (complete with SPF), even if you are prone to acne. It might seem counter-intuitive, but avoiding moisturiser causes your skin to dry out, forcing it to overcompensate and produce even more oil. Instead, opt for a lightweight, non-greasy formula, such as Olay Complete Care Night Cream, which won't clog your pores.

Now you've determined your skin type, make sure you're not committing one of the six sins of skincare, and for even more skincare tips, visit our Olay homepage.

How do you take extra special care of your skin? Let us know your secrets in the comments section below.