how to know if you have dry or oily skin - #39684
I am really confused about my skin type lately! I thought I had dry skin for the longest time because my cheeks get super flaky, but then I started noticing that my forehead gets really oily by midday. This weird combo has me wondering how to know if you have dry or oily skin? Like, is it possible to have both at the same time? Sometimes I feel like my skin is a whole mood swing! I tried some hydrating creams but they just sit on my skin and don't really help the flakiness. Then on the other hand, if I use something for oily skin, I end up looking shiny and greasy, ugh! I’ve also been keeping track of how my skin reacts to different weather changes and it seems like heat makes my oiliness worse, while the cold makes my dry patches more pronounced. I even did a simple test where I washed my face and didn’t put anything on for a while, but I still couldn't tell. How to know if you have dry or oily skin seems simple, yet here I am, lost! Any tips on figuring it out or maybe some natural ayurvedic solutions to balance things out? Would love any advice or experiences you guys have!
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Doctors' responses
Understanding your skin type can indeed feel tricky, especially when your skin exhibits different characteristics like dryness and oiliness simultaneously. In Ayurveda, this is reflective of a combination type prakriti or dosha imbalance, more specifically a Vata-Pitta imbalance. Vata dosha, which is characterized by dryness, roughness, and flakiness, might be influencing your cheeks, while Pitta dosha, known for its oily and sometimes sensitive nature, could be impacting your forehead.
To identify your skin type, monitor how your skin reacts under different conditions and seasons as you already have been doing. Combination skin type varies with climate—flakiness in colder weather and oiliness in warmer temperatures is typical. The wash-and-wait method, where you cleanse your skin and observe it for a couple of hours, can provide good insights; however, its not definitive. If it feels tight primarily on the cheeks, but oily on the T-zone, it’s a clear sign of combination skin.
Addressing your condition with Ayurveda involves balancing these doshas. Use gentle, natural-cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural oils. For daily skin regimen, mix a small amount of raw honey with a splash of rosewater and apply to cleanse your face. Honey is hydrating without being greasy while rosewater has cooling, balancing effects.
For moisturizer, try using aloe vera gel on the entire face. It hydrates the skin without clogging and is soothing for both dry and oily patches. Additionally, application of jojoba oil on dry areas can help as it mimics the skin’s natural oil without causing excess oiliness.
Diet can also play a pivotal role. Favor warm, cooked foods with healthy fats like ghee , nuts, and seeds to counteract dryness due to Vata influence, while avoiding extremely spicy or acidic foods to prevent excessive Pitta stimulation.
Lastly, consider regular Abhyanga (oil massage) using sesame oil before taking a shower, especially during colder months. It’s nourishing and brings balance to Vata, thus preventing dryness.
Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Neem can also help in balancing these doshas internally. As always, ensure you consider your entire lifestyle and consult a professional before making significant changes, particularly if you have other underlying conditions.

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