SKIN TYPES

Ever wonder what skin type you have? There are five main skin types:

• Normal
• Dry
• Oily
• Combination
• Sensitive.

Understanding the different types of skin and which one you have will help give you a better idea of how to treat acne breakouts and achieve smooth, clear skin.

Your skin type is usually determined by genetics, but there are daily habits and environmental factors that can worsen a skin condition. Each skin type has a specific set of characteristics and symptoms, and requires special attention. Keep reading to find out about your personal skin type and how to best care of it.

NORMAL

Normal skin doesn’t normally have a great excess of shine, and it also doesn’t tend to be cracked or flaky. Normal skin types usually exhibit few fine lines and wrinkles, and the skin’s tone is generally even, with no marked blemishes. Normal skin is not a synonym for perfect skin and even those who characterize their skin as normal deal with the occasional blemish or other skin issues. Those with a normal skin type should use products that don’t make their skin feel overly greasy and avoid products that cause excessive dryness.

Skin becomes rough. It develops lesions such as benign tumors, becomes slack. The loss of the elastic tissue (elastin and collagen) in the skin with age causes the skin to hang loosely. It becomes more transparent as we age. Skin becomes more fragile as we age this is caused by a flattening of the area where the epidermis and dermis come together.      

OILY

Those with oily skin tend to notice a great deal of shine on their face, and may deal with terrible acne breakouts. Those with a genetic predisposition to active oil glands produce a higher amount of sebum, an oily substance created to help keep the skin soft and hydrated. This oil flows from inside the epidermis to the surface of the skin through pores and hair follicles. When the body experiences a fluctuation in hormone levels, it signals the production of androgens, a male hormone present in both men and women.

The production of androgens stimulates an increase in sebum production, but when an excess of this oil is produced, it can expand the size of the skin’s pores and result in blockages that become pimples and other acne blemishes. Oily skin is more prone to acne breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules or papules. Your pores may be more visible because of their size expansion, and your skin may appear greasy throughout the day. If you wear makeup, you may find it slides off quite easily.

COMBINITION

Combination skin features two or more different skin types on the face. Combination skin types typically experience dry and flaky skin on certain portions of the face, and excessive oil on others. Many mistakenly believe they have oily skin when they, in fact, have combination skin type. Unless an individual’s skin is oily all over, there are likely portions of skin that are dry or normal, which would qualify under combination skin. Combination skin is the most common skin type, but it can be hard to identify and treat. The skin will often be shiny in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. These areas tend to have more active oil glands than other parts of the face like the cheeks. Dealing with both dry and oily skin means finding the perfect skin care regimen that’s strong enough to exfoliate without irritating the skin.

SENSITIVE

Sensitive skin types may exhibit the characteristics of dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin, but they also deal with a great amount of redness and irritation. Normal skin types may also have sensitive skin, but these generally don’t overlap. Sensitive skin types can be caused by skin conditions like rosacea or allergies, so it’s best to avoid harsh chemical-based skincare treatments. This skin type is also easily inflamed, so it’s important to choose the right natural skin care for sensitive skin to avoid any adverse reactions.

DRY

If you have dry skin, you may feel tightness in your skin. There may also be scaly patches or flaking. Those with dry skin types generally have almost invisible pores, and may suffer from premature wrinkles and regular irritation to the skin.
Sometimes dry skin is the indication of an underlying condition, so if you notice a great deal of redness, flaking, or irritation, it’s important to talk to a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any of the following skin conditions.