Skin Types – What is My Skin Type?
Leave a Commenton Skin Types – What is My Skin Type?
Hello all my skin-care addicts and beauty lovers. Today we are going
to talk about skin types, how to determine your skin type and the
end goal when it comes to healthy skin.
There are four main and basic skin types. They are determined by
genetics. You may have heard about other skin types before such as
sensitive skin, mature skin, dehydrated skin but these are more skin
conditions rather than genetically determined types of skin.
Normal Skin
The luckiest skin type. Also known as “no problem skin”, “you can
put anything on me skin”, “I always look perfect and don’t need any
filters skin”. Normal skin is usually blemish free, has good oil and
water balance and the ultimate goal is to maintain everything and
take preventive measures to keep it healthy.
The T-zone (forehead, chin and nose) may be a bit oily, but overall
sebum and moisture is balanced and the skin is neither too oily nor
too dry.
Normal skin has: fine pores, good blood circulation, a velvety, soft
and smooth texture, a fresh, rosy colour uniform transparencyno
blemishes and is not prone to sensitivity.
Combination (Combo) Skin
This skin type can be either oily-normal or oily-dry. The T-zone
usually has increased oil production, visible pores, whereas the
outer portions are either normal or dry and flakey. In case you are
wondering, this is the most common skin type in the world.
The oilier parts of combination skin are caused by an over
production of sebum. The drier parts of combination skin are caused
by a lack of sebum and a corresponding lipid deficiency.
The goal is to balance the oil and water in the skin. Make sure you
are not using too harsh products which can ruin and dry out your
skin, leading to increased oil production, dehydration and more
dryness as a result.
Dry Skin
Dry is used to describe a skin type that produces less sebum than
normal skin. As a result of the lack of sebum, dry skin lacks the
lipids that it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield
against external influences. Skin moisture depends on supply of
water in the deeper skin layers and on perspiration.
Dry skin is usually sensitive, and may become irritated when in
contact with harsh detergents, soaps or unsuitable cosmetic
products. When the skin’s barrier function is disturbed, allergens,
irritants, pollutants and microorganism can penetrate the skin more
easily.
It is important to avoid skincare products that contain irritating
ingredients such as perfumes and colourants. Always check that the
product has been dermatologically tested on sensitive skin.
Oily Skin
This skin type produces excess oil. Pores are large and visible. Skin
is prone to acne due to buildup of oil and dead skin cells that clogs
the pores. Fun fact: oily skin can be a sign of severely dehydrated
skin. Avoid harsh cleansers because they can dry out your skin
leading to more oil production.
A number of issues trigger the over production of sebum: genetics,
hormonal changes and imbalances, medication, stress,
comedogenic cosmetics (make-up products that cause irritation).
