What's Your Skin Type?

Most skin types fall into four categories: normal, oily, dry, or combination.  These are known as the four basic skin types.  Our genetic makeup determine our skin type.  Other factors, internal and external, impact the condition of our skin which is why skin types can vary greatly.

To understand how to care for your skin, you first have to know your skin type.  While it may be easy for some to identify their skin types, it may not be as easy for others.  Fortunately, there are skin tests available to assist with identifying skin types.

Normal Skin:

Normal skin is skin that is neither oily or dy.  It is free of acne, open pores, and cracking.  Normal skin is known to be perfectly balanced.  It produces just enough sebum to keep the skin from being dry, but not too much to cause the skin to be oily.

Dry Skin:

Dry skin is skin that is rough to touch, very dull, and not hydrated.  Unlike normal skin, dry skin does not produce enough sebum.  The lack of sebum production causes varying symptoms like cracks in the skin, inflammation, peeling or even itchy skin. Pores are very tiny, likely unnoticeable, lines are more visible, the skin lacks elasticity and feels tights.

Oily Skin:

Oily skin is usually visibly oily and oily to touch.  Oily skin is oily because it over produces sebum.  Too much sebum leads to other problems like enlarged pores, pimples, blemishes, and blackheads.

Combination Skin:

Combination skin is skin a mix of different skin types in the t-zone and the cheeks.  The t-zone includes the forehead, chin, and nose.  If the skin is oilier in the t-zone than the cheeks, it means the t-zone is over producing sebum.  An oily t-zone is usually accompanied by enlarged pores and skinny skin.

Sensitive Skin:

Sensitive skin, while not one of the four basic skin types, is still a common skin type.  Sensitive skin is skin that is easily irritated.  The irritation can stem from internal and external factors like extreme temperatures and skin care ingredients.  Symptoms of sensitive skin include, but is not limited to redness, dryness, itching, and burning.