Skin Types

At this site, you will learn about the various types of skin and their individual challenges. You’ll also learn to identify your own skin type, and be a step closer to finding your ideal personal skin care regimen.

All Skin is Not the Same.

You may think that skin is skin, and we all have pretty much the same thing covering our bodies, but that is far from the truth. There are many variations in skin density, pigment, and moisture level. This all affects how our skin looks, and how we need to care for it.

Understanding your particular skin type and its needs can unlock a huge mystery if you have previously struggled to manage your skin. Often, people are doing the exact wrongthings for their skin type and unwittingly making their problems worse. The skin care industry understands this concept well, which is why you see so many products targeted to treat specific types of skin and skin problems.

It’s important to note that a person can have different skin types throughout their lives. The skin you had as a child is most likely not what you will end up with as an adult. Also, hormonal changes, illness, the seasons, and aging can drastically change the appearance of your skin. If you are familiar with the various skin types, you will be able to adequately care for your skin, no matter what the situation.

Normal Skin

Normal skin is considered skin that is neither overly oily nor very dry. People with normal skin have less occurrences of acne than those with oily skin as their oil and sweat glands usually maintain a consistent and optimal production level.

Normal skin types will have small pores and an even texture. Normal skin types often have a rosy glow to their cheeks, which is evidence of good circulation in the blood vessels of the dermis.

Normal skin does, however, require regular maintenance — including proper cleansing and moisturizing. People with normal skin often skip the step of toning, but it can still be beneficial.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is often grouped with normal skin, but it has its own distinct challenges. With this skin type, part of the face, usually the forehead, nose, and chin (called the “T-zone“) are extra oily, while the cheeks and eye area tend to be normal or dry.

Combination skin type can be frustrating, as it requires extra care to ensure that each area is treated according to its needs. You have to be careful to cleanse the T-zone well, without over-drying other parts of the face. Many people think there is no hope for combination skin, but with proper nutrition and maintenance, it is possible to achieve a more even skin type.

Oily Skin

Often, people with oily skin excessively scrub their face, often with harsh cleansers. Also, they tend to use toners multiple times a day and might use harsh acne medication containing benzyl peroxide, which is extremely drying.

What most people don’t know constantly scrubbing and drying out the skin actually makes the problem of oily skin worse. Your skin naturally creates oil (sebum) which is needed to keep the skin supple and moisturized. If you are constantly removing every trace of oil, this signals to the oil producing glands that there is a shortage and that it needs to make more.

The best defense against oily skin is to assess your diet and environment for things that may be causing increased oil production and cleanse with a natural, non drying soap. And contrary to popular belief, oily skin types still need to apply moisturizer after washing. However, it should be one that is non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging). Good options are Cetaphil lotion, which can be found in most pharmacies and also emu oil, which is non-comedogenic and also fights bacteria.

Dry Skin

As we learned, the skin produces sebum to keep its surface moisturized. Individuals with dry skin have under-active oil glands, which limit the amount of moisture produced. As a result, there is dry, often itchy, skin that can appear dull and lackluster. The skin can also flake and crack due to the lack of moisture.

If you suffer from dry skin, drinking more water may correct the problem. If you are dehydrated, the body diverts water from less needed areas to fuel vital body functions and organs. Compared to the brain, kidneys, and blood, the skin can more afford to go without water. Focusing on re-hydrating yourself can help greatly.

Other reasons for dry skin include using heaters in the winter. As they warm a room, heaters pull water from the air and dry out the environment in the house. Constantly using a heater, especially overnight, can cause not only dry skin, but dry eyes and throat as well. To combat this, place a bowl of water in front of heaters, so that the moisture inside evaporates into the air. This helps the moisture level remain optimal. Another option is to spray your face with a mist of water and vegetable glycerin, which is a natural humectant (draws moisture to your skin).

People with oily, dry, or combination skin can also have what is termed “sensitive skin.” This usually means that their skin reacts quickly and negatively to cleansers, lotions, irritating clothing, and items such as, fabric softeners and clothing detergent.

People with sensitive skin may often have red patches or rashes as a result of contact with something. For this skin type, it is best to avoid chemicals and use natural soaps and moisturizers. This greatly reduces irritation, redness, and drying.

Anyone can have sensitive skin, but is also a special concern for patients undergoing chemotherapy, burn victims, and babies.