There are four different types of skin. These include combination skin, oily skin, normal skin and dry skin.
These skin types are all very different and are taken care of in different ways because each type has its own requirements.
Skin type complexities are not news today as they have been around for generations. But, after researching and testing skin type care routines to understand the role skin types play in how we care for varying degrees of skin conditions that wreck havoc to our fragile skin barriers, I have come to agree that both our legs, knees, arms, butt, and torso greatly benefits from adquate moisturization with a mattifying lotion with spf regardless of what skin type you have.
So, regardless of your type of skin, the way you go about combating even the most extreme dry skin cases, like eczema, acne, and wrinkles, must surely reflect your skin type’s needs.
It is pretty much what experts preach day in and day out that we must always seek a skincare product whose formulation is rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
There is no substitue to a good skincare routine and in many case, an effective skin moisturizer is vital to the body pretty much the same way that a human body benefits from a thirsty quenching drink of a glass of water. According to dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, a revered associate professor of dermatology, she says to keep any skin type smooth and supple, you must nourish your skin so it maintains a healthy skin barrier.”
So to effectively do that, we must first know and understand what skin types there are and how to care for them…
Most of the time the skin type that will have is determined by the genetics and it is affected by a lot of factors like hormones, and other environmental factors.
Normal skin type is the kind of skin that is well balanced. This means that this type of skin has the right amount of oil and it is not too dry.
Dry skin is the kind of skin that is less oily as compared to normal skin. This is because it does not produce a lot of sebum.
Oily skin is the type of skin that produces more sebum than normal and dry skin types. The pores on oily skin will be larger and it appears shinier.
Combination skin is the type of skin that has a mixture of oily skin and dry skin. The T-zone area will have oilier parts while the rest of the face will have drier parts.
Oily skin Type
The oily skin type will produce a lot more oils as compared to all other skin types. It is also prone to having larger pores.
Therefore, when you have oily skin the skin is mostly oily during the day and can require you to frequently use blotting paper for our skin.
It is also prone to breakouts and most products that you apply can cause your skin to breakouts. When you have oily skin, you need to use products that are not heavy.
Despite having oily skin, you will still need to moisturize it. Some of the best products for oily skin are the Neutrogena clear pore facial cleanser face mask. Eau Thermale avene clearance expert lotion and more.
Common characteristics of oily skin type include:
- Large pores
- Acne prone and prone to blackheads
- Shiny and greasy complexion
Dry skin type
Dry skin type is the kind of skin that will be noticed by is dry and dull skin. most of the time dry skin will have a lot of dead cells that it is covered in.
Dry skin can also have cracks and sometimes can be irritated. The skin is also sometimes very rough and can become scaly.
Dry skin can be a result of genes, hormones as well as aging and many more. Sun exposure and hot showers are also some of the factors that can cause dry skin.
If you have this type of skin the key is to keep it well hydrated so that the elasticity is improved and it starts to look plumper, young and more radiant.
You should also use a cream moisturizer when you are moisturizing this skin type. Some of the good products for this skin type include cerave moisturizing cream, revision skincare D.E.J face cream, SkinCeuticals gentle cleanser and many more.
Common characteristics of dry skin type include:
- Dull complexion
- Non elastic
- Unnoticeable tight pores
Combination skin type
With this kind of skin type you will have oily parts as well as dry parts on the skin. this kind of skin is very hard to manage and will require you to be cautious when picking the products for this skin type.
On the forehead, the nose and the chin, this skin type will be oily. The cheeks and all other parts will be dry. You can use different products for the skin or use products that are suitable for all skin types.
When using cleansers, you can also choose to use different cleansers on different days and this will depend on how your skin feels.
Common characteristics of combination skin
- Large pores on the oily parts of the skin
- Blackheads
- Shiny and dry patches
Normal skin type
Normal skin type is well balanced skin. The skin does not have a lot of oils and it is not very dry.
The moisture levels and the oil levels on this skin type are well balanced.
Some of the good products for normal skin type include skinMedica facial cleanser, SkinCeuticals hydrating B5Moisture enhancing gel etc.
The common characteristics of normal skin are:
- Small and fine pores
- Smooth skin texture
- It does not have blemishes
- Not too sensitive
How can you find out your skin type?
Know the texture of your skin
In order to find out the type of your skin you need to know how your skin texture is like and how it feels when you touch it.
Combination skin will feel oily around the forehead, nose and chin (T-zone). It will feel dry on the cheeks and other areas on the skin.
When you have combination skin. You will feel like some parts of your skin are oily while other parts are dry.
So, if you have two different types of skin the you definitely have combination skin.
When you have Normal skin, you will feel that the skin on your face is well balanced.
It will not be too oily or be too dry but it will have the right amount of moisture and oils.
Oily skin is the skin that will feel oilier and create a shiny and greasy effect on your skin. Oily skin produces a lot of oils.
Dry skin type feels very dry and tight. When you have dry skin, you can also have cracks and flakes on your skin.
The pores on the skin
Taking notice of the pores on your skin will also help you in determining the skin type that you have.
If you have combination skin, you will notice that you have larger pores on the T-zone area as compared to all other parts on the face.
If you have Normal skin, the pores on your skin will be barely noticeable. When you have oily skin, the pores are mostly large. These pores also easily become clogged.
Dry skin will have small pores. The pores in dry skin type will mostly feel really tight.
After cleansing how does your skin feel like
Knowing how you feel after you have cleanser your skin will greatly help you determine the type of skin that you have.
When you have cleansed combination skin the T-zone area will be refreshed and cl an while the dry parts can feel tight.
When you cleanse normal skin, the skin will feel good and clean. It will not feel tight or sensitive in any way. A moisturizer might be needed after cleansing.
After cleansing oily skin, you will feel that the face is oil free and refreshed but oil comes back after a few minutes.
After cleansing Dry skin, you will mostly feel like the skin is dehydrated and tight. And you will need a moisturizer right away.
How often do you need to use a moisturizer on your skin?
All skin types will require you to moisturise them but how often you moisturise will depend on the skin type that you have. Having a moisturiser on your skin will help in keeping it hydrated and healthy.
With combination skin a moisturiser is needed frequently only on the areas that easily dry out like the cheeks and all other parts. You do not frequently need to apply a moisturiser on the oily parts of the skin.
People that have normal skin do not frequently apply a moisturiser. You can apply once and that would be enough for the skin.
People that have oily skin will not frequently use a moisturiser because it may add extra shine to the skin and makes it oilier.
When you have this skin type you look for oil free products. When you have dry skin, your you will find yourself frequently moisturising the skin during the day because the skin easily gets dry and the pores feel tighter.
How to take care of your skin types
Combination skin
When you have combination skin it is like you have to deal with having two skin types, the oily type and the dry skin type.
So, when choosing products, you have to get the products that will help in balancing up your skin. They will get rid of extra oils while not drying the other skin. That will moisturise without adding extra oils to the T-zone area.
Normal skin
Caring for normal skin type is easy because this type of skin is well balanced, it is neither too oily nor too dry. Most people with normal skin also have an even skin tone.
When you have this skin type you need to get products that are lightweight and will not over moisturise or over dry your skin.
Oily skin
When you have oily skin, the skin will get a shiny or a greasy effect. This is because oily skin produces a lot of sebum.
Therefore, you will find your self frequently using blotting paper to clean the oils on your face. With oily skin you also face conditions like acne, black heads and more.
When getting products for this skin type you should get the ones that are free of oils and lightweight so that they do add extra oils to your skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin will often feel tight and will have small pores. You may also notice some cracking and flakes on the skin. The skin also has a complexion that is dull. Dry skin will require a lot of moisturising.
Therefore, when choosing products for this skin type you should ensure that they are heavy moisturisers that will keep your skin highly hydrated.
Basic Skin care
The following are the things that you need to do in order to take care of your skin regardless of the type of skin that you have.
You should use a Sunscreen. Sunscreen is used to protect the skin from UVA or UVB rays (sun damage), with sunscreen you can prevent sunburns and sun spots or discoloration caused by the sun.
Keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. All skin types require moisture. This ensures that the skin is kept healthy and not feel dehydrated. Hydrating also helps to improve the elasticity of the skin.
You should gently wash the skin and not rub, avoid wearing makeup when going to bed because some makeup can cause your skin pores to clog. Use products suitable for your skin type and do not use products that contain harsh chemicals and irritants
