Have you ever stopped to consider what your skin type is? We see labels on skincare products and beauty experts talking about oily skin or dry skin and what you should do for them. We’re breaking down the different types of skin, what it means, and the kind of care each need so you can have youthful, glowing skin, regardless of your natural skin. Let’s take a closer look at what this means…
What Are The Different Skin Types?
- Normal Skin: You can think of normal skin as well-balanced skin. This means that it is neither too oily nor too dry. There could be a bit of excess oil from time to time, but overall, the moisture-oil balance is just right. People with this skin type have a smooth facial texture with an even skin tone and are not prone to acne.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin is one of the types of skin that lacks proper hydration. It generally has a flaky and rough appearance. This skin type also produces lesser sebum than other types and thus lacks the quality that is required to retain moisture. People with dry skin can have itchy, irritated and inflamed skin that can be quite sensitive.
- Oily Skin: This skin type is the exact opposite of dry skin. An overproduction of sebum leads to a greasy, oily appearance on the skin. The excess oil production makes people with this skin type more prone to acne, whiteheads, blackheads and other skin problems.
Also Read: 8 essential oils your skin really needs
- Combination Skin: A combination skin is a blend of both dry and oily skin. Usually, it is characterized by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry to normal cheeks. This is caused by a difference in sebum production in various parts of the face – an overproduction in oily areas and underproduction in dry areas. This means people with this skin type mostly have acne and breakouts in their oily T-zone.
- Sensitive Skin: As the name suggests, skin that is highly sensitive to triggers is known as sensitive skin. Those with this skin type have reactions to external factors like weather changes, pollution, dust and food. It feels itchy and oily at times, with an overall uneven texture. This skin type is also drier in winters and oilier in summers.
How To Care For Your Skin Type
Normal Skin
When it comes to types of skin, those with normal skin are the lucky ones! This skin type requires the least amount of care, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on skincare essentials. Always remember to apply sunscreen if going outdoors. Cleanse your skin twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed to rid it of impurities, and don’t forget to keep it well-moisturised.
Dry Skin
The key to caring for dry skin is to hydrate it as much as possible since this skin type lacks natural hydration. The first thing to do is moisturise your skin daily – at least twice a day. Look for skincare products and makeup that have natural hydrating formulas, and stay clear of those with alcohol since it dries your skin further. A few skincare tips you can follow for this type are taking shorter showers since long showers strip the skin of its natural oils, using a humidifier in your house to retain whatever moisture your skin naturally has, and drinking lots of water.
Oily Skin
Like all skin types, caring for oily skin comes down to finding the right skincare routine. Choose a gentle cleanser that absorbs oil to wash your face, and don’t skip the moisturiser. Keeping your skin hydrated will prevent it from overproducing sebum. For your beauty products, avoid using oil-based products and opt for water-based or gel-based ones that are made specifically for oily skin. You can also try including serums like salicylic acid to help with acne and breakouts.
Combination Skin
If you have dry and oily skin, then you should take some care when picking your beauty products. For example, your cleanser should be gentle so it doesn’t affect the oily areas while hydrating the drier portions of your skin. The rest of your skincare essentials should include products that are oil-free and fragrance-free. Once a week, exfoliate your skin to remove the excess oil and dead skin cell build-up. You can also try using products for oily skin on your T-zone to help control acne.
Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin should be extra careful when picking products. If possible, you should consider seeing a dermatologist to get some advice on the right products for your skin. Look for natural products that meet checkboxes like paraben-free, sulphate-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, no artificial ingredients, etc. These products are generally safer and more suitable for sensitive skin. But to be certain, always do a patch test to see how your skin reacts before adding any new product to your skincare routine.
