There are four main skin types: dry, oily, combination and normal. Those, in turn, have their subtypes that include the following: sensitive, mature, redness-prone and acne-prone. Knowing your skin type is essential, especially if you want it to look flawless and feel smooth.
What is interesting, there are a few ways that determine which type our skin is. Sometimes it’s just genes, and this is the most common determiner. Others include the eating habits, skincare routine and external factors. In case you wonder what the latter is, think about exposure to stress, amount of alcohol consumption, UV, temperature changes, urban pollution, hormonal fluctuations, and many more.
Understanding what needs the skin currently has helps you take care of it the right way. And when you manage to satisfy the very needs, your skin will be healthy-looking and radiant. In case you aren’t 100% sure which type your skin is, here is a short guide.
TYPE 1: DRY SKIN
- has a compromised lipid barrier
- flakes off, losing too much of the upper layer
- shows dry skin patches
- ages faster than other skin types (shows fine lines)
- feels unpleasantly tight, especially after washing
- tends to crack, especially when exposed to low temps
- is thin and flabby
- is rough to the touch
- absorbs cosmetics fast
TYPE 2: COMBINATION SKIN
- combines some features of dry and oily skin: shiny T-zone + dry cheeks
- is one of the most common skin types
- has disturbed hydrolipidic barrier
- may suffer from broken capillaries
TYPE 3: OILY SKIN
- secretes too much sebum, causing oily T-zone
- has enlarged pores, blackheads, and breakouts
- is more resistant to low/high temps and aggressors than the other types
- takes long to show the first signs of aging
- is often dull
TYPE 4: NORMAL SKIN
- is the least common skin type
- is smooth and supple
- is flawless, has no breakouts or blemishes
- is not problematic
- is resilient and supplied with nutrients
- is even-toned and radiant
- is resistant to external aggressors
