Everyone’s skin is different, but there are four broad categories that most skin falls into, based on the amount of oil production one’s skin has and in what areas. Your skin type is determined by a number of factors such as age, race and genetics. Your skin type will influence the likelihood of developing certain skin conditions like acne, and it will also play a big role in determining what types of products are best for you.
The four main skin types are:
- Normal
- Oily
- Dry
- Combination
Let’s discuss the characteristics of each one, along with recommended care.
Normal skin
If you have normal skin, lucky you! That means your skin is well-balanced when it comes to moisture content and the production of sebum (oil). Normal skin is likely to be clear, healthy and free from acne and other skin conditions. Pores are small and skin is neither too oily nor too dry.
However, even normal skin can become dry or rough if not taken care of properly. Alcohol, too little sleep, too much caffeine, smoking, environmental elements and more can all take their toll. Be sure to use a daily moisturizer plus a gentle cleanser to keep your skin glowing and healthy.
Skin care recommendations for normal skin: Murad Essential-C Cleanser, Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer Normal to Dry, Lab Series Power Brightening Serum
Oily skin
Those with oily skin have overactive sebaceous glands, which produce too much sebum. Sebum creates a barrier that shields the skin against environmental factors like heat, cold, humidity, dirt, and pollutants, so we all need some sebum, but too much can become an issue.
If you have oily skin, you will likely be prone to blemishes and skin conditions like acne. You may also have larger, visible pores. But this type of skin does have the benefit of developing fewer wrinkles.
Skin type is mostly genetic, but other factors can also contribute to having overly oily skin, such as your diet, hormonal changes, stress, medications and more. To combat oiliness, be careful not to over-cleanse. Using harsh soap or astringents can cause your skin to become irritated and go into overdrive to compensate for the loss of oil by producing even more. Stick to products that are noncomedogenic (i.e. won’t clog pores) and a light moisturizer that will hydrate and keep skin in balance.
Skin care recommendations for oily skin: bareMinerals Combo Control Milky Face Primer, Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Mask, Pharmaclear Acne Treatment Moisturizer
Dry skin:
Having dry skin is a common condition that may be due to genetics, health, diet or environmental factors. Dry skin is characterized by having a low amount of sebum production. Dry skin tends to be more common in women than in men, and skin also tends to get drier as we age.
Other issues that may accompany dry skin include wrinkles, irritation and redness, flaking, roughness and itchiness. Those with dry skin will want to stay hydrated, plus avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, hot showers and sun exposure. They should also ensure that they don’t use any products that have any additional drying ingredients in them.
Skin care recommendations for dry skin: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser, Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer Normal to Dry, Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque
Combination skin:
Skin that is characterized by a mix of oily skin and dry skin in different areas of the face is known as combination skin, and it is the most common skin type. The oily area of the face usually occurs in the T-zone, or the forehead, nose and chin (as it roughly forms the shape of a “T”). The skin around the cheeks, mouth and eyes tends to be drier.
If you have combination skin, you may need to use different products on your oily areas than the dry areas, and apply less moisturizing product to your T-zone.
Skin care recommendations for combination skin: Murad Essential-C Cleanser, Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer Combination, bareMinerals Combo Control Milky Face Primer (for T-zone)
Be sure to check out the full line of skin care products available on our website. We guarantee that all beauty lines offered are 100% authentic, never from a third-party, and are items that our beauty team uses on our own hair and skin. Plus, Pandora Beauty offers some of the best prices available on all your favorite salon-quality products at our online discount beauty supply store.
