Knowing your skin type is crucial to helping you take better care of your skin. There are four primary skin types: normal, oily, dry, and a combination of dry and oily. Skin often changes as we age due to genetics and illness. Normal skin is the most common skin type, but there are plenty of people out there who fall under one of the other three types. Not sure which one describes you? Here’s what each type looks like.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused by the sebaceous glands that secrete too much oil in the skin. Often people that have oily skin have a shiny complexion. It causes enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples, and acne. Puberty and hormones worsen the problems caused by oily skin. Some men and women need to wash their face more often due to the oil.
Often oil appears on the forehead, nose, and chin because that is where most of the oil glands are. They are often shiny while your eyes, cheeks and nose are dry. If you have oily skin, your skin should be washed twice a day. Use a gentle cleanser and products that don’t clog your pores. Some men and women with oily skin have severe acne that leads to scarring. Your dermatologist can recommend a scar treatment product that helps with this condition.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is dull with very few pores showing. It often has red patches, lines, and is not very elastic. It peels easily, cracks, or develops rough and scaly patches. Dry skin is caused by genes, hormones, and age. Weather is especially hard on dry skin. Heat from indoors, medications, and ingredients in cosmetics often cause problems with dry skin. When you have dry skin take shorter baths and showers, use mild soaps and cleansers, and don’t’ scrub hard.
Use a moisturizer after washing or showering, wear gloves when cleaning and have a humidifier in the house to help with heat. Dry skin suffers from lack of moisture. Severely dry skin can lead to condition like eczema which needs to be treated by a dermatologist. Dry skin sometimes flakes or feels tight. You should apply a moisturizer after washing.
Combination Skin
Combination skin can be normal and oily in areas or dry and normal, and it’s definitely the trickiest skin type to deal with. This will require a different type of skin care routine. You may have pores that appear larger than usual, shiny skin, blackheads, and dry skin. Often those with combination skin have dry and oily skin, which sounds kind of confusing. The oily part is generally the forehead, nose and chin. You might need mild products for the cheeks and acne products for the chin, nose and forehead.
When in doubt as to your skin type a dermatologist can help. They can tell you what type of skin you have and recommend products that help you treat the condition. A dermatologist can recommend over the counter products and devise a skin routine that works for you.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is not too dry or oily. Often it is smooth and radiant, looking very healthy. You don’t notice many changes to your skin during the day. Those with normal skin do not suffer from breakouts and can use most cosmetics with no problems. The pores are not visible and they have even skin tones with no red spots and acne.
Most men and women with normal skin don’t suffer from excessive oil or dryness. They don’t have perfect skin but healthier. Normal skin needs gentle cleansers, and a daily routine. Research products recommended by dermatologist for normal skin. This will help you keep your skin healthy.
Knowing your skin type helps you to develop a routine to keep it healthy. A dermatologist can determine what type of skin you have and recommend over the counter products that help. When you have severe acne or other skin conditions that lead to scar treatment they can find products to help reduce or heal scars effectively.
Written by: Joan Russell