Skin Types: How to Identify and Care for the Skin

Skin is the human body’s largest organ, and everyone’s skin is different. Therefore, it’s important to understand the different skin types, as well as the conditions and diseases that can affect skin differently depending on its type.

Skin type is determined by genetics, but its condition can be altered by various factors, including hormonal levels, climate, colds and chronic illnesses, and improperly chosen cosmetics. There are four main skin types, each with its characteristics and specific skin care procedures.

What are Different Skin Types?

Skin type is something a person is born with and is largely determined by heredity. Skin type also depends on the activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands. Generally, four main skin types are distinguished.

1. Normal skin
2. Oily skin
3. Dry skin
4. Combination skin

This classification is often referred to as cosmetic. It is believed that it was first proposed in the early 20th century by Helena Rubinstein. This classification is basic and straightforward, which is why it has become particularly popular among cosmetics marketers.

But in reality, this classification is not exhaustive. Dermatologists and cosmetologists employ dozens of different scales to classify specific skin types. For example, the Fitzpatrick classification, developed at the end of the 20th century, is based on skin color and its response to the sun. This approach is used, among other things, to determine sun protection factors and to predict the risk of skin cancer.

Another scale is named after Leslie Baumann. It describes not only skin type but also the conditions it develops over time. It considers skin sensitivity to irritants, pigmentation, wrinkles, and hydration. Combinations of these characteristics ultimately create 16 different variants.

How to Determine Your Skin Types

Determining your skin type on your own can be quite difficult. Firstly, it’s often difficult to evaluate yourself critically; secondly, a temporary skin condition can be mistaken for a skin type, experts warn. Therefore, the most reliable course of action is to consult a specialist.

Method 1

• Wash your face and gently pat your skin dry.
• Wait about 15 minutes, then press a thin paper towel onto different areas of your face.
• If the paper collects fat in all areas, the skin is oily.
• If the paper does not stick to any part of the face, it is dry.
• If the paper sticks only to the chin, nose, and forehead (known as the T-zone), then the skin type is classified as normal or combination.

Method 2

• You can learn a little more about your skin simply by observing it. Pay attention to how it feels after washing and without makeup.
• Dry skin is accompanied by a feeling of tightness, sometimes flaking; oily skin is accompanied by shine, breakouts, and enlarged pores; combination skin combines these two conditions.

Method 3

There are numerous tests and questionnaires online that can help you determine your skin type. You can also use a smartphone app. Most of these apps simply require you to upload a selfie or a series of photos, after which artificial intelligence will render a verdict.

1. Normal Skin

Such skin appears smooth, firm, and elastic. It has virtually no visible pores or blackheads, and its tone is even. It rarely causes problems, as it quickly compensates for the negative impact of external factors.

Signs of Normal Skin:

• Pores are almost invisible
• Velvety and soft texture
• Low sensitivity to irritants or skin allergens

How to Care for Normal Skin

Normal skin should be protected from UV radiation by choosing creams with SPF filters. In winter, cold creams are suitable for protection from wind and frost, although the need for them is rare, the doctor notes. Using night creams with antioxidants will help combat the mechanisms of internal aging.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin can be caused by external factors, such as low humidity or climate change. It’s usually temporary, but for some, it can become a lifelong condition. Dry skin lacks the lipids that retain moisture and create a protective barrier. Dryness of varying degrees is considered one of the most common complaints, especially among women.

Signs of Dry Skin:

• Narrow pores
• Dull complexion
• Tendency to irritation
• A feeling of tightness

How to Care for Dry Skin

• Moisturize
• Supply
• Protect

3. Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by increased sebum production. It’s characterized by excessive shine, enlarged pores, and blackheads. Poor skincare practices, such as using alcohol-based lotions or alkaline soaps, can dehydrate oily skin, leading to tightness and flaking.

Signs of Oily Skin:

• Clearly visible pores
• Glossy shine
• Frequent acne, pimples, and other problems

How to Care for Oily Skin

• Mattify the skin.
• Tighten pores.
• Prevent inflammation.

Cleansing gels and creams based on fruit acids are good for correction. Deep cleansing with scrubs is required once or twice a week. In summer, sunscreen emulsions should be used, but in winter, oily skin is practically unaffected by frost and cold wind.

4. Combination Skin

Combination skin has characteristics of both dry and oily skin. The distribution of sebaceous and sweat glands is uneven, usually concentrated in the T-zone. In this case, the forehead, nose, and chin are oily, while the skin around the eyes and cheeks is thin, normal, or dry.

Signs of Normal Skin:

• Normal or dry cheeks
• Large pores in the T-zone

How to Care for Combination Skin

• Maintain pH balance
• Moisturize
• Protect

You can use different products locally or alternate them every other day. Sebum-regulating and pore-tightening toners are suitable for the T-zone. During the day, you can apply light, moisturizing emulsions with mattifying properties. Alkaline-free foaming products are suitable for cleansing. During sunny periods, it is recommended to actively use products containing SPF filters.

Skin care should be selected strictly according to your skin type; mistakes in choosing cosmetics can aggravate problems. With age, skin types can change, usually towards drier skin, and it also changes temporarily under the influence of season, climate, and lifestyle.