Skin Types

On skin types

Everyone has unique skin, but what exactly makes it different for each person? The answer starts with your skin type.

Skin types are the categories we use to classify how our skin behaves in its natural environment. You might find your skin feeling tight, greasy, or both—it all depends on genetics, hormonal changes, stress levels, and more.

If you’ve noticed that your skin consistently ‘acts’ a certain way, you might already be one step closer to figuring out which type is yours.

Generally, there are four main skin types:

• Normal
• Dry
• Oily
• Combination

Becoming acquainted with yours is essential because understanding your skin type will allow you to develop a skin care regimen tailored to your specific needs.

Normal skin

Although “normal” skin is subjective, it’s usually characterized by a balanced complexion. It retains the right amount of moisture and produces a healthy amount of sebum (or oil), resulting in smooth and clear skin with minimal blemishes, if any. Additionally, there isn’t any extra shine or visible flakiness, and while the pores are visible, they’re not enlarged or congested.

Causes

• Genetics. Normal skin can run in families, making it more likely for you to get it if your parents or siblings have it.
• Environment. Protecting the skin from environmental stressors, like UV damage and pollution, can help maintain normal skin.
• Diet. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help maintain normal skin.
• Stress. Reduced stress levels can help maintain healthy skin.
• Skincare. Having a personalized and consistent skin care regimen can help maintain healthy skin.

Dry skin

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is characterized by a lack of moisture retention or sebum production, leading to dehydrated skin. It often appears dull or lackluster, flaky, rough to the touch, and can even feel itchy or irritated. Redness and fine lines are also particularly visible on this skin type.

Causes

• Genetics. Dry skin can run in families, making it more likely for you to get it if your parents or siblings have it.
• Environment. Hot showers, cold weather, and indoor heating can strip the skin of its moisture and natural oils.
• Skincare. Skin care products containing harsh ingredients like alcohol and sulfates can strip the skin’s natural oils.
• Age. Our skin naturally gets drier as we get older.
• Medication. Certain medications—like diuretics and antihistamines—can cause side effect-related dryness.
• Medical conditions. Medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause dryness.

Oily skin

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, resulting in a shiny, often greasy appearance all over the face. Because the skin overproduces sebum, pores become enlarged and congested, allowing acne-causing bacteria to grow, leading to breakouts.

Causes

• Genetics. Oily skin can run in families, making it more likely for you to get it if your parents or siblings have it.
• Hormonal changes and imbalances. Changes in hormone levels, like those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can increase oil production.
• Environment. Hot, humid climates can increase oil production.
• Diet. High-glycemic foods, like simple carbohydrates (white rice, white bread, potatoes) and sugary treats, can increase oil production.
• Stress. Studies have found that people with higher stress hormones can trigger sebum production.
• Comedogenic products. Products that clog pores, like heavy creams and oil-based skincare and cosmetics, can increase oil production.
• Medication. Certain medications—including steroids, lithium, diuretics, and some antidepressants—can cause side effects-related oiliness.

Combination skin

Combination skin, as the name implies, is characterized by having more than one skin type on the same face: dry and oily skin. Oily skin is concentrated in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), making it more prone to congestion and breakouts, while the cheeks remain dry.

Causes

• Genetics. Combination skin can run in families, making it more likely for you to get it if your parents or siblings have it.
• Hormonal changes and imbalances. Changes in hormone levels, like those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can increase oil production.
• Environment. Hot, humid climates can increase oil production, while cold weather can cause dryness.‍
• Comedogenic products. Products that clog pores, like heavy creams and oil-based skincare and cosmetics, can increase oil production.