To better manage the needs of the skin,  it is important that one seeks to understand their particular skin type so as to create the appropriate skincare regimen.  All skin is not created equally, as we are all uniquely made.  As such, what may work for one person’s skin, may not work for another and vis-à-vis. The skin can be classified into four (4) main types – normal, dry, oily and combination.               

Normal skin appears balanced as it relates to moisture distribution while dry skin may be noticeably flaky or have a tight feel. On the other hand, oily skin is one that produces too much sebum and combination, while seemingly balanced on the outskirts of the face, may appear oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) or dry around the cheeks.  Further, factors such as water retention, sebum production, sensitivity and the propensity to acne formation will impact the different skin types. Therefore, it is important that you have an idea of where your skin fits and how to take care of it based on your ‘unique’ skin type. Let’s discuss!

The Discussion

Our skin type is mainly determined by our genetics, age and the environment. However, the condition of the skin will be influenced by both internal and external situations it is exposed to.  Remember, our exterior is a reflection of what is happening on the inside.  Therefore, diet and the overall health of our body will also have an impact on the type of skin we display, normal, dry, oily or combination.

The Four (4) Main Types of Skin in Skincare:

• Norman or Eudermic.
• Dry skin or Xerosis.
• Oily Skin.
• Combination Skin

Normal or Eudermic Skin

Normal or eudermic skin is the term that is used to describe skin that appears well-balanced or that is not too oily or too dry.  As such, normal skin tends to be smooth, soft to the touch and supple in texture.  Further, the pores on a person with normal skin are hardly visible and they are not easily prone to blemishes, breakouts or sensitivity issues.

Dry skin or Xerosis

Dry or Xerosis skin is the term used to describe skin that produces less sebum and lipids than normal skin. However, xerosis cutis is the medical term given to skin that is abnormally dry.  As a result, the skin is not able to maintain the necessary moisture for suppleness or protects the skin from external influences such as the sun. Dry skin usually feels tight and looks blotchy with a rough texture and is prone to chapping, redness and itchiness. Further, dry skin is prone to the dreaded fine lines and wrinkles. While many factors can be attributed to dry skin such as the environment, research suggests that dry skin is largely due to genetics and other factors such as lifestyle, diet and hormonal changes (Bolognia, J.L, 2012)

Oily skin

Oily skin is described as one that produces too much sebum or oil, unlike dry skin.  Sometimes this over-production of sebum gives rise to a condition known as seborrhea. This heightened production of sebum can cause the pores of the skin to become congested and clogged which can lead to acne breakouts. Further, oily skin appears thicker and paler and is prone to enlarge and clearly visible pores. The skin also tends to express a shiny or greasy appearance.  However, one good thing about this look of ‘glossiness’ is that it makes the skin appears younger and more supple and thus less prone to the dreaded wrinkles. Genetics have been cited as contributing largely to oily skin. However, hormonal changes, stress as well as the type of products used will impact this particular skin type.

Combination skin

This is the term used to describe skin that appears oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) with normal or dry cheeks. The oily parts of the skin are caused by the heightened production of sebum while the dryer parts are usually a result of a lack of sebum production or a lipid deficiency.  Therefore, combination skin is usually more prone to breakouts on the chin, nose and forehead (T-zone) and typically has visible or enlarged pores, especially around the T-zone.

How to test for ‘Your skin type’

Two (2) main methods can be used to see where you fall in the skin type conundrum – the barefaced method and the blotting sheet method.

The barefaced method:

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Leave the skin bare for around 30 minutes. That is, do not apply any serum, moisturizer, or toner, just nothing!
3. After the 30 minutes have passed, examine your face by paying particular attention to your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead for any sign of shine or greasiness. Take note of what you see.
4. Wait another 30 minutes and check if the skin feels parched by smiling, normally or by doing some other facial expression that should induce some movements in the face. If the skin feels tight, then your skin type is likely, dry. 
5. If your T-zone looks greasy or shiny in the first 30 minutes, then your skin type is more on the oily side. If the T-zone appears oily, while the cheeks appear dry, then your skin type may be leaning towards the combination side.  However, if the skin does not feel tight or looks oily but has that supple feel, then your skin type is more on the normal side.

The blotting sheet method:

This is a much faster method and is often a good indicator for oily and dry skin types.

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Leave the skin bare for around 30 minutes. That is, do not apply any serum, moisturizer, or toner, just nothing!
3. After 30 minutes have passed, use blotting paper (absorbent paper) on the different areas of your face (T-zone and cheeks).
4. If the sheet picks up little to no oil, you are more on the dry skin type. However, if the blotting sheets pick up more oil in the T-zone and less on the cheeks, you are leaning towards a combination skin type.  If oil is picked up in the T-zone and cheeks, then you have a more oily skin type and if there appears to be little oil in the T-zone and cheeks, then your skin type is more on the normal side.

My experience and further suggestions

I tried both methods a few years ago and was able to ascertain that my skin type was combination.  However, to be really sure, I visited a Dermatologist in 2015 and that same skin type was confirmed.  So, now I am more certain that my skin type is combination, as such, my product choices and skincare regimen reflect the same.  

Let’s bear in mind though, that these tests are not ‘bulletproof’.  As such, while your test may indicate a particular skin type, a visit to the dermatologist may indicate otherwise.  However, the tests may help you to have some idea as to your skin type and how to take care of it.  Further, if on a particular day, you conduct the test and are not so sure what the result means, why not wait a few more days, and try it again?

Illustrative Summary

Here is an illustrative summary of the different skin types.

Let’s Sum Up!

To effectively take care of our skin, we need to have a clear idea of our skin type.  This will help us to target products that will benefit our skin and prevent it from major distresses such as acne, spots and other skin conditions.  There are four (4) major skin types, normal, dry, oily and combination.  Normal skin tends to have a balance between moisture and dryness, while dry skin has less sebum activity.  On the other hand, oily skin produces too much sebum and lipids and combination skin tends to produce too much sebum in the T-zone and less on the cheeks.  

Therefore, all the different skin types require a specific treatment plan that should be geared at providing the skin with what it lacks while controlling what it produces in abundance so as to create ‘that’ balance.  Nonetheless, while you may have developed what may deem a ‘bullet-proof’ routine that works, remember, life happens! As such, it will be necessary to assess your skin and products periodically so as to maintain healthy skin.  Importantly too, our skin will evolve throughout our lifetime.  

An oily skin type in your early years may become drier or more on the combination side as you age.  In addition, the skin will lose its volume, density and pigmentation as we age.  As such, it becomes increasingly necessary for us to constantly assess and revamp our skincare products and routine as years go by.  So, now that the foundation is set, we are on our way to getting ‘our’ beautiful and glowing skin.  So, #Are you skintimate yet?

Now that you know your skin type, here is a simple skincare routine that you can use to start or rejuvenate your skincare journey.

• A simplified skincare routine – That works!

References

• Baumann, L. (2008). Understanding and treating various skin types clinics, 26, 359-73.
• Bolognia, J.L, Jorizzo, J.L, Rapini, R.P. (2012). Dermatology, 3^rd edn. Mosby, NY.