The Ultimate Guide To 4 Main Skin Types

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the defining traits of each main skin type – oily, dry, normal, and combination – providing valuable insights and practical tips to guide you on your skincare path.

Whether you battle with excessive oiliness, persistent dry patches, or a blend of both, grasping your skin's distinct requirements is paramount to crafting a regimen that accentuates your inherent beauty. So, let’s jump into the nuances of different skin types.

OILY SKIN

Oily skin occurs when glands in the skin make too much sebum, which is the waxy substance that seals in moisture. The oil in your skin is vital for keeping it healthy, but too much sebum can lead to clogged pores and acne. It’s also possible that the makeup consistency changes once applied on an oily skin.

The symptoms of oily skin can include : 

  • a shiny appearance 
  • very large or obvious pores 
  • clogged pores and blackheads 
  • occasional or persistent pimples 

There are many factors that contribute to an oily skin. For some it’s simply due to genetics, while for others it can be due to hormonal fluctuations, certain medications or medical conditions, and, of course, due to diet.

Having an oily skin doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with it. There are also benefits to it. 

For example, oil helps preserve the skin, and people with this skin type usually tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. It’s a question of striking a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin’s natural moisture. 

DRY SKIN

Dry skin occurs when skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture. This is often caused by frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, ageing, or certain medical conditions. Also, if you happen to live in a colder climate, it can be caused by the cold, dry winter air. 

During winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s not uncommon for the skin to become red, rough, raw, and itchy. Especially on your hands.

When selecting products for your skincare routine, steer clear of Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids. While the primary goal is to restore your skin's natural oils, these ingredients can impede this process.

Instead, opt for products enriched with nourishing ingredients such as Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, or Shea butter. These alternatives will provide the hydration and replenishment your skin needs without interfering with its oil balance.

NORMAL SKIN

As previously noted, excessive sebum production leads to oily skin, while insufficient production results in dry skin. Certain individuals exhibit both conditions, indicating combination skin, which I will address later. However, it's worth noting that normal skin types typically demonstrate a well-balanced sebum production.

People with this type of skin are not faced with the appearance of dryness or excess oil, so they don’t really need to buy specialised products to compensate for oil or dehydration. Of course, this doesn’t relieve them of skincare concerns, as they have to have the right routine to protect and ensure continuous moisture of the skin, as it helps to prevent it from ageing.

Here are some of the characteristics of normal skin : 

  • less noticeable and tighter pores
  • the texture is not too oily or dry 
  • the skin feels neither tight nor shiny soon after cleansing

The foremost principle in caring for normal skin is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

COMBINATION SKIN

As previously mentioned, there are people who present both skin types — dry and oily — which means, they have combination skin. These people have something called a T-zone, meaning that if you drew a T shape across your face, the skin inside the T would be oily, but skin on the outside of it would be dry. 

While normal skin is likely the least common type, combination skin, conversely, is the most prevalent. Its occurrence can stem from genetics, incorrect or unsuitable skincare products, stress, lack of exercise, sun damage, among other factors. The primary distinction between normal and combination skin lies in the uniformity of tone and texture; normal skin tends to feel and appear more even. Additionally, it maintains a balanced state, neither excessively oily nor dry.

Here are some of the characteristics of combination skin : 

  • sensitive cheeks 
  • oiliness develops very quickly
  • moisturiser works well on the cheeks, but not on T-zone
  • difference in pore size across your face 
  • flaky scalp
  • acne and dryness can appear at the same time 
  • skin changes with the seasons

On the bright side — even if you have a combination skin at the moment, it doesn’t have to mean that you’ll have it forever. There are plenty of ways to treat it, and most people only need small adjustments in their daily routine. 

Specialists usually suggest exfoliating and using gentler cosmetics products. On top of that, you need to exercise and eat more healthily, so your skin cells can get enough oxygen and nutrients. And if you’re prone to stress, then, of course, you need to consider how to relax more often. 

I hope this guide will assist in identifying your primary skin type. However, it's essential to remember that beyond these four main skin types, every skin is unique. It requires patience and a willingness to learn what works best for your skin.