There are many factors to take into consideration when we look at what type of skin a person may have. Aside from genetics things like what’s going on internally in our bodies and environmental factors are also part of the equation. Internally factors such as our state of health, hormones, and what we put in our bodies affect how we look. This of course includes the health of our skin. Environmentally, we face things like pollution, secondhand smoke, and the sun which also affects our skin both health-wise and visually.
There are 5 general categories that are used when we speak of skin types:
Normal skin is considered skin that looks for the most part healthy or “normal” with no abnormal or sickly indicators. It also has good circulation which gives it a good healthy color with a vibrancy to it. This is why normal skin looks plump, moist, and radiant. It's the type of skin we refer to as having a healthy glow. Normal skin also has a supple and elastic feel to it. It doesn't feel saggy or loose. Out of all the skin types; normal skin is the least problematic.
Dry Skin is a result of underactive or nonproductive sebaceous glands. With dry skin, the oil glands either barely produce or do not produce enough oil to keep the skin naturally lubricated. Dry skin looks dull in appearance. In addition, it may have a flaky look to it with dry patches at times. It tends to be itchy and sensitive. People with chronic dry skin have to hydrate their bodies by drinking a lot of water. And, it is suggested besides using moisturizing skin products people with this skin type should mist their faces with water to maintain their lubrication.
Oily Skin is due to active sebaceous glands. It produces too much oil and the skin is over-lubricated. Because too much sebum is produced the skin is greasy, looks very shiny and the pores are large and clogged. The texture is slippery but coarse due to the enlarged pores. It is acne, blackhead, and other pimple problem-prone. It does have acne eruptions frequently. There can also be flaky patches on oily skin where the oil dries. Ironically though, this skin type retains a youthful appearance because oily skin is not prone to aging and wrinkles.
Sensitive Skin can be oily, dry, or normal. Sensitive skin is more of a condition than a skin type. It is any skin type that is easily irritated. The typical reactions of sensitive skin are itching, burning, chafing, and stinging. It can be blotchy and irritated frequently and is prone to rashes and redness. There are also visible broken capillaries if the skin is light enough. A sensitive-skinned person may wash their face and feel dry itchy and irritated after they do so. Sensitive Skin can also reacts because of sensitivity to environmental conditions. Because of this, sensitive skin may require different special treatments and special products to remain in good condition through various affecting factors.
Combination skin is dry in some spots, oily in others, and even normal or sensitive in other spots. People with combination skin are frequently referred to as people with T Zone faces. The T- Zone covers the forehead, nose, and chin making the shape of a T on a combination skinned face. With combination skin, the oil parts of the face are the forehead, nose, and chin while the skin around the eyes and mouth are dry. In some cases, the cheeks could be either oily or dry. Most people are combination skin types. This is a very common type of skin.
- Misty Cassady