THE FOUR SKIN TYPES AND THEIR TRAITS

 

Remarkably versatile 

Our largest organ—the skin—doesn't always make life easy for us. Some days, it mirrors three days of rainy weather, while on others, it glows like a bright summer day. These changes are often influenced by external factors like weather, diet, or our overall mood. However, the key to healthy skin lies in understanding your skin type, as each one requires its own tailored care and attention.

 

What Are the Different Skin Types?

Skin that isn’t affected by specific skin conditions is typically categorized into four main types:

• Normal Skin
• Dry Skin
• Oily Skin
• Combination Skin

Your skin type is largely determined by genetic factors but can evolve over time. Both external influences, such as weather and environment, and internal factors, like hormones and health, play a role in these changes. Let’s take a closer look at each skin type to understand their unique characteristics.

 

Normal skin

"Normal skin" refers to a balanced and healthy complexion that is neither overly oily nor excessively dry. Sebum and moisture levels are well-regulated, with only the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) occasionally showing slight oiliness. This skin type tends to be resilient and less sensitive to environmental factors.

Characteristics of Normal Skin

• Fine, barely visible pores
• Good blood circulation, resulting in elasticity and resilience
• Smooth, even, velvety texture; delicate and supple
• Fresh, rosy, and evenly toned complexion
• Free from blemishes
• Not prone to sensitivity or redness

 

Dry skin

Dry skin is characterized by reduced sebum production compared to "normal skin." This lack of essential lipids weakens the skin's natural barrier, leaving it less protected against external influences and prone to moisture loss. Additionally, dry skin lacks sufficient natural moisturizing factors, such as urea and lactic acid, which help bind moisture.

Because of its compromised barrier function, dry skin is more susceptible to losing moisture during daily activities, whether through sweating or natural water loss. The severity of dryness can vary and is typically categorized as dry skin, very dry skin, or extremely dry skin.

Characteristics of Dry Skin

• Rough texture
• Dull appearance
• Tight or uncomfortable sensation
• Reduced elasticity

 

Characteristics of Very Dry Skin

• Slight scaling in certain areas
• Noticeably rough and uneven texture
• Tightness or discomfort
• Potential itching

 

Characteristics of Extremely Dry Skin

• Rough and uneven texture
• Cracked or fissured areas
• Calluses in sensitive spots
• Flaking or shedding
• Frequent itching

 

Oily skin

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, which can result in a greasy appearance, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This excess sebum often leads to breakouts and blemishes. Genetic predisposition and hormonal changes—such as those during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the post-menstrual phase—are common causes of oily skin. However, external factors like certain medications, stress, or the use of comedogenic skin care products can also contribute to an oily complexion.

Characteristics of Oily Skin

• Enlarged, clearly visible pores
• Shiny and greasy appearance
• Thick, pale complexion
• Prone to blackheads, blemishes, and acne

 

Combination skin

As the name suggests, combination skin combines the characteristics of both dry and oily skin. The features appear in different areas of the face: the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) typically experiences increased sebum production, while the cheeks and other areas may be dry. Unlike other skin types, combination skin typically affects only the face rather than the entire body.

Characteristics of Combination Skin

• Greasy T-zone (oily shine, enlarged pores, blemishes)
• Cheeks typically dry
• Prone to skin sensitivities

 

Shower+ for Your Skin

Certain skin types are prone to specific skin conditions; for example, oily skin is more likely to experience acne. However, many people face skin conditions that cannot be resolved with basic treatments. One such condition is the autoimmune disease neurodermatitis. You can learn more about how this condition manifests and discover the best ways to care for your skin in our neurodermatitis blog post .