To properly care for your skin, you must know your skin type. Knowing your skin type allows you to develop a skincare routine with a deeper level of understanding. In fact, your current skin concerns are probably common issues for others with the same skin type as you. This guide is designed to give a brief overview of the different skin types; their pros, cons, and needs.
Here are the 5 different types of skin that you could have:
1. Normal
A normal skin type means that you have balanced oil production with only a few imperfections. It would be expected that your skin tone be mostly even without overly large pores or noticeable texture.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple skincare routine, ability to tolerate a variety of different products, low maintenance, youthful appearance, and adaptability to different environmental conditions. | Becoming complacent with skincare, possibly less environmental protection or weaker ‘skin barrier’, and ignoring individual skin concerns. |
2. Oily
Having an oily skin type means that there is excess oil (sebum) production and a higher likelihood of acne. Those with an oily skin type may also have enlarged pores and a ‘shiny’ or ‘glossy’ appearance. Having an excess production of sebum can also cause a rough and bumpy texture.
| Pros | Cons |
| Natural moisture production, youthful appearance, some natural sun protection, radiant complexion, faster healing, less prone to sensitivity. | Increased likelihood of acne, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, overly ‘glossy’ appearance, and makeup may wear off easily. |
3. Dry
Dry skin does not produce enough oil (sebum) which causes skin to feel tight or become flaky. Some people with dry skin also complain of ‘itchiness’ or other forms of irritation. This overall skin dehydration can increase the likelihood of developing fine lines.
| Pros | Cons |
| Less prone to acne, smoother skin texture, less enlarged pores, less likelihood to have a glossy/shiny appearance, and less sensitive to environmental impurities. | Can be prone to irritation, premature signs of aging (fine lines/wrinkles), flakiness and rough texture, redness, and challenging to apply makeup. |
4. Combination
As expected, combination skin means there is a mix of both oily and dry skin areas. The most common is having an oily ‘T-zone’ (forehead, nose and chin) with dry or normal cheeks. This skin type usually experiences a combination of different textures and breakout symptoms due to varied sebum production.
| Pros | Cons |
| A wide variety of skincare products are suitable, some moisture balance, fewer acne issues than an oily skin type, less fine lines than a dry skin type, youthful appearance, less sensitivity/irritation, and somewhat easier makeup application. | Complex skincare routine, inconsistent skin texture, potential for both acne and dry patches, and regular skincare adjustments needed to suit changing needs. |
5. Sensitive
Sensitive skin types are prone to redness and other irritation. People with this skin type may find that they react to particular products or environmental factors. Symptoms include redness, rashes, or dry skin conditions such as eczema. If reactions are severe, scarring or more serious symptoms may occur.
| Pros | Cons |
| Increased awareness of skincare, more likely to promote overall skin health with specific product use, and more likely to use gentle products that protect the skin barrier. | Skin is prone to irritation, can be difficult to find suitable products for individual skin needs, reactions may occur due to environmental factors, challenging to wear makeup, increased sun sensitivity, and specialized products may be more expensive. |
Final thoughts
Even though this is a brief overview, we hope it has helped you identify your skin type. Of course, your skin is unique and complex, so there is a lot more to consider than just your skin type.
We encourage you to keep educating yourself so that you can best care for your skin. Perhaps you could benefit from reading our other blog posts? However don’t be afraid to contact a professional to find out more information, especially if you are experiencing any severe symptoms.
Feel free to share your skin type in the comments and keep the conversation going!
