What are skin types?

Everybody keeps talking about skin types, but what exactly are they? Why is it important to know about skin types? We will explain all your queries about skin types in this article.

While buying skin care products, you must be aware of what your skin actually needs. The skin care segment is flooded with a wide variety of cosmetic products, but ‘what to choose’ and ‘what would be the best product for my skin’ are frequent questions one often comes across. Every skin is specific, and knowledge of your skin type determines its needs. For example, for dry skin, one shouldn't use cleansers meant for oily skin that wash off excess of oil leaving skin drier. Thus, a basic knowledge of skin types helps you to choose the best skin care and cosmetic products for yourself. Some skin types are associated with specific skin problems. For example, oily skin is prone to acne, or dry skin is prone to early wrinkling. Appropriate skin care may avoid these problems without need of medication.

What are the various skin types?

Skin types depend on various factors. These include:

activity of skin oil or sebum secreting glands
hyper-reactivity or resistance to environmental factors or skin products
presence of patchy pigmentation

On the basis of oil secretion, skin types can be categorised as:

Normal skin
This type of skin is a perfectly balanced combination of moisture and oil. That is, it's neither too oily, nor too dry and has a smooth texture and an even tone. Since this skin is the least problematic and a wide range of skin products can be used, it’s the best skin type one can have. With good skin care, you can maintain a youthful appearance even in old age.
Oily skin
This type of skin produces too much oil. It has a greasy shiny look, coarse texture and open pores. This is one of the most problematic skin type, as it is prone to enlarged pores, blackheads, acne and blemishes. The dead cells of skin are not shed, making the skin appear thicker.
Dry skin
Dry skin doesn't retain moisture and there is also a shortage of oil or sebum production. This makes the skin dry. The protective barrier function of skin is also compromised in dry skin, thus it may become sensitive to the various environmental factors and skin products. Dry skin appears rough, has scaling with flakes and dull complexion. This skin type is prone to develop fine lines and wrinkles. The skin care products that retain skin moisture and repair skin protective barrier are most suited for this skin.
Combination skin
In this skin type, both oily and dry patches on present on face. That is, the skin around the cheeks and eyes is usually normal or dry, while oiliness is present at the T-zone around forehead, nose and chin. Care of such skin type is also challenging, as different products are needed for different areas of the face.

On the basis of sensitivity, skin types can be categorised as:

Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is prone to develop irritation, redness and inflammation to environmental factors (pollution, wind, seasonal changes, UV rays) and various skin products easily. Such a skin shows an exaggerated response to these factors. Some people with sensitive skin have compromised protective skin barrier function. The skin of these persons appears dry, and may develop scaling, itching & redness. While some people with sensitive skin complain of acne breakouts and facial redness to cosmetic or skin products. Sensitive skin type is most problematic to manage, a limited range of skin products with hypoallergic ingredients are meant to be used on this skin type.
Resistant Skin
Such a skin type can try out a wide variety of skin care products, without the fear of getting rashes, allergies, and exaggerated responses. However, products of relatively greater potency may be needed.

On the basis of pigmentation, skin types can be categorised as:

Pigmented skin
Pigmented skin tans on exposure to sunlight, which makes it darker as comparison to non pigmented/ fair skin. Some individuals have tendency to undergo tanning and develop patchy hyperpigmentation as freckles, melasma or pigmentation after inflammation and under-eyes. The sun protection methods and sunscreens are most useful in preventing hyperpigmentation. Specific skin lightening agents are recommended in patients with pigment patches.
Non-pigmented skin
Such individuals do not have the tendency for tanning on sun exposure. They can usually withstand the sun for a greater duration of time without apparent damage. However, even in non-pigmented skin, it is still recommended to avoid unnecessary sun exposure to delay the signs skin raging.

How to determine my skin type?

A simple test to determine your skin type is by pressing a oil- absorbing tissue paper on various area of your face. This test should be done after 2 hours of washing face so that the skin regains its natural moisture.

If opaque or grey coloured tissue paper changes to translucent and black, it suggests oily skin.
A minimal change on tissue paper indicates normal or mild dry skin.
If flakes appear on tissue paper, it suggests dry skin.

Regular re-assessment of skin types is often necessary as nature of skin may change over a period of type or with use of skin products.

Whatever your skin type may be, routine skin care requires cleansing of skin, application of moisturisers and sunscreens. Some individuals may also require application of antiaging or depigmenting creams. Once you know your skin type, it becomes easy to choose appropriate skin and cosmetic products for your skin. We would be discussing about them in our forthcoming articles. If you like this post, please do share it with your friends.

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Dr Monika Misra

Consultant cosmetologist at Dermacosm clinic

Dr Monika Misra is a consultant cosmetologist at Dermacosm clinic. She possesses more than 5 years of experience in dermatosurgical procedures, chemical peels, microneedling, and radiofrequency.