All the Types of Skin

Submitted by Patrick Hatfield on

There are many different types of skin out there in the world.  Determining what your skin type is can be the best way to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.  There are several different factors to look for when analyzing your skin.  Remember your skin is already predetermined due to genetics, so you are born with it and that is your gift for life.  However, how you treat your skin can make a difference in its longevity.

Three Types of Skin

There are three types of skin that can exist.  Normal, dry, and oily skin are the three basic types of skin. 

Normal – Those with normal skin are very lucky, because it has the perfect balance of moisture and oil and looks flawless.  The skin tone is even in coloring and it is blemish-free.  The texture is soft.

Dry – This type of skin is lacking moisture and oil and it has a rough texture.  The skin is dry due to a lack of sebum.  Using moisturizing products that can replenish the skin can keep your skin feeling close to normal.

Oily – With this type of skin, oil glands are overactive and secrete more sebum than normal.  The skin appears oily and has a shiny appearance.  Oil-free moisturizers are a must if this is the type of skin you have.

Combination – Then there are those that have combination skin, where they experience oily zones and dry zones all at once.  The dry zones must be moisturized separately from the oily areas.  Having a combination of skin types is fairly common.

Skin Conditions

Now that you know about the types of possible skin types, consider some of the skin conditions you may encounter.

Acne – As we age, hormones tend to change, especially in our teens.  The hormones may secrete more oil than necessary and cause greasy skin that clogs pores and causes pimples to appear.  Acne can also be caused by the environmental conditions you live in or your diet.

Aging Skin – As we age, the skin tends to lose moisture and thins.  This causes wrinkles and fine lines to appear.  Smoking and sun exposure without protection can cause the skin to age more quickly.

Dehydrated Skin – Skin that lacks moisture will look dull and rough.  As you age and your sebaceous glands slow down, oil production also slows down.  This means you need to supplement your skin with moisturizers that can help your skin improve its look.

Sensitive Skin – Some people will suffer from sensitive skin that reacts to the environment or to ingredients in certain products.  The most common culprits are fragrances and dyes in products that will irritate the skin and cause rashes or itching problems.   There are also genetic factors that may cause your skin to be sensitive.

Pigmentation – The cause of pigmentation can be due to genetics or the environment.  Hormonal changes may also cause lightening or darkening of the skin in certain spots.  There is also an effect from UV rays.