What’s Your Type: We Uncover The Most Common Skin Types And Conditions

Gone are the days of ‘oily and dry’.

As Dermal Therapists, we have seen it all and believe us when we say, there is so much more to your skin than just an oil factor. There is more to your skin than meets the eye and with so many resources, treatment options and products, understanding the skin you have and what it truly needs is of the upmost importance, otherwise you can very quickly wander down the rabbit hole causing more harm than good.

We only get one body for our whole life, so we should always strive to recognise it is needs and fulfill them.

Let’s walk you through the most common skin types and conditions.

Normal Skin

‘Normal’ skin is used to describe the skin health of a seriously blessed individual.

All jokes aside, Normal Skin suggests balance. Those with normal skin still may experience oiliness through their T-Zone (forehead, chin, and nose) but overall sebum and moisture is balanced, and the skin is neither too oily nor too dry. Someone with normal skin may have small pores, good blood circulation, smooth skin texture, little to no blemishes, and typically will not experience sensitivity. Despite having the Skin Gods on your side, normal-skin-havers are not exempt from problematic skin or inflammation, it is just less likely to occur in comparison to someone with an opposing skin type.

Dry Skin

Dry skin types are those which produce less sebum than normal skin.

This condition lacks sebum and the oils required to retain moisture and a protective shield. Symptoms of dry skin can include rough, flaky patches, itchiness, a dull appearance, and a tight feeling upon waking. Dry skin becomes more severe with age. It is typically more common amongst women due to menopause and hormonal changes that will affect oil production.

Oily Skin

Oily skin types over produce sebum, this process is known as seborrhea. Those with oily skin are prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and other forms of acne. Characteristics of this condition include enlarged pores, shiny skin, and thick, pale skin. This is most likely caused by genetics, although can also be due to hormonal imbalances, medications, stress, diet or products used.

There are several things you can do to control oily skin. Washing your face day and night with a foaming cleanser will remove built up oil and grime from your pores. Moisturising directly after cleansing is just as important.

Most people with oily skin will assume they do not need to moisturise because their skin is already moist. WRONG! In fact, using a moisturiser can counteract your skins urge to over produce oil. Using oil free skin care products is a simple way to avoid adding unnecessary oils to your skin. Lastly, a tip which is important for all skin types and especially for oily skin, is to avoid touching your face!! Think of all the terrible bacteria our hands pick up throughout the day! Bacteria breeds and gets caught in oil, we do not want to be pushing these germs into our pores! No ma’am.

Combination Skin

A little column A and a little column BAs the name suggests, combination skin is a mixture of the above. This generally suggests that the T-zone is oily, and the rest of the face is dry or normal. The T-zone is characterised as the forehead, chin, and nose. For different people, this area can cover a very small or large portion of the face.

Combination skin is more often than not, inherited through genetics, although some cases are caused by the use of incorrect use of products.

Treating both dry and oily skin all at once can be tricky. Speaking to your Dermal Therapist should be your first course of action.

Dehydrated skin

This condition is often mistaken as oily skin or dry skin.

Dehydrated skin can produce oils in an attempt to hydrate itself by using oil to seal in the water. It is important to use moisturising products in order to stop the skin cells from over producing sebum. This skin type should be treated as dry skin even though the skin may appear oily.

Symptoms of dehydrated skin can include uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, flakiness, itchiness, sunken and dark under eyes. Dry skin and dehydrated skin differ as dry skin is considered a skin type, whilst dehydrated skin is considered a condition. As the definition explains, dehydration is the condition of losing more water than you’re taking in. If you think you might have dehydrated skin, be sure to visit your Dermal Therapist.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is classified as those who are susceptible to irritation and inflammation.

People with this skin type will likely react to many products, causing irritation, inflammation, redness and possible breakouts. Other possible outcomes are rosacea, contact dermatitis or visible blotchiness. Sensitive skin is often a response to poor barrier function. When the barrier function is not working as it should, we become especially vulnerable to all kinds of nasties. The barrier can be salvaged with correct skincare products, a tailored treatment plan and balanced diet. It is important for those with sensitive skin to avoid using products with strong, active ingredients unless prescribed by a Dermal Therapist.

Acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin refers to skin types with the natural tendency to produce pimples and comedones. Comedones are small, skin coloured bumps which are typically located on the chin and forehead. If the cause of acne is attributed to oily skin, the likely characteristic of larger pores will also attract grime build up leading to blackheads.

Acne-prone skin is most common amongst young adults and is a non-contagious condition. There are a few things which can cause acne-prone skin to flare up the way it does. Reactions can stem from sensitivity to products used, hormonal imbalances, diet, stress, medication, smoking or the sebaceous glands over producing sebum (just as oily skin does).

What Skin Type Are You?

It is important to know what skin type you have so you can treat, manage and maintain.

Using incorrect skin care products can significantly impact the health of your skin.

Every skin type requires a daily skin care routine in order to look its best. Visit the team at Face Fit to find out how you could be looking your best in the skin you’re in!