Skin Types: Knowing Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type can help you to choose a moisturizer and skin products that are suitable to your skin profile.

There are four basic skin types, and these include normal, oily, dry and combination skin. Each one is identified by unique characteristics, which we will help outline in this article.

Normal Skin

This is the skin most people envy. A normal skin has a good balance between oily and dry and is generally healthy looking. With normal skin, you have a clear complexion and your pores are not generally visible.

Dry Skin

Dry skin requires a lot of moisturiser in order to obtain a healthy, smooth surface. Dry skin that is not moisturised can feel tight and sore. Dry skin flakes rather easily and due to its sensitivity, can often be red, itchy and irritated. Only specific products, geared towards dry skin should be used on this skin type as certain products can further irritate the skin.

Dry skin is also sensitive to the sun and is generally less prone to developing acne. Avoid using products, which contain alcohol or fragrance as this could further irritate the skin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is prone to developing blackheads and pimples as dirt clings to the oil and gets clogged in the pores, ultimately resulting in blackheads. Oily skin generally has a shiny appearance and a good cleansing product must be applied to clear out the pores.

Combination Skin

While normal and combination skin are often thought to be the same, these two skin types are very different. Combination skin is generally the skin that is classified as having a T Zone, where the skin is oily on the forehead, down towards the nose and chin, while other regions of the face are dry.