Why is it important to know your skin type?
“Knowing your skin type enables you to determine how you will look after your skin. It will also help you to decide what products to use in order that you can manage any specific concerns and achieve the best results for your skin.”
Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands, located in the second layer of the skin (“dermis”) are over-active and produce too much oil. Oil produced by the sebaceous glands works its way to the surface of the skin where it plays an important part in the health of the skin. Oil keeps the skin smooth and moist, making it less likely to wrinkle. The over-production of oil can can be caused by several factors but the good news is that it can be controlled.
Symptoms of Oily Skin
There are several indicators of oily skin:
- The skin will have a greasy, shiny appearance with large pores.
- Shortly after skin cleansing, the shiny appearance will return.
- Make-up wearers describe the sensation of their make-up sliding on the skin.
- If you have oily skin, you may be more susceptible to blackheads.
Combination Skin
Combination skin occurs when two or more of the different skin types (e.g. oily, dry, sensitive or normal) occur on your skin at the same time.
Symptoms of Combination Skin
- Oily skin on the “T-zone” area (forehead, nose and chin) whereas the cheek area can be normal or dry.
- In the oily areas, look out for open pores with an “orange peel” texture and blackheads.
- The oily areas of the skin will have a shiny appearance.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is actually quite rare and a person with normal skin type will often say they have no apparent skin concerns.
Dry Skin
Dry skin or is skin that is lacking in moisture and oil. Normal, healthy skin is coated with a thin layer of natural oils (sebum) and lipids and dry skin occurs when this natural balance is compromised.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
The symptoms of dry skin are visible but may also be identified by how it feels:
- Patches of dry, flaky skin on areas of the body that are normally exposed i.e. face, hands, arms, and lower legs.
- You may also experience a “tightness” to the skin accompanied by itchy patches which may lead to stretch marks
- In more severe cases, the skin may be cracked, bleeding and painful.
Sensitive Skin
There are many factors that may cause sensitive skin. Therefore, it is important that you speak with your GP or dermatologist who will firstly check for other skin conditions to rule these out as the reason for an outbreak. Once all of these other causes of sensitivity are ruled out but your symptoms continue, it is likely that you do have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin may display symptoms associated with other skin types so it is important to recognise how and when these occur in order to create a tailored skin plan.
Symptoms of Sensitive Skin
These could include any one or more of the following:
- A rash-like appearance to the skin
- A blushing or redness to the affected area.
- Breakouts of spots or bumpy looking skin.
- Itchy or swollen skin.
Want to know more?
For more information regarding skin types including symptoms, causes, treatments and specific skin care information, I have produced a guide. It will help you to identify your skin type and recommend what products to use in relation to your symptoms.