How to determine your skin type

The most common system to classify skin type is according to the water content and sebum secretion of the skin. There are four main skin types:

• normal
• combination
• oily
• dry

There are also other classifications, according to the skin state that can go from sensitive, dehydrated to wrinkled.

But how to Determine Your Skin Type?

One way to determine your skin type is to examine your bare skin. Follow these simple steps to determine which type of skin you have

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry it
2. Don’t apply any skincare products and wait 15-30
3. Examine your skin in the mirror
4. Determine your skin type based on your skin’s natural characteristics:

• If your skin feels tight and uncomfortable and looks dull and rough, you have dry skin.
• If your skin immediately becomes shiny after, then it’s likely that you have oily skin.
• If you experience oiliness in some areas and feel tightness on other parts, then you have combination skin.
• If your skin feels fine after and doesn’t look shiny, then you have normal

Keep reading my notes to discover more about each skin type.

Normal skin

Normal skin refers to well-balanced skin that is neither too oily nor too dry. Oil production and other factors that affect the health of the skin are within normal ranges. Typically, normal skin:

• has a good blood circulation
• has no blemishes
• not prone to sensitivity
• has no skin tightness
• appears clear and healthy
• has a good balance of hydration
• small pores
• even skin

If you have a normal skin type – lucky you! However, it doesn’t mean you won’t ever experience a little dryness, oilliness or the occasional pimple.

Plus, normal skin types still experience sun damage and other skin concerns due to environmental aggressors or lifestyle choice.

Combination skin

Combination skin, which is the most common skin type, is characterized by a mix of oily and dry skin in different parts of the face.

People with combination skin usually:

• have oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) with dry to normal skin everywhere else.
• Oily part will look shiny and might have enlarged pores, signs of breakouts and blackheads

This type of skin needs slightly different care in different areas.

Oily skin

People with oily skin experience heightened sebum production. You have oily skin if:

• Skin appears shiny and slick to the touch
• Skin has enlarged and clearly visible pores
• may experience frequent
• Skin prone to pimples (blackheads and whiteheads) and

Normally genetic but can also be triggered by a change in hormones, through the use of medication and stress.

Dry skin

Dry skin produces less oil than normal skin that helps it retain moisture and protect against environmental factors.

As a result, dry skin:

• Is a less elastic skin
• Has more visible lines
• Looks
• Feels rough, tight, or itchy,
• Is dehydrated
• May have flaky
• It may be prone to redness, irritation or
• Can crack and peel

Dry skin may be caused or made worse by:

• Your genes
• Aging or hormonal changes
• Weather such as wind, sun, or cold
• Indoor heating
• Long, hot baths and showers
• Some ingredients in soaps, cosmetics or cleansers
• Medications

The skin’s balance will also depend on other factors, such as: period of the menstrual cycle, climate, seasons, diet, stress, sleep and other habits. Therefore, skin type may vary over time!

References:

Baumann, Leslie. (2008). Understanding and Treating Various Skin Types: The Baumann Skin Type Indicator. Dermatologic clinics. 26. 359-73, vi. 10.1016/j.det.2008.03.007.

Baumann, Leslie. (2006). The Skin Type Solution. Random House Publishing Group: New York, NY, USA, 2007

Oliveira, R.; Ferreira, J.; Azevedo, L.F.; Almeida, I.F. An Overview of Methods to Characterize Skin Type: Focus on Visual Rating Scales and Self-Report Instruments. Cosmetics 2023, 10, 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10010014

Saiwaeo S, Arwatchananukul S, Mungmai L, Preedalikit W, Aunsri N. Human skin type classification using image processing and deep learning approaches. Heliyon. 2023 Oct 23;9(11):e21176. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21176. PMID: 38027689; PMCID: PMC10656243.

Youn, S.W.; Kim, S.J.; Hwang, I.A.; Park, K.C. Evaluation of facial skin type by sebum secretion: Discrepancies between subjective descriptions and sebum secretion. Skin Res. Technol. 2002, 8, 168–172.