Normal Skin
Characteristics:
Normal skin is well-balanced, meaning it is neither too oily nor too dry. It has a smooth, even texture with small pores and rarely experiences sensitivity or blemishes. This skin type typically looks healthy and radiant without excessive shine or flakiness. It maintains good circulation and moisture levels, making it relatively easy to care for with a basic skincare routine.
Common Concerns:
Although normal skin has minimal issues, environmental factors, stress, and aging can affect its balance. Without proper care, it may become drier or more sensitive over time.
Skincare Tips:
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to maintain natural oils.
- Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to support skin barrier function.
- Daily SPF protection is essential to prevent premature aging and sun damage.
- Keep your routine consistent and minimal; focus on preserving balance rather than correcting issues.
oily skin
Characteristics:
Oily skin produces an excess of sebum, the skin's natural oil, which can lead to a shiny or greasy appearance, particularly on the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone). These areas are usually marked by larger, dilated pores. People with oily skin are more prone to acne, blackheads, and enlarged pores. While it can be challenging to manage, oily skin tends to age more slowly and can benefit from regular cleansing and oil-free or mattifying skincare products.
Common Concerns:
Frequent breakouts, clogged pores, and difficulty finding products that don’t contribute to oiliness are common challenges. However, oily skin tends to be less prone to wrinkles and may age more slowly.
Skincare Tips:
- Cleanser: Use a foaming or gel cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree oil to help control oil and prevent breakouts.
- Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate 2–3 times a week to keep pores clear.
- Moisturizer: Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer — hydration is still essential.
- Treatment: Consider niacinamide or clay masks to regulate sebum production.
- Sunscreen: Choose a mattifying SPF to avoid additional shine.
dry skin
Characteristics:
Dry skin lacks sufficient moisture and natural oils, leading to a tight, rough, or flaky texture. It may appear dull and feel itchy or irritated, especially in cold or dry climates. Fine lines can be more noticeable, and the skin may be sensitive to certain products. Hydrating cleansers, rich moisturizers, and regular exfoliation can help maintain comfort and softness in dry skin.
Common Concerns:
Dryness can lead to redness, irritation, premature aging, and difficulty absorbing products if the barrier is compromised.
Skincare Tips:
- Cleanser: Use a creamy, hydrating cleanser without sulfates or harsh ingredients.
- Moisturizer: Choose rich, emollient moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter.
- Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliant (like lactic acid) once a week to remove dead skin cells and allow better absorption of products.
- Hydration: Layer hydrating serums under your moisturizer, and consider using facial oils to lock in moisture.
- Environment: Use a humidifier in dry climates to help retain skin hydration.
Combination skin
Characteristics:
Combination skin features both oily and dry or normal areas, typically with oiliness in the T-zone and dryness on the cheeks or jawline. This skin type can be tricky to care for since it requires balancing different needs. A tailored skincare routine that targets oil control while providing hydration can help keep combination skin looking and feeling balanced.
Common Concerns:
It can be difficult to find products that cater to both oily and dry areas without worsening either condition. Managing shine while maintaining hydration is the key challenge.
Skincare Tips:
- Cleanser: Opt for a gentle, balancing cleanser that doesn’t strip or over-moisturize.
- Moisturizer: Use a lightweight moisturizer on the T-zone and a richer one on dry areas, or look for a balancing moisturizer suitable for all zones.
- Targeted Treatment: Use spot treatments on oily areas (like clay masks or BHA serums) and hydrating serums on dry areas.
- Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF that feels light and non-greasy.
- Flexibility: Adjust your routine as your skin changes — you may need different products in summer vs. winter.
sensitive skin
Characteristics:
Sensitive skin is often confused as a skin type but is actually a skin condition, because it is reactive/ can be caused by many various factors factors, including skincare products, weather, or environmental triggers. It may show signs of redness, burning, itching, or dryness. This skin type requires gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic products to avoid irritation. Understanding and avoiding triggers is essential to maintaining the comfort and health of sensitive skin.
Common Concerns:
Frequent flare-ups, allergic reactions, and difficulty finding well-tolerated products are typical. It’s important to identify and avoid triggers.
Skincare Tips:
- Cleanser: Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and ultra-gentle cleansers — preferably cream or micellar water-based.
- Moisturizer: Choose calming moisturizers with ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, colloidal oatmeal, or ceramides.
- Patch Testing: Always patch-test new products to avoid full-face reactions.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of alcohol, synthetic fragrance, harsh acids, and physical scrubs.
- Sunscreen: Use mineral (physical) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for minimal irritation.
- Less Is More: Keep your routine minimal and consistent — overuse of products can aggravate the skin.