Skin is the largest organ in our body. Taking care of our skin is a priority, but to help take care of this beautiful organ is to know your skin type. Skin type refers to the characteristics of your skin that determine how it behaves and reacts to various factors like weather, skincare products and hormonal changes. These characteristics typically include the amount of natural oil (sebum) your skin produces, its level of hydration, and its sensitivity to environmental influences and skincare products. Many top beauty cosmetology colleges in Nashik offer cutting-edge programs that focus on understanding skin types and developing products based on this information.
Over the years there were several criteria used to classify the different types of skin. For example, Fitzpatrick’s classification, first described in 1975, is based on skin color and its response to sun exposure. These techniques were mostly used to determine the proper type of sun protection factor or to predict the risk of skin cancer. However, from a cosmetic point of view, skin is classified according to several factors related to its balance: sebaceous secretion, hydration, and sensitivity level. Thus, each type of skin will have its own characteristics and require different care. The type of skin is determined by genetics, although it will also be affected by other factors and can change with time.
Based on these characteristics, there are five types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily, combination (both oily and dry skin) and sensitive.
Skin Types and their Characteristics
Normal Skin
This skin is neither too dry nor too oily. It has a regular texture, no imperfections, and a clean, soft appearance, and does not need special care.
Dry Skin
In many cases, dry skin is caused by external factors such as the weather, low air humidity and immersion in hot water, and it is usually temporary. However, for some people it may occur more often and even be a lifelong condition.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has a porous, humid and bright appearance. It is caused by excessive fat production by sebaceous glands and usually determined by genetic and/or hormonal causes. It is frequent in adolescents and young people under 30 years old, and usually related with the occurrence of acne.
Combination Skin
Based on its location, it presents characteristics of both dry and oily skin since the distribution of sebaceous and sweat glands is not homogeneous. The area with more oil is usually the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), while the skin on the cheeks is normal or dry.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is more prone to react to stimuli to which normal skin has no reaction. It is a fragile skin, usually accompanied by feelings of discomfort, such as heat, tightness, redness, or itching. It is a delicate skin that needs more care to fight dryness, roughness, and its usual appearance. Sometimes, it is referred to as irritated skin instead of sensitive, but these terms are synonymous and there are no dermatological differences between them.
Way to Identify Skin Types
After knowing this information now how you identify your skin type. Here are a few ways by which you can identify your skin type
- Visual Inspection: Visual inspection involves closely examining your skin’s appearance and texture in different areas of your face in natural light.
- Normal skin: Look for a consistent texture and coloration without excess shine, dryness, or visible signs of sensitivity.
- Dry Skin: Check for flakiness, tightness, or rough patches, particularly after cleansing. It may appear dull and lackluster.
- Oily Skin: Look for a shiny appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Enlarged pores may also be noticeable.
- Combination Skin: Note oily areas in the T-zone with visible pores, contrasted with drier patches on the cheeks, which may feel tight.
- Sensitive Skin: Look for signs of redness, itching, or inflammation, especially in reaction to certain products or environmental factors.
- Blotting Paper Test: Using blotting paper on your face can help to determine oiliness. For this test, press the blotting paper against different areas of your face in the morning before cleansing.
- Normal Skin: Note if the blotting paper picks up minimal oil, indicating a balanced sebum production without excess or deficiencies.
- Oily Skin: Blotting paper will quickly absorb excess oil, revealing a greasy residue.
- Dry Skin: Blotting paper may not pick up much oil, indicating a low sebum level.
- Combination Skin: Blotting paper will absorb oil from the T-zone but less from the cheeks.
- Touch Test: The touch test involves feeling different areas of your face to assess texture and moisture levels. After washing your hands thoroughly, use your fingertips to assess how your skin feels to the touch.
- Normal skin: When you touch normal skin, it feels neither excessively oily nor dry. It has a consistent texture and feels smooth to the touch. Normal skin typically does not show signs of redness, irritation, or noticeable bumps.
- Dry Skin: Skin feels tight, rough, or flaky, indicating a lack of moisture.
- Oily Skin: Skin feels slick and greasy to the touch, particularly in the T-zone.
- Combination Skin: T-zone feels oily while cheeks may feel normal or dry to the touch.
- Sensitive Skin: Notice if the skin reacts negatively to touch, showing signs of redness or irritation. Note that not all sensitive skin will necessarily react to this test, depending on its degree of sensitivity.
- Professional Skin Analysis: If you’re still unsure and would like a more conclusive analysis, you can visit a skincare professional for a more accurate assessment. They can conduct tests and analyse your skin under controlled conditions to determine your skin type.
Changes in skin type over time
Your skin type can change over time due to various factors such as aging, hormonal changes, lifestyle and environmental conditions. For instance, teenagers often experience oily skin due to hormonal fluctuations, while adults may develop drier skin as they age due to their skin’s natural oil production decreasing.
Additionally, factors like pregnancy, menopause, stress, diet and exposure to elements such as sun, wind, and pollution can also influence and alter your skin type over time. Regularly reassessing your skin’s needs and adjusting your skincare routine accordingly is essential to maintain healthy-looking skin.
Conclusion
If you are interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology, then B.Sc Beauty Cosmetology can be the right foundational program for you. Understanding and managing your skin type is essential for effective skincare. Identifying whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or blemish-prone helps tailor your routine to meet its specific needs. Following targeted skincare practices and using products tailored to your skin type is key for maintaining your skin’s health and appearance. By using this guidance and finding the right products for your type, you can work towards achieving healthier, more radiant looking skin.