The 4 skin types (and how to care for them)

An overview of the characteristics of skin types and how to identify and care for them.

The skin is not only the largest organ of the body, it is also one of the most important. It has life and specific needs according to the type each of us has.

For identify which of the skin types we haveWe can observe certain characteristics that identify them and thus know what is the right way to take care of it according to its current state.

Types of skin

By observing the texture, color, characteristics and reactions we can determine what type of skin we have and take care of it with products that balance it. take care of it with products that balance it and keep it in good condition..

1. Normal skin

We all want this skin type, but it is actually one of the least common. It is a skin that is balanced by being neither too oily nor too dry.. It has fine pores, good Blood circulation, velvety soft and smooth texture, absence of impurities, and is not sensitive or easily irritated.

Normal skin is common in children and before adolescence, but hormonal changes affect it a lot and cause skin changes.

Even though we have already seen that normal skin does not suffer from greasiness or dryness, it is important to take care of it with appropriate products to avoid an imbalance that could lead to excess oiliness or irritation, especially because with theThis is especially important because over the years, normal skin will lose adequate hydration and elasticity as a result of natural aging. Thus, it is not free from needing care, which should begin at an early age.

2. Oily skin

This type of skin is known as "oily" because it is characterized by an increased production of moisture and a loss of elasticity as a result of natural aging. characterized by an increased production of sebum.. This overproduction is known as seborrhea.

To recognize oily skin, check whether the pores look enlarged, the face looks constantly shiny and the skin looks thickened and pale because the blood vessels are not visible.

Because of these factors this type of skin is prone to acneSometimes mild, but it can also be severe acne not only on the face but also on the neck, shoulders, back and chest. In a vicious circle this seborrheic process causes the skin to become red and inflamed.

Therefore, it is important to know that one way to avoid all these effects of oily skin is to prevent the overproduction of sebum which on the one hand is due to genetics and hormonal imbalances, but which can be reduced with a correct diet, proper cleansing routine, and the use of cosmetics suitable for the type of skin.

So one of the goals in caring for this type of skin is that this seborrheic hyperproduction does not occur, and that once pimples have appeared, the skin is kept clean to avoid infection and skin damage.

In addition, as we have already seen, a high propensity to severe acne can cause irreversible skin lesionsTherefore, the recommendation is to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist.

3. Dry

This type of skin produces less sebum than normal skin and as a consequence lacks the moisture-retaining lipids that form a protective layer.. In dry skin there is an impairment of this barrier function. That is why, unlike oily skin, at some stage in our lives we will all suffer from dry skin to a greater or lesser extent, since one cause of sebum reduction is the aging of the organism.

However, even though it is very likely that we will all reach the point of having dry skin, dermatologists identify three levels of dry skin, dermatologists identify three levels of dryness:

Dry skin

It feels tight, fragile, rough and has a dull color and appearance. Elasticity is weak.

Very dry skin

There is flaking or a lamellar consistency. There is a noticeable rough or blotchy appearance, or as if suffering from premature agingThere is mild itching.

At this level, this type of skin should be treated by a dermatologist as severe irritation and risk of infection may occur.

Extremely dry skin

Hands, feet, elbows and knees are prone to extremely dry skin. It is characterized by severe roughnessThe skin may have a cracked appearance such as cracks, calluses, scaling and severe and frequent itching.

At this stage of dryness, a dermatological examination is certainly required to determine the most efficient treatment to help the skin regain its normal level of sebum and hydration before a severe infection is caused.

If after reading the dryness levels you identify that your skin is dry but still in a normal phase, it is sufficient to use products suitable for this type of skin that provide adequate hydration and help balance sebum production.

4. Combination

As we have already seen, oily skin has an excess of sebum and dry skin has a severe decrease in sebum. In the case of the mixed skin type, both skin types are found and manifest themselves mainly on the face.

To identify if your skin belongs to this type, it is necessary to know that in the mixed skin of the "T" zone (forehead, chin and nose) is oily, with enlarged pores and some impurities or traces of acne, while the cheeks have normal or dry skin.

Due to these characteristics of combination skin, products to moisturize and protect it must be specific for this type of skin. They are easily identified on the market and provide the right balance to avoid dryness and sebum overproduction.