The skin is not only the largest organ in the body, it is also one of the most important. It has life and specific needs according to the type that each of us has.
For identify which of the skin types we have we can observe certain characteristics that identify them and thus know what is the appropriate way to care for them according to their current state.
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 and keep it in good condition
1. Normal
We all want this type of skin, but in reality it is one of the least common. It is a skin that It is balanced as it is neither too oily nor too dry It has fine pores, good blood circulation, velvety soft and smooth texture, no impurities, and is not sensitive or easily irritated.
Normal skin is common in children and before adolescence, but hormonal changes greatly affect it and cause changes in the skin.
Even though we have already seen that normal skin does not suffer from oiliness or dryness, it is important to take care of it with appropriate products to avoid an imbalance that results in excess oil or irritation, especially because over the years normal skin will no longer have adequate hydration and will lose elasticity as a result of natural aging. Therefore, he is not free from needing care, which must begin from an early age.
This type of skin is known as “oily” because It is characterized by increased sebum production This hyperproduction is known as seborrhea.
To recognize oily skin, you have to check if the pores look enlarged, the face looks constantly shiny, and the skin looks thickened and pale because the blood vessels are not visible.
Due to these factors This type of skin is prone to acne, sometimes 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, you should know that one way to avoid all these effects of oily skin is prevent hyperproduction of sebum which on the one hand is due to genetics and hormonal imbalances, but which can be reduced with a correct diet, proper cleaning routine, and the use of cosmetics appropriate to the skin type.
So one of the objectives in caring for this type of skin is that this seborrheic hyperproduction does not occur, and that once the pimples have appeared, the skin is kept clean to avoid infection and the skin from being injured.
In addition, as we already saw, a high propensity for severe acne can cause irreversible skin damage so the recommendation is that periodic check-ups be carried out with a dermatologist.
3. Dry
This type of skin produces less sebum than normal skin and as a consequence lacks lipids that retain moisture and form a protective layer In dry skin there is a deterioration in 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 the decrease in sebum is the aging of the body.
However, even though it is very likely that we will all have dry skin at some point, dermatologists identify three levels of dryness:
Dry Skin
It is perceived as tight, fragile, rough and has a dull color and appearance. Elasticity is weak
Very dry skin
There is peeling or filmy consistency. There is an evidently rough or blotchy appearance or as if suffering from premature aging there is slight itching.
At this level, this type of skin should be treated by a dermatologist as severe irritation and risk of infection can occur.
Extremely dry skin
The hands, feet, elbows and knees are prone to extremely dry skin. It is characterized by severe roughness cracked appearance such as cracks, calluses, peeling and severe and frequent itching.
In this phase of dryness, a dermatological review is undoubtedly required to determine the most efficient treatment to help the skin recover its normal level of sebum and hydration before a severe infection occurs.
If after reading the dryness levels you identify that your skin is dry but is still in a normal phase, it will be enough to use products suitable for this type of skin that provide adequate hydration and help balance sebum production.
4. Mixed
As we already saw, oily skin has excess sebum and a severe decrease in it dries it out. In the case of combination skin type, both skin types are found and they appear mainly on the face.
To identify if your skin belongs to this type, You have to know that in combination skin in the “T” zone (forehead, chin and nose) is oily, you can see 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 hydrate and protect it have to be specific for this type of skin. They are easily identified on the market and provide an adequate balance to avoid dryness and hyperproduction of sebum.
