Have you wondered if you misjudged your skin type? Maybe you've always considered it to be combination, but it's, in fact, more of a dry skin. These questions often come up when searching for the most suitable treatment, makeup, or skincare products. Don't worry, once you finish reading this post, you will feel like an expert (on your skin).

For starters, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) classifies the skin into five different types: normal skin, dry skin, combination skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin. 

What about acne-prone? Blemished skin? Scroll down, and we'll explain the differences between skin types and why these ones are MIA.

GET TO KNOW THE MAIN SKIN TYPES

NORMAL SKIN

Also known as balanced or well-balanced. It doesn't present an oily or a dry aspect. The texture is uniform and with small and barely visible pores. Its well-balanced microbiota contributes to reduced acne and blemishes and a stronger, hydrated, non-sensitive surface. 

It all sounds like a dream skin, right? Unfortunately, normal skin, scientifically known as eudermic, is the least common one. 

DRY SKIN

People with dry skin usually have less visible pores and a tendency to develop fine lines. Flaking and fissures are also a possibility. Plus, redness in certain areas.

Oh, an important reminder: dry skin differs from dehydrated skin, which lacks sufficient water. The former lacks nutrients and oils.

Nevertheless, people with dry skin are more likely to suffer from dehydrated skin, given that the oil deficiency on the stratum corneum allows the water to escape. Excessive dryness can also be induced by hormone factors, genetics, and even environmental conditions.

OILY SKIN

Oily skin is characterized by a shiny, thick look due to high sebum production.

Although protected against water loss and premature aging, it faces its own challenges, such as blackheads, breakouts, and acne problems. In addition to genetics, its occurrence is driven by hormone fluctuations, excessive exposure to the sun, stress, and a high-fat diet.

Myth buster alert: oily skin *needs* moisturizing, too. There are even moisturizers that are more fitting for this skin type. Click here to learn more.

COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin presents a contrast between oily skin – on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) – and dry or balanced skin – in other areas.

The T-zone tends to have large pores and be prone to acne. Because of the two diverging characteristics, applying different products to different areas might be preferable.

SENSITIVE SKIN

As we've mentioned, this is the fifth skin type listed by the AAD, even though it's less of a skin type and more of a skin condition. Unlike the others, which are classified based on their amount of sebum production, sensitive skin is a state of vulnerability to irritation and inflammation. As a matter of fact, you can have sensitive, oily skin or sensitive, dry skin – which is more likely.

If your skin stings, burns, or itches in contact with many skin products, you probably have sensitive skin. In some cases, it's associated with other skin conditions, such as eczema and rosacea, so you must talk to a doctor.

SKIN TYPE VS. SKIN STATE

Figuring out your skin type will help you take care of your skin throughout your life, while a skin state can be temporary and vary depending on internal and external factors.

These are some skin states often described as skin types: acne-prone skin, blemished skin, mature skin, and (again) sensitive skin. And there are also the more obvious states: irritated and – the previously cited – dehydrated skin.

They all can coexist with your original skin type. For example, a person can have oily skin and acne-induced blemishes or normal skin with fine lines and wrinkles – embodying mature skin. 

CONCLUSION

Skin type is more dependent on genetics, while skin state is more variable and influenced by internal and external factors. 

Nobody is better than you to observe and check how your skin has behaved lately. After all, you spend your entire day with it.

Here are some examples of elements that impact your skin:

• Internal factors: diet, hormone alterations, skincare habits.
• External factors: light sources, weather conditions, and pollution.

Just remember, if you are dealing with symptoms of skin conditions or want to know for sure your skin type, visit a dermatologist. ✨

DID YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SKIN TYPES AND SKIN STATES? TELL US BELOW!