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 each of us has.

To 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.

Skin types

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

1. Normal

We all want this type of skin, but it’s actually one of the least common. It is a skin that is balanced as it is neither too oily nor too dry . It has fine pores, good blood circulation, velvety 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 greatly and cause skin changes.

Even though we have already seen that normal skin does not suffer from oil or dryness, it is important to take care of it with suitable products to avoid a mismatch that results in excess oil or irritation , especially because with the passage of time normal skin will no longer have adequate hydration and will lose elasticity as a result of natural aging. It is therefore not free from the need for care, which should begin at an early age.

2. Fat

This type of skin is known as “oily” because is characterized by an increased production of sebum . This overproduction is known as seborrhoea.

To recognize oily skin, you should check if the pores look enlarged, the face looks constantly bright and the skin looks thickened and pale because the blood vessels are not visible.

Due to these factors this skin type is prone to acne , sometimes mild, but it can also be severe acne not only on the face but 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 necessary to know that one way to avoid all these effects of oily skin is to prevent the hyperproduction of sebum which on the one hand is due to genetics and hormonal imbalances, but which can be diminished with a correct diet, adequate cleansing routine, and the use of cosmetics appropriate to the type of skin.

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

In addition, as we have already seen, a high propensity to severe acne can cause irreversible skin lesions , so 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 lipids that retain moisture and form a protective layer . In dry skin there is a deterioration of this barrier function. This is why, unlike oily skin, at some stage in our lives we will all suffer from dry skin to a greater or lesser extent, as one cause of the decline in sebum is the ageing 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 dryness :

Dry skin

It is perceived as taut, fragile, rough and has a dull colour and appearance. The elasticity is weak .

Very dry skin

There is flaking or a lamellar consistency. There is an evidently rough or spotty 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 because severe irritation and risk of infection can occur.

Extremely dry skin

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

In this dry phase, a dermatological check-up is undoubtedly required to determine the most efficient treatment to help the skin recover its normal sebum and moisture level before a severe infection occurs.

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

4. Mixed

As we have seen, oily skin has an excess of sebum and dries out with a severe decrease in sebum. In the case of the mixed skin type both types of skin are found and they are mainly manifested in the face.

To identify if your skin belongs to this type, you must know that in the mixed skin of the “T” zone (forehead, chin and nose) it is oily, you can notice the enlarged pores and with some impurities or traces of acne while the cheeks present a normal skin or with tendency to dry.

Due to these characteristics of mixed skin, products to moisturize and protect it have to be specific for this type of skin. In the market they are easily identified and provide an adequate balance to avoid dryness and hyperproduction of sebum.