Facial skin types: how to recognize yours
Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered what type of skin you have?
It's a common question, yet the answer isn't always straightforward. Knowing your skin is essential for proper care: it helps you choose the right products, understand what works for you, and prevent discomfort or blemishes.
In this article, we'll guide you through the different facial skin types. We'll look at how to recognize them and give you some practical tips to learn to listen to and respect your skin every day.
There is no such thing as "perfect" skin, only well-understood skin.
First of all, it's important to remember that skin isn't static . It changes over time, with the seasons, with diet, stress, and even with mood. So it's normal if you recognize yourself in more than one description or if you feel like yours changes with the seasons.
The key is to learn which basic type you belong to, so you can build a routine that suits your needs. Generally, we can talk about five main categories .
Normal skin
Normal skin is characterized by a good balance : not too dry, not too oily, with a uniform and luminous appearance . Pores are barely visible, there are no particularly shiny or chapped areas, and problems rarely arise. This natural balance is due to the correct function of the sebaceous glands and a good skin barrier function.
While it may seem "easy to manage," normal skin still requires daily care . Hydration, sun protection, and gentle cleansing are essential to keeping it healthy.
Remember, however, that it can also become drier or oilier at certain times, such as during the winter or during times of intense stress. Observing these changes will help you consider its needs so you can best treat it with the right products.
Dry skin
If your skin feels tight , especially after washing, or if it tends to flake or become dull, you probably have dry skin . In this case, sebum production is reduced , thus lacking the natural barrier that helps retain moisture.
Dry skin is often thinner , more delicate , and prone to redness . It requires constant nourishment and protection, like a plant requiring regular care.
There can be various causes: environmental factors (cold climate, wind), the use of harsh detergents, sun exposure, or dehydration. Genetic predispositions can also play a role in this skin type.
A helpful tip if you find yourself in this category: avoid overly foaming cleansers and opt for creamy or oily formulas. Also, don't forget a good moisturizer, applied regularly morning and night!
Oily skin
If you often notice shiny skin , especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), enlarged pores or the appearance of imperfections such as pimples or blackheads, you probably belong to the oily skin category.
In this case, sebum production is greater than necessary, which can cause a greasy feeling or compromise the hold of makeup. It's important to emphasize, however, that this isn't "dirty" skin or one that needs to be treated, as is often thought, but rather skin that needs balancing.
This type can result from a combination of factors : genetics, hormones, diet, stress and even the use of unsuitable cosmetic products.
An interesting aspect: when we treat oily skin with overly aggressive products, we risk achieving the opposite effect. In fact, the skin, feeling "attacked," can further increase sebum production to defend itself. The secret lies in finding purifying yet gentle products that respect its nature.
Combination skin
Combination skin has different characteristics in different areas of the face: it tends to be oily in the T-zone and drier or normal on the cheeks . It's probably the most common type of skin, but it also requires special attention.
Those who find themselves in this situation often notice shine on the forehead and nose, while they may experience dryness on the cheeks. This makes choosing products more complex, but with the right precautions, it's possible to restore the skin's natural balance.
A very useful trick can be to use different agents on different areas of the face, for example, providing more hydration to the drier areas and focusing more on mattifying the oilier areas. Alternatively, you could opt for light but hydrating formulas , which help rebalance the entire face without weighing it down.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is more than a specific type; it's a condition that can affect all of the previous categories. It's reactive , and can become red, itchy, tight, or irritated even with seemingly gentle formulations.
This type of hair requires special attention and protection . It should be treated with specific products, free from strong perfumes or aggressive ingredients. It may seem absurd, but even small changes in temperature or pollution can cause discomfort.
The peculiarity in this case is that sensitivity is often linked to a more fragile skin barrier . Strengthening it with soothing ingredients like oats, niacinamide, or prebiotics can make a big difference over time.
A simple test to do at home
If you're still unsure about your skin type, you can try this easy test:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Do not apply anything (no creams, no toners, no serums) and wait about an hour.
- Gently dab a small piece of tissue paper or blotting paper on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
- Look at the result:
-
- No trace of sebum → dry skin
- A little sebum all over the face → normal skin
- Lots of sebum everywhere → oily skin
- Sebum only in the T-zone → combination skin
PS This trick is not a medical test, but it can be a very useful starting point to learn to really listen to your skin and understand it better!
Conclusion
When it comes to skin, knowing your skin type isn't just a matter of aesthetics, it's a true act of self-love . It allows you to make more informed choices, avoid waste and irritation, and build a beauty routine that's truly tailored to you.
And if you're still unsure which type you belong to, start here...take Doctor Reynaldi's skin test !
Your skin changes, speaks, communicates. And you, do you know what it's telling you today?
