How can I tell what type of skin I have?

There are certain characteristics of the skin which define the type of skin you have.  It is important to remember you are not “locked” into a particular skin type.  Many factors can change what you perceive your skin type to be, like aging, smoking or the weather.  Estheticians differ in the number of skin types they define.  Some will place their patients in one of three categories, while others will have ten or more categories.  Below is a range of skin types, and characteristics which define what most closely describes your particular type.  Sometimes it is difficult to inspect one’s own skin closely without the use of a magnifying mirror.  It is best done in the daylight to get an accurate impression of the skin’s condition.

Normal Skin:
Normal skin has an adequate amount of water and lipids, an adequate balance between them, and a moderate sensitivity level.  Normal skin is caused by the ideal balance between the rate of sebum production and cellular exchanges.  It has barely visible pores and radiant pinkish complexions, with no imperfections.  Normal skin is often lumped into the category of combination skin, but it is different.  Many Estheticians believe normal skin is an ideal standard which doesn’t actually exist, but we want to attain.

Sensitive skin:

Thin, delicate, fine pores. Flushes easily, prone to broken capillaries and rashes, and frequently allergic.  If sun exposure causes you to first burn, then peel, then tan, it may be an indication of dry or sensitive skin.

Dry Skin:

Dry skin usually appears to have fine wrinkles, flaking, red patches, almost invisible pores, and a dull, rough complexion.  Dry skin can be caused by genetics, hormonal aging and external factors such as wind and UV radiation. This skin type can be fine and delicate, but dry when exposed to physical elements such as sunburn, burns, cold temperatures, abrasions, and certain medications. When the skin repairs itself after being exposed to these elements, dryness and flaking usually occurs.  There are skin conditions which cause the skin to flake and sometimes crack.  It feels tight, especially after cleansing.

Very Dry Skin:
More severe dry skin may be rough and scaly. The outer skin layer many develop tiny cracks.  The pores are almost invisible and the complexion is very dull with red patches.  Very dry skin may be caused by genetics, hormonal aging, and extreme external factors such as wind and sun exposure.

Combination Skin:

Medium pores, smooth and even texture, good circulation, healthy color, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks, may be oily in T-Zone.  The pores are overly dilated, tend to have blackheads and be shiny in the T-zone.  If your skin is oilier on your forehead, nose, and chin than on your cheeks and around your eyes, you have "combination skin." The skin is either overly dry or excessively oily, with occasional roughness on the cheeks.  The oiliness and dryness can change, depending on the time of year (skin is usually drier when the weather is cold). Causes of combination skin are an imbalance in the production and distribution of lipids typically due to hormonal and genetic factors.

Oily Skin:
In this type of skin, the oil-producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed. This type of skin appears as greasy, shiny, thick, or slightly waxy with enlarged pores, and is prone to blackheads and blemishes. Often chronically oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other blemishes. Touching oily skin may sometimes leave a residue of oil on the fingertips. It is caused by the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands caused by puberty or other hormonal imbalances, stress, antibiotics, and exposure to heat or excessive humidity. . Does your face feel like a puddle of oil an hour after you’ve washed it? Does makeup disappear by midmorning? At age 30, are you still breaking out like a teenager?  If you said yes, you have oily skin with overactive sebaceous glands

Aging or Sun-Damaged Skin:

Feels tight, visible wrinkles, slack skin tone, especially around the cheeks and jawline, leathery texture, broken capillaries. . Does your skin feel as tight as a drum when I wash in hot water? Does it reflect light, or does it appear dull and patchy? Can you see flakes or red spots where there used to be clear skin?  This is a sign of aging skin.