What Are the 5 Skin Types and How to Take Proper Care of Your Skin Type

The truth is knowing your skin type is really important if you want to make sure you are taking care of your skin properly. We have to admit, it can be quite confusing to hear about sensitive, dry, oily, or combination skin types. Which one is yours and how can you find this out? More importantly, how should you take care of your skin according to its type? These are only a couple of the questions we are going to be answering in today’s guide to the 5 skin types a person can have.

woman cleaning her face with a splash of water

We are going to start by establishing what these skin types are and what are their characteristics. Then, we are going to teach you how to determine what type is yours. Last but not least, we are going to look at tips on how to properly care for your skin no matter the type. Let’s begin!

What Are the 5 Skin Types?

The 5 skin types you can have are: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. Of course, there can be plenty of variations of these 5 skin types. However, everybody fits into one of these categories more than the others.

Normal Skin

A normal skin is characterized by a healthy balance between too dry and too oily. The lucky people who have a normal skin type have just enough lipids and water and don’t really have skin imperfections. Some imperfections may occur, but this happens rarely and they are not severe. Normal skin is also not sensitive, which means it is less demanding when it comes to skin care. The pores are not so visible as with other skin types, which makes for a truly radiant skin. If you were to wish for one skin type, this would probably be it.

Dry Skin

People with dry skin also don’t have very noticeable pores. However, their complexion seems extremely rough because it is not hydrated enough. You might have red patches every now and then, and your skin won’t be very elastic. This can be really uncomfortable at times. This also means that lines will be more visible on your complexion. Moreover, your skin might peel, crack, or even become inflamed or itchy.

part of a woman's face zoomed in revealing cracked skin

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, your pores might be enlarged, unlike people who have normal or dry skin. You skin will look shiny quite often. It can even give out the impression of being thick because of the oil on its surface. Blemishes are fairly common with this skin type. So you can expect all sorts of pimples and blackheads that you will have to fight against. Oily skin is more common in young people and it might dull down after puberty. However, some people have oily skin all their lives.

Combination Skin

Perhaps one of the most challenging skin types, the combination skin type can cause people to desperately search for a product that fits all of their needs. That is because the combination skin type entails normal or dry skin in certain areas, and oily skin in others. Usually, your forehead, nose, and chin (or what we call the T-zone) are more likely to be oily. If you have a combination skin types, your pores might also be more dilated. Plus, your skin will look shiny in the T-zone, and you run the risk of getting pimples or blackheads. Moreover, you might have to use different skin care products for the different aspects of your skin.

close up of face with inflamed pores and oiliness

Sensitive Skin

Finally, having sensitive skin is not something to desire either. People with this skin type might have difficulties finding a product that does not cause their skin to react in a negative way. You have to pay attention to the kind of products you use. That is because your skin usually get more sensitive when exposed to skin care products that are not fit for using on sensitive skin. Having sensitive skin means that you will most likely experience redness, dryness, itching, or even a burning sensation.

Which Skin Type Do You Have?

Now that we’ve given you more details about each skin type, you probably can already tell which is the one you have. However, if you are still not sure, especially because the characteristics above are not the same for every person, there is an easy way to find out.

When you wake up in the morning, take a paper tissue and wipe your face with it before washing it. Then, take a look at the tissue and it will tell you all you need to know about your skin type. If it shows no traces of oil, then you are a lucky person because you have a normal skin type. In the case of dry skin, the tissue will also be free of oil. However, your skin won’t feel as elastic and supple as in the case of normal skin. Instead, it will feel dry, flaky, and tight.

woman cleaning her face with a napkin and smiling

Now, if your skin type is oily, you will be able to see that on the tissue in the form of spots, depending where your skin secretes the most oil. This will also help you determine if your skin is actually a combination between oily and dry. If you only see oil on the areas of the tissue that covered your T-zone, then you know you have a combination skin type. In the case of sensitive skin, you will not be able to see any oil on the tissue. That is because this skin type is extremely dry as well. If you are not sure if your skin is simply dry or sensitive, remember what we mentioned about sensitive skin becoming easily irritated and itchy, especially when using certain skin care products.

Tips for Taking Proper Care of Your Skin Type

Once you’ve looked at the skin types we talked about and established which one matches your complexion, it is time for you to find out more about how to take care of your skin type. Because not all skin types react the same to every skin care product. Luckily, there are many products out there branded for different skin types. So it is not that difficult to find one that suits yours.

Normal Skin

When you wake up, we recommend you use an alcohol-free tonic or some rose water to refresh your skin. Then move on to moisturizing it with a cream that is not too greasy. An additional tip would be to try and stay away from creams that are based on petroleum and only stick to natural ingredients. Your skin also needs taking care of in the evening. So what we suggest you do is wash it using some type of mild soap. Then, moisturize it with just a little bit of cream that is more nourishing and preferably oil-based. What you could also do is apply a mask once a week, but one that does not dry your face, such as the egg yolk one. That is great for nourishing and rejuvenating your skin.

Dry Skin

Dry skin requires natural and nourishing products such as coconut oil or shea butter. You should apply these types of products twice a day. Remember to allow them to work their magic before putting anything else on your face. Another great tip is to avoid tap water when you clean your face, since it can dry it out even more. You could try using a cleansing milk or some sort of herbal infusion to clean it instead.

Oily Skin

For oily skin, think the opposite of what we’ve just mentioned. You have to find ways in which to get rid of the excess oil, so nourishing products are not a great idea. However, that does not mean that you shouldn’t hydrate your skin, because you should. You should wash it with mild soap, but don’t overdo it, since this can cause it to secret even more oil. Avoid greasy moisturizers, use herbal tonics to restore its balance, and try a mask made of yogurt or papaya that you apply only once a week.

woman applying cucumber slices to her yogurt mask

Combination Skin

Taking care of a combination skin type is a bit of a challenge. So the best thing you could do is use different products for different areas of your face. You cheeks and eye area might require care techniques used for dry skin, while your T-zone will need products designed for oily skin. You should use a toner for the T-zone and a light moisturizer that won’t cause it to secret even more sebum. Masks that work to minimize your pores are always a great idea as well.

Sensitive Skin

In the case of sensitive skin, you should follow the same advice that we provided for people with dry skin. The difference is that you have to pay attention to what products  or ingredients irritate your skin and stop using them right away. Avoid products with petroleum and try some organic products specifically designed for sensitive skin.

We hope that our guide to the 5 main skin types and how to properly take care of each of them has enlightened you in what concerns your own skin type. If you are still unsure, try the test we provided above and then simply follow our advice on how to keep your skin healthy and luminous no matter the skin type.

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