Skincare
What are the four different skin types?
There are four basic types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Your skin types depend on how much water is in your skin (as this affects elasticity and comfort), how oily it is and how sensitive it is. Each skin type has its own characteristics and required treatments.
If you need help with identifying your skin type the skin test may be a useful tool. If you need further advice on how best to care for it, speak to one of our specialists
Normal Skin
Normal skin is well balanced: neither too oily nor too dry. ‘Normal’ is a term widely used to refer to well-balanced skin. The scientific term for healthy skin is Eudermic.
Characteristics of normal skin include a regular texture, no or few imperfections and a soft appearance. Normal skin does not require special care.
Dry Skin
Dry skin can feel tight and rough and look dull.
‘Dry’ is used to describe a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. As a result of the lack of sebum, dry skin lacks the lipids that it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external influences.
People with dry skin may have a rough complexion, red patches, more visible lines and almost invisible pores. Dry skin is less elastic.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has a glossy shine and visible pores.
‘Oily’ is used to describe a skin type with heightened sebum production. An over production is known as seborrhea.
This has a bright and porous appearance. Oily skin can vary in severity depending on the time of year. Changes can be caused by stress, heat, puberty or other hormonal changes.
