Different Skin Types and Tips for Caring Them

The skin is a living organ that constantly regenerates itself. The skin of an older person is characterized by wrinkles and shininess. The outer layer, called the epidermis, is as thin as a pencil line. It consists of a protective layer of skin cells that continually shed and give way to new cells. Below the epidermis are the dermis and hypodermis, two layers that produce the oil, collagen, and elastin that give your skin support, elasticity, and shine.

Types of Skin:-

Skin can be divided into various types according to its texture.

• Normal skin
• Dry skin
• Oily skin
• Combination skin
• Sensitive skin

Normal Skin:- In normal skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state, not too oily and not too dry. Normal skin looks consistently plump, moist, and vibrant. The normal skin has a balanced oil and water content. Feels smooth and velvety. The colour of the skin glows below the translucent surface.

Dry Skin:- Dry skin occurs, when the dermis does not secrete enough oil, or sebum.
Due to sun exposure and aging, skin can lose its ability to produce moisture and natural oils. This results in dry skin. In some acute conditions, dry skin lacks elasticity and can be extremely sensitive to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures.

This type of skin lacks both sebum and moisture. It looks fine textured, transparent, patchy and fragile. This type of skin flakes and chaps easily compared to other skin types. Though it may look smooth with fine pores and few blackheads or blemishes, it may also have a tight, leathery appearance.

The signs of dry skin are as:-

• Flaky patches that disappear with regular moisturizing.
• Finely textured with the pores not being  visible.
• Tiny expression lines that do not disappear.

Oily Skin:- Oily skin usually has a lot of shine to it and the pores are generally enlarged. Oily skin has a greasy, sallow and course complexion. It is more prone to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads than other skin types and is coarser in texture. Oily skin has large pores and tends to have pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Within hours of washing the oiliness will reappear and makeup is usually absorbed quickly. Oily skin is often shiny and coarse in texture and may have recurring blackheads and enlarged pores.

Combination Skin:- Most people have at least two different types of facial skin at any given time. Combination skin is oily in the T zone and the rest of the face is dry. The T zone is the forehead, nose and chin. The T zone requires a separate cleaning routine from the rest of the face. While the skin around the cheeks, eyes and mouth is normal or dry. It is very common and requires separate treatment for each area. It is oily down the central panel and dry on the cheeks. The forehead, nose and chin need extra attention as they may be prone to clusters of blackheads and enlarged pores.

Sensitive Skin:- Sensitive skin can be dry, normal, or oily and is characterized by delicacy which is why we feel it is more of a skin condition than a skin type. It frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition. This skin type is prone to react adversely to cosmetics containing alcohol, synthetically manufactured oil type ingredients, fragrance oils, and artificial colors.

Skin type is influenced by many factors:

• Hormonal changes.
• Health problems.
• Genetic predisposition of skin type.
• Smoking.
• Medications.