Dry
Those with a dry skin type produce less sebum (oil) than usual, resulting in a lack of hydrating and protective lipids that protect against external stressors.
The skin feels tight, itchy, and rough. With age, dry skin typically becomes more apparent because of the low levels of oil and lipids. Add collagen loss to the mix, and you’ve got fine lines, wrinkles, and dry patches — quite possibly, prematurely.
Oily
Opposite from dry, oily skin produces more sebum than normal skin. You’ll know you have this skin type if your face is typically shiny and becomes more greasy mid-way through the day; you have enlarged pores, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads; and makeup doesn’t stay on. It’s a misconception that oilier skin types are completely wrinkle-free because the skin is more hydrated.
Here’s what is true: Oily skin may have fewer forehead lines because the dermis (the inner layer of the two main layers of skin) is thicker, and the skin has more oil glands. On the flip side, oilier skin types may have more prominent lines in the lower portion of the face due to a loss of elasticity.
Combination
When the T-zone (forehead and nose region) is oily, but the rest of the face looks and feels dry (or normal), that’s what’s defined as a combination skin type — and it’s not always easy to deal with. While wrinkles may be less prominent in the forehead, the cheeks, mouth, and chin may take the hit. The key is adopting a skincare routine that effectively targets both areas.
Normal
While normal, well-balanced skin may seem like it’s the easiest skin type to take care of, the reality is, the skin will still become dryer and lose collagen with age, so wrinkles are inevitable. Throughout life, the skin is continually changing. While it regenerates approximately every 27-30 days, it’s how it’s taken care of that makes the difference.
Sensitive
Sensitive skin can be oily, dry, or a combination thereof. When wrinkles make an appearance, this skin type cannot use the same treatment methods as others due to a risk of increased irritation. So, as one example, active ingredients like retinol should be swapped with a less harsh ingredient like bakuchiol — which also happens to be anti-inflammatory, so it’s a win-win. Other irritants to look out for include artificial colors and preservatives, fragrances, and some essential oils.
The Bottom Line
It’s quite possible to have different skin types throughout your life due to fluctuating hormones, climate, medication changes, diet, and stress levels. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to make regular appointments with a skincare professional such as a dermatologist or esthetician to evaluate your skin and current product regime.
