Types of Facial Skin

Normal Skin

This skin type is neither oily nor dry. Normal skin rarely becomes oily, and if it does, the oil can be easily removed. As for pore size, normal skin has small pores that are not easily visible and rarely appear enlarged or prominent. Normal skin is also rarely shiny and is less likely to appear dull or flaky.

People with normal skin usually have fewer facial wrinkles, and the skin tone across different areas of the face is even, without blemishes or acne. If your skin type is normal but you occasionally experience breakouts or small under-the-skin bumps, don’t worry! Your skin type hasn’t changed. By using the right skincare products and maintaining healthy skincare habits, your skin will return to its normal condition over time and may even become healthier and more radiant than before.

Having normal skin doesn’t mean your skin is flawless! Even normal skin can sometimes break out, become dry, or experience other skin issues. Skin also changes over time; this means that even those who currently have the best skin may develop common skin problems, signs of aging, or facial wrinkles in the future due to different life conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, or sun exposure.

If your hormone levels change for any reason, or if you use cosmetic or skincare products that your skin reacts to, you may develop hormonal acne or facial breakouts.

Men and women with normal skin should use skincare and cosmetic products that do not make their skin overly oily and must avoid products that excessively dry out the skin. If you take good care of your skin—cleaning it daily with the right facial cleansers, using suitable moisturizers and hydrating products, and applying sunscreen regularly—there’s no need to worry about skin problems.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you probably often feel tightness in your skin. You may also notice red patches and flaking in different areas. People with dry skin usually have barely visible pores and are more likely to develop facial wrinkles, sensitivity, and itching earlier than others.

What Causes Dry Skin?
There are many factors that can cause dry skin. For some people, dry skin may be hereditary. Genetic disorders can affect the amount of oil secreted by the sebaceous glands. The natural oil of the skin, known as sebum, is responsible for keeping the skin soft and flexible. The feeling of tightness or other symptoms of dry skin are not limited to the face and can appear on various parts of the body. Changes in weather, diet, or skincare routines can cause dryness in both the face and body. Dryness on the backs of the hands is one of the most bothersome signs of dry skin.

The Importance of Moisturizers and Hydrators for Dry Skin
Choose a moisturizer for your dry skin routine that restores freshness and vitality. A good moisturizer for dry skin should contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients to help replenish lost moisture. Apply your cream regularly, morning and night, on clean skin to maintain skin hydration. It is very important to have a consistent daily skincare routine and stick to it.

Use gentle cosmetic and skincare products to cleanse your skin. Avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils, as they can severely dry and irritate the skin. Soap-based products can also be very dry. Try to replace regular soap and body washes with the best body shampoo for dry skin or non-soap cleansers. When handling cleaning products, always use gloves. Creams, oils, and ointments are generally more effective on dry skin than lotions. If you live in a warm and dry or cold and dry climate, use a humidifier or steam device at home throughout the year.

Oily Skin
People with oily skin types often complain about shiny facial skin, acne, and pimples.

What Causes Oily Skin?
If you have oily skin, you’ve likely to ask yourself why it happens and how to treat it. Oily skin can be caused by both genetic factors and hormonal changes at various ages. Those who have overactive sebaceous glands naturally produce more oil. An increase in hormone levels in the body—especially androgens, which are present in both men and women—can lead to excessive oil production.

Androgens directly influence the production of sebum (the skin’s natural oil). When oil production increases, pores become larger and clogged, leading to more pimples and blackheads. Oily skin is highly prone to acne, blackheads, and clogged pores. The pores in oily skin are generally more visible due to their larger size. Oily skin is shinier than other skin types and can cause makeup to wear off more quickly.

Caring for Oily Skin
Many products for oily skin claim to eliminate oil—such as acne medications with strong ingredients—but these can worsen the condition. Products that excessively dry the skin can trigger more oil production in response.

It’s important to exfoliate oily skin gently and in a controlled way since excess oil can result from a buildup of dead skin cells. Avoid harsh face washes, strong makeup removers, or abrasive tools. Instead, use gentle exfoliators like mild exfoliating masks or soft face cloths. Do not skip moisturizers and hydrating products, every skin type needs them. However, you should use oil-free moisturizers. For cleansing, skip creamy cleansers or oil-based removers and instead use micellar water or toners to balance facial oil. Regular cleansing helps manage oil and reduce breakouts.

Avoid Touching Your Face
People with oily skin often tend to touch or squeeze their pimples, but even touching the face can make acne worse or cause new breakouts. Touching your face transfers oils and bacteria from your hands to your skin, which can easily trigger acne.

Combination Skin
Combination skin includes two or more skin types. In this case, some areas of the face may be dry and flaky while others are oily and shiny. Many people confuse combination skin with dry or oily skin due to these symptoms. In fact, combination skin is the most common skin type among both men and women, and it can be more challenging to care for.

This skin type often has oily, shiny areas in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), where oil glands are more active than in other areas like the cheeks. Having both dry and oily skin means you need special, careful care. Your skincare routine and products should not make oily areas oilier or dry areas drier.

Choose Natural Ingredients
People with combination skin often find chemical-heavy skincare products too harsh. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (used for acne treatment) can dry out the skin severely and stimulate more oil production in oily zones. Instead, opt for hydrating products with natural extracts like cucumber, green tea, and chamomile, which hydrate without irritating the skin and have calming effects.

Like those with dry skin, people with combination skin should avoid products with fragrances or perfumes, as both can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Instead, look for alcohol-free products with natural plant-based extracts.

Don’t Forget Cleansing and Moisturizing!
Just like with oily and dry skin types, cleansing combination skin is essential. Regular, gentle exfoliation ensures that dead skin cells don’t clog pores and trap oil and dirt.

Moisturizing is also important but finding a product suitable for both dry and oily areas can be tricky. That’s why it’s often best to use two different moisturizers: one rich, hydrating cream for dry areas and a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for oily parts of the face.

Sensitive Skin
Any skin type—oily, dry, or combination—can also be sensitive. Sensitive skin is often red and inflamed and reacts poorly to many skincare and cosmetic products. People with sensitive skin should never use strong products with harsh chemicals. As the name suggests, sensitive skin can react to ingredients that other skin types tolerate just fine.

Caring for Sensitive Skin
Because this skin type is easily irritated, it’s essential to use natural, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free products. Natural extracts like aloe vera and chamomile can soothe sensitive skin, and products containing these ingredients are ideal. Homemade masks can also help relieve sensitivity. If you prefer commercial products, make sure they are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

When washing your face, be gentle and avoid harsh tools like rough face brushes or loofahs. Oil-based cleansers can be a good option for this skin type. For makeup removal and face washing, use extremely gentle products that are free of dyes, fragrances, and alcohol. Over-washing can lead to excessive dryness and increased sensitivity.

Sun Exposure and Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be especially vulnerable to sun damage. So, never go out without applying sunscreen with a high SPF (at least SPF 50) and a lightweight formula. Heavy sunscreens or makeup products are not suitable for sensitive skin.