Basic Skin Types

[chitrakumar]

There are five basic skin care types: Oily, combination, sensitive, dry and sun-damaged. Your skin type is determined by how much -- or how little -- oil your skin produces. Genes, diet, stress level, medication and even your skincare regimen all determine how much oil your skin produces. Know it in detail below

Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce a substance called Asebum, a naturally healthy skin lubricant. When the skin produces too much sebum, it becomes thick and heavy in texture. Oily skin is characterized by shininess, pimples and blemishes. Frequent steam cleaning and exfoliation can help reduce these symptoms.

Dry Skin

Dry skin usually results when skin fails to produce enough sebum to maintain a naturally lubricated surface. This lack of oil in the skin is often hereditary, but can also be caused by over-exposure to the sun and other environmental elements. Dry skin often appears coarse, tight, dull and flaky, with visible lines and wrinkles. Massage with essential and cold pressed oils can stimulate metabolism and alleviate dry skin conditions.

Normal Skin
Normal skin produces a healthy amount of sebum, and tends to be neither dry nor oily in feel. It needs proper cleansing and massage.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts unfavourably to a variety of chemicals and environmental factors. Increased exposure to sun, wind and cold, as well as to harsh cosmetic ingredients, tend to toughen skin over time.

Combination Skin

Many people have different skin types on different parts of the face. For example, it is not uncommon for a person to have oily skin around the nose, forehead and chin, while the rest of the face is more on the dry side. If you have more than one skin type on your face, it is wise to use products containing different ingredients to treat the areas differently.


It’s very important to know which skin type is your skin, in order to use the right cosmetic products and to know how to take care of your skin properly. Find how to determine your skin type in the following post....

[chitrakumar]

This is a well known test to help you identify your skin type. It is simple and it takes just a few moments: Clean your face and do not apply any product. Wait for about 10 minutes. Get a white tissue paper and blot all you skin. What do you see?

Do you see oily residues in the area of the nose and forehead? - Then you may have a combination skin.
Do you see oily residue everywhere? - Then you may have oily skin.
You do not see any oil at all. - Then your skin is dry.
Do you see just a little bit of oil everywhere? - Your skin is normal.

[ushababu]

Hi Chitra,

Nice post. I get confused often with my skin type. Today i will try and confirm my skin type...

thanks a lot....

[smart234]

Thanks for the information you are sharing with us here. For me it is indeed important to know what skin types you have as different skin types would need a different type of treatment and face wash as well. It is important not to use the wrong one as it might bring a lot of trouble later like acne, etc. Mine is normal skin, normal washing with face wash would do the trick. And I do it twice a day to keep the oil away.

[alp12ha]

your information about skin is best
but plz tell me oily skin care

[zeena]

which is the best mosturizer in india?shanaz?

[cutegeetha]

lacto calamine is best... but it varies from person to person..

[lsobieski]

If you skin belongs to a normal type, the tissue will not reveal any traces of oil. Your skin should feel vibrant, elastic, and supple.Normal skin is the least problematic type.
It looks clean and smooth and has a good circulation and healthy complexion. Even with a minimum care, it will look good well into your advanced age.

[leons0133]

My skin is dry: what type of facial is good for my skin

[andrewzones]

I am glad to have a wonderful information about skin type.As skin is the most sensitive part of the body,you need to know which beauty product suits your skin.I can now treat my skin by following your remedies.