skintype

Skintype refers to a set of characteristics that describe how the skin behaves with regard to moisture, oil production, and sensitivity. It is used in dermatology and cosmetic science to guide product selection and treatment planning. Skin type is considered relatively stable but can change with age, hormones, climate, medications, and skincare habits. It is distinct from a skin condition, though conditions like acne or eczema can interact with underlying type.

Commonly recognized categories describe the balance of oil and moisture and include oily, dry, normal, and combination skin. Oily skin typically has excess sebum, appears shiny, and may have larger pores. Dry skin has insufficient moisture, often feels tight or rough. Normal skin is considered well balanced. Combination skin features oilier areas, usually the T-zone, with drier areas elsewhere. Some frameworks also designate sensitive skin as a separate category, emphasizing susceptibility to irritation or redness. In addition, the Fitzpatrick skin type (I to VI) is a separate scale used to classify a person’s skin phototype and likely reaction to sun exposure, primarily for assessing sunburn risk and UV needs rather than everyday cosmetic type.

Determining skin type can involve self-observation, such as noting how the skin behaves after washing and across a typical day, or using blotting papers to assess oil distribution. Professional assessments or patch tests may be used by dermatologists to evaluate how the skin responds to products or formulations. Skin type can shift with seasonal changes, climate, medications, or life stages, so periodic reassessment is common.

Implications for care vary by type. Oily skin may benefit from lighter, non-comedogenic products and regular cleansing; dry skin from richer moisturizers and humectants; combination skin from targeted formulations for different areas; sensitive skin from mild, fragrance-free products and conservative ingredient choices; normal skin from a balanced routine that preserves skin’s natural state.