SKIN TYPES
Skin Types and Conditions
Skin can generally be categorized into types: normal, oily, dry, sensitive, mature, and combination skin, determined largely by genetics. However, the skin’s condition can change depending on various internal and external factors.
NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin is balanced, well-hydrated, and well-supplied with blood, giving it a soft, supple texture and a fresh, rosy color. The term “normal” describes a healthy, balanced skin condition, also known as euderma.
Oily skin
Oily skin, also known as seborrhea, often appears thick, with enlarged pores and a shiny surface. This condition is usually due to increased sebum production, which can result from genetic factors, hormonal changes, certain medications, or stress.
Combination skin
Combination skin features mixed characteristics, typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry or normal skin on the cheeks. The size of the T-zone can vary widely, from a narrow strip to a broader area.
Dry skin
Dry skin, known as sebostasis, is often fine-pored, delicate, and lacks moisture. It produces less sebum than normal skin, leading to a deficiency in lipids that help retain moisture. Additionally, an imbalanced collagen structure can contribute to dryness, as an impaired collagen framework reduces the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is typically dry, has fine pores, and is prone to redness. It reacts more quickly than normal skin to external factors, often resulting in irritation, itching, rashes, or inflammation.
Mature skin
As we age, skin undergoes changes. From the mid-20s, collagen metabolism declines, and mature skin begins to lose moisture, tone, and elasticity. Depending on genetics, lifestyle, and external factors, these changes may occur earlier or later. Mature skin becomes more demanding, requiring extra protection and specialized care, and often shows the first signs of lines and wrinkles.
HORMONAL SKIN CHANGES
Changing Skin Types Over Time
Skin types—normal, oily, dry, sensitive, mature, and combination—are primarily determined by genetics but can change with age. Factors like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can shift skin from oily to drier. From age 25, decreasing estrogen levels reduce collagen and hyaluron production, especially after menopause, causing the skin to lose moisture, firmness, and elasticity. Collagen levels can drop by 30% within five years after menopause, leading to thinner, drier skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Internal and external factors also influence individual skin conditions.