Skin types: An overview of the different skin types and skin conditions
Skin is classified into different types – each with specific characteristics and care requirements. Skin type is determined by genetic factors. However, the individual skin condition varies depending on internal and external influences.
What skin types are there?
There are four main skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination . In addition, there is sensitive and mature skin – however, these are considered temporary skin conditions rather than distinct skin types. Which skin type you have depends on your genes. However, the condition of your skin can change. It is influenced by internal and external factors – so-called intrinsic (e.g., genetics or hormonal changes) and extrinsic (e.g., UV radiation, (oxidative) stress, or an unbalanced diet) factors.
Normal skin
Normal skin is neither too dry nor lacking in moisture.
It has good blood circulation, a soft and supple surface, and appears fresh and rosy. The term "normal" describes a balanced complexion.
Dry skin
Dry skin is called sebostasis in medical terminology.
It is usually fine-pored, delicate, and drier. It produces less sebum and therefore fewer lipids that protect against water loss.
Oily skin
Oily skin tends to appear thick, with large pores, and shiny.
In medical terms, this skin type is called seborrhea. It is often caused by increased sebum production, which can be triggered by genetic factors, hormonal changes, medication, or stress.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive or delicate skin often tends to be dry and red.
It has fine pores and reacts faster than normal skin to external influences.
Symptoms such as itching, rash, or inflammation may occur.
Combination skin
The term "combination skin" describes a skin type with mixed characteristics.
The so-called "oily T-zone" encompasses the forehead, nose, and chin. The cheeks, on the other hand, are usually dry. The size of the T-zone can vary, ranging from a narrow strip to a larger area.
Mature skin
The skin changes throughout life.
Depending on predisposition, lifestyle, and external influences, mature skin develops sooner or later. It becomes more demanding, requires more protection and tailored care. It shows the first lines and wrinkles.
Determining skin type – how do I identify my skin type?
To determine your skin type, thoroughly cleanse your face and refrain from using any skincare products for an hour. Then observe: If your skin feels tight or flaky, it's likely dry; if it's very shiny and shows large pores, it's oily; if only your T-zone is shiny while your cheeks are dry, it's combination skin. If it reacts sensitively to irritants, it's sensitive. A simple test with blotting paper can also help. This allows you to measure the oil content: lots of oil = oily skin, hardly any oil = dry, oil only in the T-zone = combination skin.
Important: Your skin type can change with age, hormones, or the seasons. For a precise diagnosis, a professional skin analysis – for example, by a dermatologist – may be worthwhile.
Skin types and hormonal changes – what happens to my skin?
Skin type can change over the course of a lifetime. If skin was oily in adolescence, it may become drier after puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Declining hormone activity with age due to perimenopause or menopause
From the age of 25, estrogen production declines continuously. After menopause, the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin cells (fibroblasts) of the dermis decreases significantly. Studies have shown that the collagen content in the skin is reduced by 30 percent five years after menopause. Without collagen and hyaluronic acid, the skin can no longer maintain its robust support structure effectively.
Skin types and UV sensitivity – Fitzpatrick classification explained
The UV sensitivity of the skin, in turn, is divided into six skin types by the Fitzpatrick classification (named after the American dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick) – depending on the reaction to sunlight and thus focuses less on the skin condition or cosmetic skin quality.
Type I skin is very fair, never tans, and burns easily. Type II skin hardly tans and is also highly prone to sunburn. With increasing skin type number, the ability to tan increases and sensitivity decreases. Type VI skin is very dark, tans deeply, and rarely burns. This classification helps in choosing the right UV protection.
Type 1
Skin color : Very fair
Hair color : Reddish to reddish-blonde
Tanning : None
Self-protection time : max. 15 min.
Type 2
Skin color : Light
Hair color : blonde
Tanning : Hardly any to moderate
Self-protection time : max. 20 min.
Type 3
Skin color : Light to light brown
Hair color : Dark blonde to brown
Tanning : Progressive
Self-protection time : max. 30 min.
Type 4
Skin color : Light brown, olive
Hair color : Dark brown
Tanning : Progressive
Self-protection time : max. 40 min.
Type 5
Skin color : Dark brown
Hair color : Dark brown to black
Tanning : none
Self-protection time : max. 60 min.
Type 6
Skin color : Dark brown to black
Hair color : Black
Tanning : none
Self-protection time : max. 90 min.
Even for darker Fitzpatrick skin types, skincare is essential, as the skin barrier needs protection. Despite higher natural UV protection, deeper skin types are not immune to environmental influences, light-induced skin damage, or damage to the collagen structure, which leads to premature skin aging in the long term.
