There are 4 types of skin : normal , dry , oily and combination . Obviously, it is interesting to know your skin type to take care of it, since it is determined by our genetic heritage and is therefore an almost permanent state. It changes very little over the course of your life, but if it does change, it is only under the influence of factors such as aging, hormones, health problems, etc.
Unlike skin types, skin conditions vary considerably depending on various internal or external factors to which your skin is exposed. The main 4 are: sensitive , dehydrated , acne and mature .
The best way to diagnose your skin type and take care of it is to consult a dermatologist. However, here we will give you some tips for assessing your skin type, its health, and how to take care of it.
What are the different skin types and how are they different?
Normal skin
Having “normal skin” is equivalent to having globally balanced skin, both in terms of the quantity of sebum produced and the level of hydration. So, it is neither too oily nor too dry. It is comfortable, soft, and without imperfections. It correctly fulfills its role of water retention. The scientific term for healthy skin is “eudermal.”
Dry skin
Having “dry skin” defines a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. This lipid deficiency weakens the hydrolipidic film on the surface of the skin: it can no longer effectively retain water. As a result, the skin is no longer properly hydrated. In addition to being thinner than other skin types, “dry skin” is uncomfortable: it feels tight, it is rough and it ages more quickly because its protective barrier function against external aggressions is impaired.
Oily skin
Having “oily skin” or “hyperseborrheic skin” is characterized by hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands: we are in the presence of skin that produces a lot of sebum. This skin type is common among adolescents and young adults. Identifiable by its shine and oily appearance to the touch on the entire face, oily skin is thicker. Pores are more easily dilated because of this significant production of sebum, and the presence of comedones or even acne is common. However, oily skin tends to age more slowly. Indeed, the sebum present in large quantities protects it more against external aggressions and drying out.
Mixed skin
Having “combination skin” means having a mixture of the two types of dry and oily skin, particularly visible in the T-zone. The T-zone is a term used in dermatology to designate the middle area of the face, which forms a T: forehead, nose and chin. When sebum production increases in the T zone, giving it a slightly shiny appearance, the skin is described as “combination”. Generally, the cheeks are neither too oily nor too dry.
How to identify your skin type?
Generally :
- Normal skin has a smooth appearance, a soft touch, is not a source of discomfort, does not have imperfections, has fine and barely visible pores, and does not shine.
- Dry skin has a dull appearance, a rough feel, is a source of discomfort or tightness, has no imperfections, has fine and barely visible pores, and does not shine.
- Oily skin has a shiny or even shiny appearance, an oily feel, is generally not a source of discomfort other than excess sebum, has imperfections (blackheads, acne, etc.), has enlarged pores all over. the face, shines all over the face.
- Combination skin has an oily appearance in the T-zone but normal or dry cheeks, an irregular touch, is a source of discomfort potentially in the cheeks, presents imperfections particularly in the T-zone, has enlarged pores in the area. T-shaped, shines on the T-zone.
As mentioned above, to be sure of your skin type, the advice of a dermatologist is essential. However, a little experiment is possible to give you an idea: the handkerchief test .
To do this, simply clean your skin and especially do not apply anything afterwards: no moisturizer, no nourishing cream, no serum, nothing! And you wait like this for an hour.
Take a tissue and place it like a mask on your face. Press for a few seconds, remove it and then observe it. Several scenarios are possible:
- If there are no traces of oil on the tissue, your skin is normal to dry.
- If there are some traces of oil in the T zone only, your skin is combination
- If there are traces of oil all over the tissue, your skin is oily.
What are the different skin conditions?
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can be combination, oily, dry or normal, although dry skin is most often affected. It is reactive skin that blushes easily, tingles, feels tight, itches, etc. These reactions readily appear following certain aggressive stimuli such as cold, wind, friction, cosmetic or hygiene products, etc. This sensitivity is often due to the alteration of the barrier function of the skin due to dryness, but also to stress and emotions.
Dehydrated skin
While dry skin lacks lipids, dehydrated skin is thirsty: it lacks water! Dehydration can affect all skin types. Having become uncomfortable, the skin feels tight without necessarily flaking (when fragments of skin cells are eliminated from the surface of the skin), and presents fine lines. Fortunately, this is a one-time condition.
Acne-prone skin
Acne isn't just for teenagers and young adults. Acne-prone skin is irregular skin, which has a high propensity to develop blackheads and pimples. Overproduction of sebum can cause the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. But be careful, acne-prone skin must be treated gently! It should neither be attacked nor dried out.
Mature skin
Of all the organs of the human body, the skin is the only visible one. It suffers the effects of age, and the changes are visible to the naked eye. It loses volume and density. It becomes thinner. It lacks flexibility and elasticity. It may show signs of sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines, until the appearance of pigmentation changes (spots!).
Mature skin shows signs of aging due to hormonal changes caused by age, including decreases in collagen and elastin production, slowed regeneration and cell multiplication. Not all skin ages at the same speed: genes, lifestyle or other external factors can accelerate the process. Or slow them down.
To support the aging of your skin, daily actions and treatments can be adopted, from the age of 35.
How to take care of your skin type?
Our range of dermocosmetic products provides the basic needs of your skin. In addition to the fundamental actions of cleaning, soothing and protecting the skin; At Hodygé, we provide different answers depending on your skin type and condition.
For example, our micellar water cleans particles, molecules, microorganisms, dirt, impurities, makeup, excess sebum, etc. that accumulate during your day. All without drying out your skin, since it is formulated with provitamin B5.
Another example is our alkaline ionized mist . With its unique ingredient (alkaline ionized water, patented technology), it acts directly on and in your skin, to soothe any irritation and strengthen the skin barrier function of your skin (effectiveness proven in an independent laboratory).
Finally, not to forget our serum , its formulation in hyaluronic acid and edelweiss extract, helps fight preventative and curative action against skin aging.
And all of our products are free of controversial or toxic chemicals . That is to say without preservatives, without perfume, without parabens, without colorants, without silicones, without BHT, etc. Hodygé is the essential without the superfluous.
So, when do you take care of your skin?
If you have read this article to the end, congratulations! To reward you for your thirst for learning, we are offering you a 10% reduction with the code: ARTICLETYPEDEPEAU10 (one use per person, cannot be combined with other commercial offers, but compatible with free delivery from €50)
We're not going to do it every time, but for dense topics, we might start again, stay tuned 😉
Photo: Malin K.