There are many factors to take into consideration when we look at what type of skin a person may have. Aside from genetics things like what's going on internally in our bodies and environmental factors are also part of the equation. Internally factors such as our state of health, hormones, and what we put in our bodies affect how we look. This of course includes the health of our skin. Environmentally, we face things like pollution, second hand smoke and the sun which also affects our skin both health wise and visually. There are 5 general categories that are used when we speak of skin types. Normal skin is considered skin which looks for the most part healthy or "normal" with no abnormal or sickly indicators. It also has good circulation which gives it a good healthy color with vibrancy to it. The oil glands which produce sebum in the skin produce it in a moderate rate thus the skin has a balance to it. When a skin is balanced it is neither to oily or too dry. This is why normal skin looks plump, moist and radiant. It's the type of skin we refer to as having a healthy glow. Normal skin also has a supple and elastic feel to it. It doesn't feel saggy or loose. Out of all the skin types; normal skin is the least problematic. Dry Skin is a result of an under active or non-productive sebaceous glands. With dry skin the oil glands either barely produce or do not produce at all enough oil to keep the skin naturally lubricated. Dry skin looks dull in appearance. In addition it may have a flaky look to it with dry patches at times. It tends to be itchy and sensitive. People with chronic dry skin have to hydrate their bodies by drinking a lot of water. And, it is suggested besides using moisturizing skin products people with this skin type should mist their faces with water to maintain its lubrication. Dry skin may be tight and lack elasticity. People with dry skin tend to have a sallow skin tone. They tend to wrinkle prematurely and their skin irritates at the drop of a hat. Dry skin is fragile and vulnerable to changes in temperature and humidity. Oily Skin is due to active sebaceous glands. It produces too much oil and the skin is over lubricated. Because too much sebum is produced the skin is greasy, looks very shiny and the pores are large and clogged. The texture is slippery but coarse do to the enlarged pores. It is acne, blackhead and other pimple problem prone. It does have acne eruptions frequently. This is due to the sebum trapped under the skin causing pus filled lesions called comedomes. There can also be flaky patches on oily skin where the oil dries. Ironically though, this skin type retains a youthful appearance because oily skin is not prone to aging and wrinkles. Sensitive Skin can be oily, dry or normal. Sensitive skin is more of a condition than a skin type per say. It is any skin type that is easily irritated. The typical reactions of sensitive skin are itching, burning, chaffing and stinging. It can be blotchy and irritated frequently and is prone to rashes and redness. There are also visible broken capillaries if the skin is light enough. A sensitive skinned person may wash their face and feel dry itchy and irritated after they do so. Sensitive Skin can also reacts because of sensitivity to environmental conditions. Because of this, sensitive skin may require different special treatments and special products to remain in good condition through various affecting factors.
