The 4 Different Skin Types: Which Skin Type Do You Have?

A picture of Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni

Book Now

Regardless of ethnicity or age, there are 4 different skin types which govern the way we should approach skin care.  No matter who you are, or where you’re from, you’ll have one of these 4 types of skin.

These are normal, dry, oily and combination.  Whether you’re pale, dark, or something in between, you’ll fall under one of these skin type categories.

And your skin type means you may be prone to conditions like acne, or sensitivities to certain products and environmental factors.  It’s important to know your skin type, so you can assemble a regime of nurturing care that addresses its unique properties.

Normal

Normal skin is much easier to manage than the other types discussed here.  Free of blemishes and other signs of imbalance, normal skin is something we’d all love to have.

But having normal skin doesn’t mean you don’t have to look after it.  You still need to be vigilant about maintaining a moisture barrier and protecting your normal skin from sun damage and other factors.

Dry

Dry skin is a challenge.  It can be flaky, or just feel tight and dry.  Because dry skin produces less sebum, it has less protection from environmental factors like ambient dirt and weather conditions, including intense sunlight.

People with dry skin should choose their cleanser carefully.  Anything which may further dry the skin should be avoided.  It’s also important to adjust your skin care regime for the seasons, to provide your skin with what it needs to look its best.

Care for your dry skin by avoiding the sun or wearing a 30 SPF sunscreen and take care in the shower – very hot water will only make your skin drier.  Use a moisturizer that nurtures your skin, every day.

Oily

When the sebaceous glands in the skin are over-enthusiastic in their production of sebum, your skin will be oily.

People with oily skin tend to have larger pores and the skin has a thick appearance.  They’re also more prone to acne, especially on the forehead, nose and chin.  But take heart if you have oily skin.  It also tends to look more plump and youthful.

Choose skin products with care which won’t clog your pores.  Hypoallergenic products are best for you.

Combination

Here’s the trickiest skin type of all – oily combined with dry.  People with this skin type usually have an oily t-zone (forehead, nose and chin), with the remainder of the skin being dry.

Caring for combination skin can be difficult, but there are great products on the market to accommodate this skin type.  Again, hypoallergenic products can help.  Select what you use on your skin type with care and be diligent about caring for your t-zone to avoid acne outbreaks.

Ethos Spa, Skin & Laser Center

At Ethos Spa, we care about the skin you’re in.  We’re a doctor-directed medical cosmetic facility which offers our guests the latest in leading edge aesthetic treatments.

If you’re looking for the best in supportive cosmetic therapies for your skin, contact us.

Dr. Hardik Soni

MD, Founder/Lead Physician

About Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni is the founder and Medical Director of Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. His primary focus is on minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures including botulinum injection (Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse), laser hair removal, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Soni believes in a more conservative approach and his first goal is education. Clients are able to determine the ideal treatments after discussion with Dr. Soni regarding the expected outcomes, cost, as well as risks.

Read More