Skin type – characteristics, differences & proper care

What does "skin type" mean?

Skin type describes the individual characteristics of the skin, particularly its oil content, moisture level, sensitivity, and reactivity. It is genetically determined but is also influenced by environmental factors, age, and lifestyle. Understanding your own skin type is crucial for selecting appropriate skincare products and avoiding skin problems. ^{^1,2}

The four classic skin types according to Dr. Helena Rubinstein

The currently used classification of skin types dates back to the cosmetic scientist Helena Rubinstein and is supplemented by dermatological findings. The following are distinguished:

• Normal skin: Balanced ratio of oil and moisture. Fine pores, no tightness or redness.
• Dry skin: lack of lipids and moisture, feeling of tightness, fine lines, often sensitive ³ .
• Oily skin: Overproduction of sebum, enlarged pores, tendency to shine and impurities.
• Combination skin: A combination of oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry cheek areas.

Extended dermatological skin classification

In dermatology, further differentiation is made according to additional criteria:

• Sensitive skin: Reacts easily to environmental stimuli, skincare products, or temperature changes. Frequently impaired skin barrier. ⁴ .
• Mature skin: Reduced elasticity, moisture loss and slowed cell renewal.
• Dehydrated skin: Lack of moisture regardless of oil content – ​​even oily skin can be dehydrated.

The role of the skin barrier

The skin barrier (stratum corneum) consists of corneocytes and lipids that act like mortar and bricks. It protects against transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and external irritants. A disrupted barrier leads to redness, tightness, and inflammation – often mistakenly perceived as a “sensitive skin type” ⁵ .

How can you determine your skin type?

• Visual analysis: Observe skin shine, pore size, and tightness after cleansing.
• Blotting test: Use blotting paper to check the sebum content in different areas of the face.
• Professional skin analysis: In dermatological practices or skin institutes using digital measuring devices (sebumetry, corneometry).

Factors that influence skin type

Skin type is not static. It changes throughout life and reacts to:

• Age: With increasing age, the lipid content decreases, and the skin becomes drier.
• Hormones: Puberty, pregnancy, or menopause affect sebum production and blood circulation.
• Climate & season: Cold, dry air or UV radiation directly affect moisture content and barrier function.
• Care practices: Overly aggressive cleaning or over-care can disrupt the natural state ⁶ .

Skin types & suitable care

Every skin type requires tailored skincare products:

• Normal skin: Balanced routine with light moisturizing care, protection from UV radiation and environmental stress.
• Dry skin: Rich creams with ceramides, squalane, shea butter and hyaluronic acid.
• Oily skin: Non-comedogenic, oil-free textures, e.g. gels with niacinamide or zinc.
• Combination skin: Adapted care zones: mattifying products for the T-zone, hydrating products for the cheeks.
• Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, pH-neutral formulations with panthenol or aloe vera.

The Fitzpatrick skin type (sun sensitivity)

In addition to the cosmetic classification, the dermatological Fitzpatrick classification describes the skin's reaction to sunlight – relevant for sun protection and pigmentation. ⁷

type	Features	reaction to sun
I	Very fair, freckles	It always burns, never tans
II	Fair-skinned, often blonde/blue-eyed	Burns easily, barely browns.
III	Medium light, light brown	Burns moderately, tans gradually.
IV	Olive, southern European	Rarely burns, tans well
V	Dark brown	Rarely sunburn
VI	Very dark	No sunburn, intense pigmentation

Skin type and skin condition – an important difference

Skin type is genetically determined, while skin condition varies depending on the situation (e.g., stress, climate, diet). For example, oily skin can also be dehydrated or sensitive. Skin analysis should therefore consider both factors. ^⁸

Conclusion

Knowing your skin type is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. It helps you choose the perfect products, avoid over-treatment, and keep your skin barrier healthy. An individualized routine – like the one at NATURFACTOR – respects these differences and offers tailored care for every skin need.

Sources

1. Wikipedia (DE): Skin type. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauttyp
2. DocCheck Flexikon: Skin types. https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Hauttyp
3. NetDoktor (DE): Skincare by skin type. https://www.netdoktor.de/koerperpflege/hautpflege/
4. Charité Berlin – Patient tips on skincare. https://derma.charite.de/patienteninformationen/
5. DocCheck Flexikon: Stratum corneum. https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Stratum_corneum
6. Springer Medicine: Skin Care and Skin Barrier (Review). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00105-020-04725-2
7. Wikipedia (DE): Fitzpatrick skin type. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauttyp_(Fitzpatrick)
8. German Medical Journal (Ärztezeitung): Skin type and skin condition – why analysis is important. https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Medizin/Hauttypen-und-Zustaende-richtig-erkennen-220543.html