Skin Qualities -- Skin Type

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The feel of skin, or how it reacts to stimuli, helps determine skin type. Skin care products should be chosen depending on a person's skin type.

• Oily skin looks shiny and greasy, typically with medium- to large-sized pores. The condition results from overactive oil glands, a feature that makes this skin type prone to acne. Hormones associated with adolescence and pregnancy may contribute to oily skin and breakouts. Oily skin may appear or become worse during the warm summer months. Cleansers and toners for oily skin contain ingredients that dissolve and wash away excess oil. Other products, such as special oil-control lotions and blotting paper, help absorb oil.

• Dry skin appears flaky, irritated, and rough, and may even crack or ooze. For this reason, people with dry skin may be more prone to skin infections and allergic reactions. People with dry skin typically have pores that are small to average in size. Dry skin may feel tight and itchy, often flaring up during the winter months. Bathing in hot water aggravates this skin type, making the condition worse. Overcleansing or cleansing with products that strip the skin of natural oils may cause dry skin. The best products for this skin type are designed to hydrate the skin and help prevent moisture loss.

• Combination skin appears dry in some areas and oily in others. Usually, this type of skin is oily in the so-called "T zone" -- the area comprising the forehead, nose, and chin -- while dry everywhere else. People with combination skin may need to use different products on oily and dry areas to manage both skin types.

• Normal skin appears well balanced and is neither too oily nor too dry. Skin texture is relatively smooth and even with small- to medium-sized pores. This type of skin reacts well to most skin care products.

• Sensitive skin may become red, bumpy, itchy, painful, or break out into a rash with exposure to heat, cold, environmental pollutants, irritating ingredients in products, or many other things. People with sensitive skin should use gentle products formulated to minimize irritation. People with sensitive skin may have dry, oily, or normal skin.