Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination: How to Know Your Skin Type and Why It Matters

The transition into fall and then winter proves an exciting time. Beloved holidays are around the corner. Seasonal goodies abound. Family and friends are often nearer to us. But for many, this time of the year also heralds in weather that is colder—and dryer. It’s a shift, and that makes it challenging for your skin. Hence, knowing your skin type can be a fall and winter game changer. Are you normal, dry, oily, or combination? Let’s find out! 

Skin Type 1: Normal

To be clear, every skin type is normal! But this one originally got its name because it presents the fewest problems. If you have a normal skin type, you are lucky in the sense that you don’t have to deal with too many issues. 

Traits of the normal skin type include: 

• Minimal blemishing
• Nearly invisible pores
• Resistance to elements and irritants
• Even skin tone
• Radiant complexion
• Strong circulation

Unfortunately, normal skin tends to be a thing of youth—but not always! If you are blessed with this skin type, you should still take good care of it. Preventative skin care treatments, along with regular cleansing and moisturizing, can keep skin looking wonderful for longer no matter the type. 

Here are our tips:

• Take a supplement, like our SkinCapsule™ Hydrate+, to ensure that you are infusing your normal skin type with all of the moisture it craves. Also, drink plenty of water! This is especially key during winter. 
• Don’t forget to use SPF daily, even during these more overcast seasons! Wrinkles do not discriminate from one skin type to another. 
• Always remove makeup thoroughly, with a double cleanse, before bed. You might be free of blemishes and large pores now. But if you sleep with makeup on, those symptoms could catch up to even your normal skin. 

Skin Type 2: Dry 

Now we’ll chat on the skin type that most needs some tips for fall and winter: dry. Because it naturally produces less sebum than the normal skin type, dry skin struggles to hold on to moisture. As a result, it also tends to have trouble building protective barriers, making it more sensitive. 

Traits of the dry skin type include: 

• Lack of elasticity
• Dull complexion
• Redness 
• Small pores
• Flaking and cracking
• Particularly visible fine lines and wrinkles
• Propensity for irritation and infection
• Roughness 

You struggle to keep your skin hydrated all year long. So, this time of year is especially frustrating. The cooler, dryer weather just adds one more layer of difficulty to managing your skin type.

Here are our tips: 

• A supplement like our Hydrate+ will help you out too. But for those with a dry skin type, we also recommend a nutritional addition like PlantYourDay. Designed to support stomach and skin health, it will keep everything balanced so that you don’t develop any new issues with your dry skin. The gut plays a big role in hormone balancing, and hormones play a big role in dry skin.  
• Focus on drinking water. Yes, celebrities attribute all of their skin health to water, and we know it can be annoying! But they are right in the idea that it’s helpful. This is key if you have dry skin.
• Use a humidifier. We especially like this tip for bedtime. Running a humidifier overnight will help you retain more good moisture. 
• Incorporate hyaluronic acid. Naturally produced by the body, hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to bring to your dry skin care routine. It helps increase moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. IMAGE Skincare has a whole line of products that include hyaluronic acid. 

Skin Type 3: Oily

Alright, now let’s talk to the opposite skin type! If you are in the oily category, you deal with overactive sebaceous glands, which produce too much sebum. 

Traits of the oily skin type include: 

• Large, extra visible pores
• Pale and thicker-looking skin
• Acne, especially in the T zone
• Shiny or greasy appearance
• Plump, full face with fewer wrinkles

Oily skin is often a matter of genetics. Still, medications, diet, and hormone changes like those in pregnancy can all influence sebum production. As can using the wrong products. Of all the skin types, oily probably needs to be the most careful about their skincare routine. 

Here are our tips: 

• Incorporate a supportive supplement like our SkinCapsule™ Clear+, which reduces oil production with a unique mix of zinc and turmeric. It has many other benefits, too! 
• Choose products labeled “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic” to avoid clogging pores. 
• Receive regular facials and professional extractions to keep the skin as clean as possible. Consider dermaplaning too, which removes hair that might contribute to dirt and oil buildup.
• Use blotting papers to press away excess oil throughout the day. 
• Exfoliate properly, with gentle but powerful masks. 

Skin Type 4: Combination

The most common skin type, combination is the confusingly complex situation most of us are in. It can be the most challenging skin type because you frequently have to address two sets of issues at once. 

Traits of the combination skin type include: 

• Excess oil, acne, and enlarged pores on the forehead, nose, and chin
• Symptoms of dry or normal type skin around the mouth, eyes, and cheeks 

With combination skin, the T zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, overproduces sebum. But the rest of the face … it stays dry. Often too dry. It’s a conundrum. The secret to managing the combination skin type is flexibility. You have to embrace the fact that you might be changing up your routine more often than others. 

Here are our tips: 

• Because it decreases inflammation and brightens, we think our SkinCapsule™ Brighten+ can be a good baseline choice for those with combination skin. Then, choose other supplements to add in based on your biggest struggle (hydration, blemishes, etc.). 
• Invest in a great eye cream, to add moisture where it is needed but not in the T zone. 
• Consult an aesthetician and dermatologist on your unique needs—they vary among those with a combination skin type. 
• Find the perfect lip care products, as many with combination skin struggle to keep them hydrated. 
• Use an emollient-rich product in your dry spots. For more on emollients, read here.