Knowing your skin type is the first step towards building a skincare routine that truly suits your needs. Dry, oily, combination or normal skin: each type has specific characteristics that influence the choice of cosmetics and daily treatments.
But how can we tell what type of skin we have? Observing a few signs, such as sebum production, texture and skin reactivity, can help us recognise its characteristics and take care of it more consciously.
What are the main skin types?
Skin classification is mainly based on the balance between sebum production, hydration and the function of the skin barrier.
The main types are:
- normal skin: balanced, soft, with barely visible pores and an even complexion;
- dry skin: tends to be rough and lacking in elasticity, and may show flaking or a feeling of tightness;
- oily skin: characterised by higher sebum production, shine and pores that are often more visible;
- combination skin: has a shinier T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and normal or dry cheeks;
- sensitive skin: shows greater reactivity, with possible redness, stinging or irritation.
It is important to know that sensitive skin is not a distinct skin type based on sebum production, but a condition that can accompany different skin types.
How can you tell what skin type you have?
A first method is to look at your face in natural light, about 30-60 minutes after gentle cleansing, without applying any other products.
If the skin looks shiny over most of the face, it may be oily. If the shine mainly affects the T-zone, it may be combination skin. A persistent feeling of tightness, together with roughness, may instead suggest dry skin.
The blotting paper test, applied to the forehead and cheeks, can also give an indication of how sebum is distributed.
These observations are a guide only: they do not replace a dermatological assessment, especially in the case of persistent irritation or skin problems.
Why is it important to know your skin type?
Correctly identifying the characteristics of your skin allows you to choose cleansers, creams, serums and treatments that are more in line with its needs.
Dry skin may require more nourishing formulas, while oily skin needs products that respect the skin's balance without weighing it down. For sensitive skin, on the other hand, it is essential to pay particular attention to how well formulations are tolerated.
At B-SELFIE we believe that effective skincare starts with knowing your skin: understanding its characteristics allows you to choose more consciously the treatments to include in your routine.
The expert's advice: how to recognise the different skin types
What are the parameters that distinguish normal skin from dry, oily or combination skin? And what signs may indicate greater skin sensitivity?
To explore these aspects, we hand over to our expert, who explains the characteristics of the main skin types and the criteria for recognising them.
By Dr Enzo Berardesca
Physician specialising in dermatology
Research Professor at the University of Miami
Clinical characteristics of the main skin types and criteria for recognising them
The classification of skin types is based on objective clinical parameters such as sebum production, hydration status, the integrity of the epidermal barrier and skin reactivity. The main phenotypes and their diagnostic features are described below.
Normal skin
It is balanced in terms of sebum and moisture. The surface is smooth, even and free from excessive shine or areas of flaking. Pores are fine and barely visible; the complexion is even and there are no signs of irritation. To the touch, the skin feels elastic and soft. The absence of local imbalances and good tolerance of cosmetic products are the main criteria for recognising it.
Dry skin
It is characterised by reduced sebum production and an impaired barrier function. Clinically it presents with dullness, roughness and, in some cases, fine flaking or a subjective feeling of tightness. Pores are generally barely visible. Fine lines may be more pronounced and there may be slight erythema/redness secondary to irritation. Diagnosis is based on a tactile assessment of reduced elasticity and on the rapid onset of dryness after cleansing.
Oily skin
It results from sebaceous hypersecretion, predominantly in the central area of the face (T-zone). The skin surface looks shiny, and pores are enlarged and frequently clogged. Open and closed comedones are common, as are inflammatory lesions in predisposed individuals. The complexion may look dull or greyish. It is recognised by shine that persists a few hours after cleansing and by a thick skin texture.
Combination skin
It combines areas of increased sebum secretion, typically located in the T-zone, with normally hydrated or slightly dry areas on the cheeks and the sides of the face. This is the most frequently observed phenotype. Differential diagnosis is based on evident differences in shine and texture between the different areas of the face.
Sensitive skin
It is not a skin type defined by the amount of sebum, but rather a condition of hyperreactivity. It presents with erythema and a burning or stinging sensation in response to external stimuli (topical products, changes in climate). Telangiectasia or persistent erythema may also be present. It is often associated with dry or combination skin. It is recognised by a clinical history of reactivity and by skin that looks easily irritated.
Practical assessment criteria
The clinical examination should be carried out in natural light, preferably 30-60 minutes after cleansing and with no products applied. Shine, pore diameter, texture and the sensations reported by the patient are assessed. A simple test consists of applying a sheet of blotting paper to the forehead and cheeks: selective absorption in the central area points to combination skin, widespread absorption to oily skin, and the absence of sebum to dry or normal skin.
Correctly identifying the skin type makes it possible to select cleansers, emollients and treatments in a rational way, reducing the risk of irritation or of worsening the skin's imbalance.
The skincare best suited to your skin's needs
Every skin has different characteristics and needs. That is why the choice of products should start not only from the skin type, but also from specific needs such as hydration, radiance, comfort and evenness of texture.
Discover a selection of B-SELFIE products to build a more conscious and personalised skincare routine.
Normal skin
Anti-ageing, moisturising and antioxidant face cream with a rich, silky texture, for toned, even and radiant skin.
Dry skin
Daily face cream that promotes hydration, softness and a more toned, radiant look.
Oily skin
Night-time face peel formulated to promote skin renewal and improve the skin's radiance and evenness.
Combination skin
Serum with a lifting effect, enriched with a cocktail of vitamins for a brightening and sebum-balancing effect.
Sensitive skin
Gentle micellar water that removes make-up and impurities, respecting even the most sensitive skin.
