What does the skin type depend on?

Similar to hair, of which there are different hair types, our skin can also be divided into different types. The skin type summarizes the special characteristics and the structure of the respective skin in groups, the 4 basic skin types. Within these skin types, different skin textures can be distinguished according to the respective condition of the skin.

The genetic predisposition has the biggest influence on our skin condition, and thus on the skin type. Therefore, members of a family often have similar skin types.

The individual complexion, on the other hand, is also determined by external factors in addition to the disposition and can be changed and optimized through proactive influence (e.g. through nutrition and care). One of the most important factors is diet. A healthy and balanced diet can have a positive effect on skin texture. Fast food, greasy snacks or sweets can negatively affect the condition of the skin and even promote blemishes and acne. Smoking, alcohol consumption and UV radiation from the sun or solarium also put a lot of strain on the skin and cause it to dry out and visibly age faster. But psychological factors can also play a role. Stress, for example, jeopardizes the hormonal balance. Skin care products and medications can also affect the complexion.

The four skin types

Our skin is as individual as we are, because the different pigmentations and structures make our skin unique. Despite this, healthy skin is generally categorized into four types, which differ in certain characteristics:

  • normal skin 
  • dry skin 
  • oily skin 
  • combination skin 

Some dermatologists use different groupings. For example, mature skin is sometimes presented as a distinct fifth skin type. Other dermatologists distinguish only three basic skin types. Some subdivide even more finely into the individual skin types with often more than 10 different categories.

How to determine your skin type

With a simple analysis of the skin, a subjective classification and determination of the skin type is possible. If you want to know exactly, you can seek dermatological or cosmetic advice. For an initial assessment of the skin type, the face should be free of make-up and ideally washed with lukewarm water.

Skin type 1 – Identify normal skin

Dermatologists refer to normal skin or eudermic skin as a healthy and balanced complexion. Normal skin has a balanced sebum and moisture balance. It is supple, fine-pored and neither particularly dry nor greasy. Normal skin is well supplied with blood and is particularly insensitive to environmental influences. This easy-care skin type is rather rare and mainly occurs in young people.

Skin type 2 – Recognize dry skin and care for it properly

Dry skin, also known as xeroderma, often feels tight after washing. Without moisturizer, dry skin is often itchy or flaky. Depending on the cause of the dryness, dry skin can be divided into two subcategories: low-fat and dehydrated skin.

In the case of low-fat skin, the dryness is caused by insufficient sebum production and in the case of dehydrated skin, the skin cannot bind enough water.

With dry skin, there is a deficit of lipids, fats and fat-like substances, and the skin’s natural protective film is damaged. Possible causes include dry heating air, an unbalanced diet and cigarette and alcohol consumption. Hormonal changes and skin diseases can make the dryness even worse. The skin is visibly and tangibly dry, rough and often uneven. Occasionally there is redness. Since dry skin leads to wrinkle formation, it is important to take countermeasures at an early stage. Special care products can help to compensate the lack of moisture. The AgeLine® FACELIFT SERUM with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, for example, binds moisture and thus supports the skin’s moisture balance. The REGENERIERENDE LIPID+ CREAM from AgeLine®, specially developed for dry skin, regenerates the skin and provides it with a high level of moisture, lipids and energy.

Skin type 3 – Recognize oily skin and properly care for it

Oily skin can be recognized by a certain degree of impurity and a greasy sheen. Excessive sebum production is usually responsible for this oily skin. The T-area between the forehead, nose and chin is usually particularly badly affected. The décolleté and shoulders can also be affected by impure, oily skin. Excess sebum is known as seborrhea and can have various causes. It is often associated with a disrupted hormonal balance, but unsuitable cosmetic products and stress can also contribute to the development of oily skin. Since oily skin can promote the formation of pimples, it should be cleaned particularly carefully.

Cleansing products such as the AgeLine® CLEANSING TONER also contain panthenol and thus inhibit inflammation. But also the highly effective FACELIFT SERUM and FACELIFT CREAM are also suitable for the care of oily skin. For oily skin, serums, creams and lotions should be selected in such a way that they do not make the skin excessively greasy. Products specifically designed to care for dry skin should be avoided on oily or combination skin.

Skin type 4 – Recognizing combination skin and caring for it properly

As the name suggests, combination skin is a hybrid of oily and dry skin. While the T-area between the forehead, nose and chin tends to be oily and unclean, the cheeks and the area around the eyes are dry. Care products that are suitable for all skin types are suitable for this skin type – for example the basic line of AgeLine® with effective care for every skin type.

The right care for mature skin

Although mature skin is not a separate skin type, it still requires special attention. It is sensitive, loses moisture quickly and needs more time to regenerate. As a result, mature skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This sensitive skin is particularly sensitive and reacts to environmental influences such as UV rays or cold with a feeling of tightness, redness and irritation. Especially in the area under the eyes, mature skin is very thin and prone to wrinkles. Therefore, special care products should be used for the eye area, such as the EYELIFT SERUM.

Mature skin is often dry skin at the same time. Therefore, treatment and recommended care are very similar. Particularly rich care formulas for dry skin are usually also suitable for mature skin – for example the REGENERIERENDEN LIPID+ CREAM, which optimally nourishes and regenerates both dry and mature skin with an extra boost of moisture and energy. It reactivates lipid synthesis and at the same time reduces the depth of wrinkles. While AgeLine® products are normally suitable for all skin types, the REGENERATING LIPID+ CREAM is specially designed for dry and mature skin.

Skin types can change

Although the skin type is heavily influenced by genes, it can change over time. With puberty and the associated hormonal fluctuations, the skin often becomes oilier. This is followed by a phase in which the skin appears as one of the four skin types depending on genetic predisposition. With increasing age, the skin changes and usually becomes drier, so that the dry skin type predominates in older age. But the individual lifestyle also plays a decisive role for the respective complexion. With a lot of exercise, water intake, a balanced diet and the right skin care, the condition of the skin can be influenced very well to a certain extent – with almost every genetic predisposition.