This topic will cover the different skin types (oily, dry, combination, sensitive) and how to identify and work with each type in cosmetology practices.
Understanding Skin Types – Study Notes
| Skin Type | Key Characteristics | Typical Concerns | Ideal Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Balanced oil & moisture, smooth texture, few imperfections, no visible pores | Occasional minor dryness or oiliness | Gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, broad‑spectrum SPF |
| Dry | Tight, flaky, or rough feeling; dull appearance; fine lines more visible; enlarged pores may appear | Dehydration, irritation, premature fine lines | Rich, ceramide‑rich moisturizers, hydrating serums (hyaluronic acid), avoid harsh surfactants |
| Oily | Shiny appearance, enlarged pores, frequent acne or blackheads, thicker sebum production | Acne, clogged pores, enlarged pores | Foaming or gel cleanser, oil‑free/moisturizer, niacinamide or salicylic acid, regular exfoliation |
| Combination | Oily T‑zone (forehead, nose, chin) + normal/dry cheeks | Mixed breakouts, uneven texture | Dual‑phase routine: light cleanser + targeted spot treatment for T‑zone, richer moisturizer for drier areas |
| Sensitive | Redness, stinging, burning, or itching after product use; easily reactive to environmental triggers | Inflammation, eczema, rosacea flare‑ups | Minimalist routine, fragrance‑free, hypoallergenic formulas, barrier‑supporting ingredients (ceramides, panthenol) |
| Acne‑prone (often overlapping with oily or combination) | Frequent papules, pustules, cysts; may have post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Active lesions, scarring | Non‑comedogenic products, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, consistent topical retinoids, avoid occlusive heavy creams |
Tip: Skin type can shift with seasons, hormones, diet, stress, and age. Re‑evaluate every 3–6 months.
| Step | Action | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Use a gentle, non‑stripping cleanser; rinse and pat dry. | Removes makeup, sunscreen, and surface oil. |
| 2. Wait 1 hour | No products applied; let skin return to its natural state. | Allows sebum production to normalize. |
| 3. Observe | - Shine: Notice any glossy areas (especially T‑zone). - Tightness: Does the skin feel stretched or dry? - Pores: Are they visibly enlarged? - Reaction: Any redness or itching after the waiting period? |
• Normal: No excess shine, no tightness, smooth texture. • Dry: Tight, flaky, little to no shine. • Oily: Noticeable shine, enlarged pores, especially on forehead/nose. • Combination: Shine on T‑zone, normal/dry elsewhere. • Sensitive: Redness or irritation without external stimulus. |
| 4. Optional – The Blotting Test | Press a clean tissue on |