What factors determine skin type?

1. Moisture levels in the skin: This affects its suppleness and elasticity
2. Sebum production: This impacts the skin's smoothness and radiance
3. Sensitivity and response to environmental factors: This includes how the skin reacts to various external influences

What are the different types of skin?

1. Oily skin
2. Dry skin
3. Combination skin
4. Sensitive skin
5. Normal skin

How is the skin type determined?

1. The easiest way to determine skin type is to observe its behaviour from morning to evening:

• Oily: The face will appear shiny or greasy
• Dry: The face will feel tight or flaky
• Combination: The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) will appear oily, while other areas will appear normal or non-greasy
• Sensitive: The skin will appear red, inflamed, or itchy
• Normal: The skin will have a slightly oily or very slight shine

Note: The above test may not seem logical as it requires not washing the face for an entire day

2. Wash Test:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
• Wait for 30 minutes without applying any product or makeup
• Examine the skin and observe oily or irritated areas

Firstly, oily skin:

• Excessive sebum production characterizes it
• These oils help maintain the skin's elasticity and vitality
• It appears thick and has fewer wrinkles, making the individual look more youthful
• Often has enlarged pores
• Prone to acne and blackheads as the excess oil can clog the pores

Best moisturizer for oily skin:

1. Dexpanthenol, such as Panthenol Domina
2. Aloe vera, like Vita Panthenol
3. Dimethicone, as found in Nourishy Cream Domina

Secondly, dry skin:

• Sebum production is low
• Pores are not very visible
• Dull and lacking a natural shine
• The skin is less elastic

Best moisturizer for dry skin:

1. Moisturizers with a rich or oily base, such as LinolaDerm
2. Avoid products containing alcohol, alpha hydroxy acids, or fragrances, as they can dry out the skin further

Thirdly, combination skin:

• Some areas are oily, like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
• Cheeks and other areas may be normal or dry

Best moisturizer for combination skin:

1. Moisturizers containing allantoin, such as Allantoine Domina
2. Alternatively, moisturizers with dexpanthenol, like Panthenol Domina, can also be used

Fourthly, sensitive skin:

• Individuals with sensitive skin experience burning, stinging, or itching when exposed to irritants
• Unlike other skin types, sensitive skin is not defined by the amount of sebum produced
• People with oily or dry skin can also have sensitive skin

Best moisturizer for sensitive skin:

1. Moisturizers containing a skin soothing ingredient like zinc oxide, such as Allantoine Domina
2. Fragrance-free and non-irritating moisturizers, such as Panthenol Domina
3. Moisturizers containing aloe vera, like Vita Panthenol, can also be used unless they cause an allergic reaction

Fifthly, normal skin:

• Individuals with normal skin do not have noticeable skin problems
• It is not noticeably oily, dry, or sensitive
• This type maintains a balanced sebum production
• Pores are small, and the skin is smooth

Note: Maintaining moisture balance is crucial in all environmental conditions

Best moisturizer for normal skin:

Any suitable moisturizer can be used, except those with a high oil content

Summary:

Panthenol Domina: 5% Dexpanthenol

Vita Panthenol: 5% Dexpanthenol + Honey extract + Aloe vera + Jojoba oil

Nourshy Cream Domina: 1% Dexpanthenol + Vitamin E + Squalene + Jojoba oil

Allantoine Domina: Allantoin + Zinc oxide

LinolaDerm: Linoleic acid + Vitamin E + Cocoa butter

Properties	Panthenol Domina	Vita Panthenol	Nourshy Cream Domina	Allantoine Domina	LinolaDerm
Used for oily skin	✓	✓	✓	✓
Used for dry skin	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓✓
Used for combination skin	✓✓	✓✓	✓	✓✓
Used for normal skin	✓	✓	✓	✓
Can be used during the day	✓✓	✓✓	✓	✓✓
Preferably used at night			✓		✓
Contains healing and moisturizing properties	✓✓	✓✓	✓
Has anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties		✓	✓✓		✓

 

References:

1. Stuart A. What’s Your Skin Type 2021 [Available from: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/whats-your-skin-type.

2. Nunez K, Cobb C. 7 Ways to Manage an Oily or Acne-Prone T- Zone 2020 [Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/t- zone-face.

3. Patel R, Fletcher J. What type of skin do I have? MedicalNewsToday. 2020.

4. Patel R, Chesak J. The No BS Guide to Discovering Your Real Skin Type 2023 [Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-type-test.