What’s Your Skin Type? Uncover the 6 Types and the Best Ways to Care for Each
Living high in the beautiful Colorado Rockies at around 7,500 feet, many of our patients walk into the clinic saying they have "dry skin." But the question is—do they truly have dry skin, or is our mountain environment to blame? Elevation, dry air, and sun exposure can make skin feel parched, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a dry skin type.
In fact, there are six commonly recognized skin types, and understanding which one you have can help you care for your skin more effectively. Let’s explore these skin types to help you identify yours—and offer tips on how to best care for your skin moving forward.
1. Normal Skin Type
If you have normal skin, consider yourself lucky! This skin type is balanced, with little to no issues, and your focus is on maintaining that balance.
Characteristics:
Small, refined pores
Balanced oil and hydration levels
Smooth texture
Few to no blemishes
Common in 20-30-year-olds
Care Tips:
Cleanse morning and night
Exfoliate 1-2 times per week
Keep skin hydrated with lightweight moisturizers
Use SPF daily and reapply when needed
2. Combination Skin Type
Combination skin often struggles with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while the cheeks and other areas may feel normal or dry.
Characteristics:
Larger pores in the T-zone
Dry or normal skin in other areas
Oily and prone to congestion in the T-zone
Care Tips:
Spot treat problem areas (like the T-zone)
Exfoliate lightly 2-3 times per week
Use hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to balance moisture
Choose oils like jojoba to balance oil production
Apply SPF daily and reapply when necessary
3. Oily Skin Type
Oily skin may lead to more breakouts, but the good news is that oily skin types tend to age more slowly, with fewer wrinkles over time.
Characteristics:
Large pores
High oil production
Shiny or dewy appearance
Prone to blemishes
Fewer fine lines and wrinkles
Care Tips:
Use foaming or oil cleansers, especially those with salicylic acid
Exfoliate regularly (2-3 times a week) with AHAs or BHAs
Stick to non-comedogenic, water-based products to avoid clogging pores
Use clay-based masks to manage oil
Apply SPF daily and reapply when necessary
4. Dry Skin Type
Dry skin can feel rough and flaky and often looks dull due to a lack of moisture and oil production.
Characteristics:
Small pores
Minimal oil production
Rough or flaky texture
Dullness and blotchiness
Dehydration
Care Tips:
Use oil or cream-based cleansers to maintain skin hydration
Lightly exfoliate with gentle scrubs or lactic acid to avoid over-drying
Look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate
Apply SPF daily and reapply when necessary
5. Sensitive Skin Type
Sensitive skin reacts easily to products, environments, and stressors. It’s often prone to redness, inflammation, and irritation.
Characteristics:
Thin or fragile skin
Low tolerance to products and environmental changes
Often red or inflamed
Can be genetic or caused by medications
Care Tips:
Use gentle, creamy cleansers
Opt for enzyme-based exfoliants instead of scrubs
Include ceramides and essential fatty acids to heal and strengthen the skin barrier
Avoid excessive heat or harsh treatments
Apply physical sunscreen daily and reapply as needed
6. Mature Skin Type
As we age, our skin undergoes changes. You may notice fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, or reduced elasticity. While these are signs of a life well-lived, they can also indicate that your skin needs some extra TLC.
Characteristics:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Less oil production
Sunspots or dark spots
Redness or broken capillaries
Loss of elasticity
Care Tips:
Cleanse morning and night
Exfoliate regularly to encourage cell turnover
Include ingredients like peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C in your routine
Regular facials to stimulate collagen and elastin production
Apply SPF daily and reapply when necessary
What’s Your
Skin Type?
Our hope is that this guide helps you better understand your skin type and how to care for it. Knowing your skin type allows you to choose the right products and routines that will nourish and protect your skin, helping it thrive even in the challenging Colorado climate.
If you’re still unsure about your skin type or want personalized advice, Christy, our expert aesthetician, is here to help. Schedule a skin consultation with us, and we’ll guide you on your journey to healthier, glowing skin!
