The various skin types


One look in the mirror and you know what your skin looks like right now. But do you really know how to identify your skin type? And yet, there are clues that allow you to recognise your skin type and gain a better understanding of how it works.

 

We all get genes from our parents! Each individual has their own characteristics written into their DNA! As far as the skin is concerned, it is also a question of biological heredity. Because we human beings and all of our organs, including the skin, are entirely made up of cells, all of which carry our genetic code. We inherit a colour, a skin type (and hair type) and sometimes skin diseases (often inflammatory ones). Subsequently, lifestyle and beauty products used on the skin will have an impact, at which point we refer to the condition of the skin.

Bear in mind that the skin is a vital organ. It is the protective barrier between the body and the outside world. The skin is a kind of shield against pollution, knocks, bacteria, viruses, cold and heat. It is made up of three layers:

  • The epidermis (the most superficial layer) which is in contact with the outside world
  • The dermis (just beneath it)
  • The hypodermis (the deepest layer)

The skin has its own blood vessels, which create a genuine irrigation system, and nerves, which transmit information between the brain and the skin, in particular sensory information. This information goes in both directions: from the brain to the skin (hmmm, I like a certain someone - cue blushing!), and from the skin to the brain (ouch, that’s hot, I've burned myself – time to whip my hand away).

How do you identify your skin type?

To identify skin type, we factor in what can be observed (such as the colour - pale or red, to a greater or lesser extent). Then we move on to how it feels to the touch (it’s rough, or soft, or bumpy, takes time to regain its initial shape when pressure is applied – all to a greater or lesser extent, etc.). Being able to categorise the skin allows us to gain a better understanding of its nature, its strengths and weaknesses, the factors that are likely to have an impact on its physiology, modify it or transform. That way we can embrace hygiene routines and use beauty products accordingly.

The skin of the face, upon which skin type hinges, also characterises the skin that covers the entire body.

What are the various skin types?

Skin type is a bit like eye colour: it’s something that you cannot change.

You can't change your skin type, but by factoring in its characteristics, you can gain a better understanding of it and anticipate how it might respond to certain things. Picture this: the skin is a large envelope measuring about 1.5 to 2 m2, weighing between three and five kilos for the average person! From the soles of the feet to the scalp, the skin plays the role of a barrier at all times, as well as an incredible communication tool. The skin is neither completely smooth nor completely even. It is made up of folds and of multiple orifices, is sometimes hairless and sometimes covered with hair, nails or hairs.

Knowing your skin type, and treating your skin kindly, is the way to support it better on a day-to-day basis. You can do this by using beauty products that keep it healthy and looking good, into the long term. Not forgetting that caring for your skin equals caring for yourself as a whole, both physically and mentally.

Experts have identified four skin types: normal, dry, combination and oily.

Normal skin

In normal skin, everything is in balance. The skin is naturally well hydrated. It secretes enough sebum but not too much, and does so evenly over the whole face and body (unlike combination skin, which secretes more sebum in certain areas). However, it is extremely difficult to assign “skin type normal” with 100% certainty. Why is that? Well, it’s very rare for there to be no areas where the skin is naturally a bit better hydrated or has a few more sebaceous glands.

 

In summary, normal skin has the following hallmarks: it is supple, it always feels comfortable (unless exposed to unusual weather conditions), it has almost no blackheads or blemishes and has only slightly dilated pores.

 

Normal skin

In normal skin, everything is in balance. The skin is naturally well hydrated. It secretes enough sebum but not too much, and does so evenly over the whole face and body (unlike combination skin, which secretes more sebum in certain areas). However, it is extremely difficult to assign “skin type normal” with 100% certainty. Why is that? Well, it’s very rare for there to be no areas where the skin is naturally a bit better hydrated or has a few more sebaceous glands.

 

In summary, normal skin has the following hallmarks: it is supple, it always feels comfortable (unless exposed to unusual weather conditions), it has almost no blackheads or blemishes and has only slightly dilated pores.

 

When it comes to beauty products

Although it does not have any particular problems, normal skin needs regular, high-quality beauty products that keep its pH stable, its microbiota and physiology intact. The regimen includes regular cleansing in the morning and evening, moisturising, a scrub / face pack combo once a week depending on the condition of the skin (tiredness, lack of radiance, returning from holiday having had too much sun, etc.).

Skincare products to favour: Formulations that counter free radicals to keep the skin’s structures from oxidising, which are able to restore and strengthen its barrier function, while keep the skin's homeostasis in order.

In the NACRE ÉCLAT range from BLUE SKINCARE, we recommend using Skin Renewal Serum and Regenerating Moisturising Cream all year round. Their formulations contain antioxidant ingredients such as:

  • Oleic sunflower oil (high in vitamin E)
  • Niacinamide PC (vitamin B3), known for its powerful antioxidant action.

Moreover, these two products are high in NACR-45® nacre powder (the proprietary active ingredient in BLUE SKINCARE products). Day by day, the skin’s barrier is strengthened and the skin primed to fight external damaging factors. Their effectiveness is scientifically proven.

In the range

NACRE ÉCLAT

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1

Regenerates

SKIN RENEWAL SERUM

30ml 44,90€
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2

Protects

MOISTURISING REGENERATING CREAM

50ml 34,90€

See the product

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Not to mention that these two treatments are rich in mother-of-pearl powder NACR-45® (BLUE SKINCARE's proprietary active ingredient): day after day, the skin barrier is reinforced, the skin is armed to fight against external aggressions. Scientifically proven effectiveness.

Nutrition


If we had to remember only one food rule: consume foods rich in omega 3, allies of a beautiful skin (hydrating and repairing) and fruits and vegetables, super antioxidants. This diet involves a variety of plants, cereals, fatty fish. In summary, a balance in the plate to preserve the balance of the skin.

Combination skin

Ultimately close to normal skin, skin of the combination type has areas where the sebaceous glands are less numerous (causing areas with a tendency to dryness) and others where seborrhea is greater (causing areas oily). Combination skin types are less well hydrated and nourished in the cheekbones, temples and jawline. On the other hand, they are a little more provided with seborrheic glands at the level of the forehead, the nose and the chin. What we call the T zone (which we talk about much more often about oily skin...). And if combination-type skin has blemishes and blackheads, it's especially on this famous T-zone.

Combination skin is, in short, characterized by its suppleness, its virtual absence of comedones and imperfections, a very slightly shiny appearance on close observation, normally dilated pores (hardly visible to the naked eye) .

Combination skin

Ultimately close to normal skin, skin of the combination type has areas where the sebaceous glands are less numerous (causing areas with a tendency to dryness) and others where seborrhea is greater (causing areas oily). Combination skin types are less well hydrated and nourished in the cheekbones, temples and jawline. On the other hand, they are a little more provided with seborrheic glands at the level of the forehead, the nose and the chin. What we call the T zone (which we talk about much more often about oily skin...). And if combination-type skin has blemishes and blackheads, it's especially on this famous T-zone.

Combination skin is, in short, characterized by its suppleness, its virtual absence of comedones and imperfections, a very slightly shiny appearance on close observation, normally dilated pores (hardly visible to the naked eye) .

Cosmetic care side


The objective is to rebalance the areas prone to dysfunction, especially the T zone, and maintain good hydration and nutrition on the rest of the face. In case of occasional imperfections, local care will be necessary.

To be preferred: the ideal routine consists of treatments that respect the skin's pH and microbiota, based on purifying ingredients and light emollient agents, to moisturize and nourish.

In the range

NACRE ÉCLAT

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1

MILKY MICELLAR WATER

295ml 23,90€

Gently remove make-up and cleanse.

Light, it is well suited to combination skin because it does not leave a greasy film.

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2

ISOTONIC NACRE WATER

200ml 22,90€

Bring the pH of the skin back into balance.

This isotonic mist, enriched with mineral salts and trace elements, is ideal for preparing the skin to receive treatments.

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3

SKIN RENEWAL SERUM

30ml 44,90€

Morning and evening , use the New Skin Serum to durably rehydrate the epidermis.

Its fine texture is very popular with combination skin.

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These three treatments are rich in mother-of-pearl powder NACR-45 ® (proprietary active ingredient of BLUE SKINCARE): the skin barrier is reinforced, the skin is armed to fight against external aggressions. Scientifically proven effectiveness.

Nutrition


The diet must be varied and balanced in order to provide the good fats necessary for the quality of the skin. Hydration by drinking water daily to ensure suppleness, comfort and radiance. To be preferred: foods such as cauliflower, nuts, spinach (rich in vitamin B8), seafood for their zinc content.

Dry skin type

Much finer and thinner than normal or combination skin types, dry skin type is recognizable by its rough, rough feel and uniform appearance with very tight, almost invisible pores. Indeed, the sebum, secreted in very small quantities, flows at a minimum.

The type of dry skin lacks suppleness and elasticity and is often accompanied by a feeling of discomfort (the skin feels tight). The epidermis, very little irrigated and nourished, is dry with a diminished hydrolipidic barrier (this small shield made up of water and fat, the hydrolipidic film). This alteration promotes the release of mediators that stimulate the cutaneous nerve endings and give itchy sensations. Dry skin is weakened and less resistant to external aggressions (pollution, tobacco, dust, sun, sudden changes in temperature, etc.). As a result, the dry skin type is more prone to the appearance of skin pathologies such as eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Dry skin type

Much finer and thinner than normal or combination skin types, dry skin type is recognizable by its rough, rough feel and uniform appearance with very tight, almost invisible pores. Indeed, the sebum, secreted in very small quantities, flows at a minimum.

The type of dry skin lacks suppleness and elasticity and is often accompanied by a feeling of discomfort (the skin feels tight). The epidermis, very little irrigated and nourished, is dry with a diminished hydrolipidic barrier (this small shield made up of water and fat, the hydrolipidic film). This alteration promotes the release of mediators that stimulate the cutaneous nerve endings and give itchy sensations. Dry skin is weakened and less resistant to external aggressions (pollution, tobacco, dust, sun, sudden changes in temperature, etc.). As a result, the dry skin type is more prone to the appearance of skin pathologies such as eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Be careful, this type of skin is sometimes the consequence of more serious pathologies such as diabetes, an imbalance of the thyroid or even kidney disease.

Dry skin is, in summary, characterized by a dry and rough touch, a feeling of discomfort, a dull and dull appearance, invisible pores. It shows more wrinkles around the lips and eyes but an absence of imperfections and comedones.

On the cosmetic side:

Avoid irritating treatments such as tonic lotions with alcohol, which are too aggressive and drying.

To be preferred: surgras treatments, emollient cleansing oils, day and night creams rich in moisturizing and nutritious active ingredients.

In the range

NACRE ÉCLAT

We advise you to follow in any season

Add range to cart
1

METAMORPHOSIS BALM

125ml 24,90€

Cleanse and cleanse the skin. A real treat for tight skin, because it is a make-up remover gel oil! After rinsing with clear water, the skin is clean, soft and comfortable.

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2

ISOTONIC NACRE WATER

200ml 22,90€

Bring the pH of the skin back into balance. As a reminder, dry skin has a rather acidic pH.

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3

SKIN RENEWAL SERUM

30ml 44,90€

Morning ☼ and night ☾:

Long-lasting rehydration of the epidermis (24-hour hydration)

Ajouter au panier
4

MOISTURISING REGENERATING CREAM

50ml 34,90€

Morning ☼ and night ☾:

Nourish, moisturize (48h hydration) and protect the skin from external aggressions.

Ajouter au panier
These four treatments are rich in mother-of-pearl powder NACR-45® (BLUE SKINCARE's proprietary active ingredient) whose "shield" effectiveness has been scientifically proven. Day after day, the skin barrier is restored. The skin is stronger.

Nutrition


We drink a liter of water every day, we favor a diet particularly rich in fruits and vegetables all year round and in essential fatty acids (organic butter, quality vegetable oils, fatty fish) all year round too.

Oily skin

By definition, the type of oily skin is recognizable by the generous hydrolipidic film that covers it. The sebum, abundantly secreted, remains on the surface of the skin. Recognizable by its very dilated pores, a T-zone that is brighter than the rest of the face, the oily skin type also has small pimples and comedones and therefore an irregular surface. Thanks to this natural shield rich in lipids, oily skin is ultimately less prone to discomfort, dryness and therefore wrinkles. Be careful not to consider this type of oily skin as more resistant, to the point of neglecting or reducing cosmetic care and gestures. Serious mistake because oily skin can, paradoxically, be dehydrated. The film is made up of more fat than water.

Oily skin is, in summary, identifiable with a shiny appearance, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), frequent pimples and blackheads and very dilated pores.

Oily skin

By definition, the type of oily skin is recognizable by the generous hydrolipidic film that covers it. The sebum, abundantly secreted, remains on the surface of the skin. Recognizable by its very dilated pores, a T-zone that is brighter than the rest of the face, the oily skin type also has small pimples and comedones and therefore an irregular surface. Thanks to this natural shield rich in lipids, oily skin is ultimately less prone to discomfort, dryness and therefore wrinkles. Be careful not to consider this type of oily skin as more resistant, to the point of neglecting or reducing cosmetic care and gestures. Serious mistake because oily skin can, paradoxically, be dehydrated. The film is made up of more fat than water.

Oily skin is, in summary, identifiable with a shiny appearance, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), frequent pimples and blackheads and very dilated pores.

Cosmetic care side


Above all, you must cleanse the skin gently so as not to stimulate the production of sebum, and use light, moisturizing and mattifying care.

Preferred :
1

Removes make-up and cleanses the skin with NACRE ÉCLAT Milky Micellar Water Refine and tightens the pores with a purifying lotion

MILKY MICELLAR WATER

295ml 23,90€

then cleanse and tighten pores with a purifying lotion

Ajouter au panier
2

Moisturises

SKIN RENEWAL SERUM

30ml 44,90€

Hydration up to 24h; its fine and light texture does not leave a greasy film.

Then, mattify with a special oily skin fluid.

Ajouter au panier
To note :
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the predominant bacterial species in oily skin. Hence the advantage of using NACRE ÉCLAT treatments because they contain pre and post biotics that feed the good bacteria and normalize the skin biofilm.

Once a week, make a scrub and or a purifying mask (clay or rhassoul work very well).

Nutrition


Beware of a diet too rich in sugars and milk (promoting secretions) especially when you are prone to acne. Opt for menus based on fruits and vegetables, white meats (poultry in particular) and fatty fish, cereals so as not to be deficient in vitamins or vitamins B6, essential for healthy skin.

Oily skin and acne

We often forget it, but acne is a skin disease, even if it looks like an obligatory passage linked to adolescence. Under the action of hormones, the skin is particularly susceptible to inflammation, as are the hair follicles. Process that causes comedones, blemishes and pimples. In adolescence, all areas with hair are found to be overwhelmed by the amount of sebum secreted.

This important sebum settles on the surface of the skin, obstructing the channels and blocking the pores, which promotes the appearance and installation of a bacterium, the propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the sebum. The whiteheads, through which the sebum slips, multiply. Blackheads (open comedones, whose sebum oxidizes) also multiply. The risk is that the pimples appear, become infected, become painful and are accompanied, after being triturated, by marks, stains, or even scars.

Oily skin and acne

We often forget it, but acne is a skin disease, even if it looks like an obligatory passage linked to adolescence. Under the action of hormones, the skin is particularly susceptible to inflammation, as are the hair follicles. Process that causes comedones, blemishes and pimples. In adolescence, all areas with hair are found to be overwhelmed by the amount of sebum secreted.

This important sebum settles on the surface of the skin, obstructing the channels and blocking the pores, which promotes the appearance and installation of a bacterium, the propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the sebum. The whiteheads, through which the sebum slips, multiply. Blackheads (open comedones, whose sebum oxidizes) also multiply. The risk is that the pimples appear, become infected, become painful and are accompanied, after being triturated, by marks, stains, or even scars.

Factors that influence the skin


Whatever your skin type, your epidermis must adapt to different factors, also called exposome:
• Environmental factors, such as climate (wind, cold, sun), pollution (outdoor and domestic), passive smoking, etc.
• Hormonal factors (adolescence, menopause)
• Lifestyle (diet, tobacco, alcohol, stress, sleep, excessive hygiene, drug treatments) Do not neglect the importance of protecting your skin from external aggressions, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to keep it healthy.

Evolution of skin type with age


All skins, whatever their type, are subject to the passage of time; aging alters the condition and appearance of the skin. If the skin is at its best around the age of twenty, the onset of aging is felt around the age of thirty with the appearance of the first very fine lines around the eyes and mouth. The secretion of collagen, guarantor of tonicity, decreases. Around forty, wrinkles deepen and multiply. At fifty, the features are more marked, the skin is refined and becomes drier. After the age of sixty, all the signs of aging are visible (loss of elasticity, density, firmness, deep wrinkles, spots, etc.).

human skin


The skin of women and men differs: that of men is thicker and often oilier, with smaller sebaceous glands but more productive in sebum, under the action of testosterone. It can be weakened by shaving and care that is often absent (such as hydration or exfoliation). Finally, men's skin ages later than women's, but faster.

FAQs

All your questions

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  • How do you identify your skin type?

    To the eye and to the touch, it is easy
    recognize your skin type among the four major skin types - normal, combination, oily, dry - whose characteristics are distinct and well defined.

     

    More in detail

  • What are the hallmarks of the various skin types?

    Normal skin is supple, comfortable, with virtually no comedones and imperfections, and slightly dilated pores. Combination skin is supple, with almost no comedones and imperfections, a very slightly shiny appearance on close observation and normal dilated pores. Oily skin has a shiny appearance, especially on the T zone (forehead, nose, chin), frequent pimples and blackheads, very dilated pores. Dry skin presents with a dry and rough feel, a feeling of discomfort, a matte and dull appearance and invisible pores.

  • What are the 4 skin types?

    The 4 types of skin defined by dermatologists are: normal skin, combination skin, oily skin and dry skin.