Your Skin Type is a Scam

"I ain't got no type/ being healthy is the only thing that I like."
—your skin

One of the first things you're told to learn when you develop an interest in your skin is your skin type. It's the oldest scam in the book. And from a marketing perspective, we wish we would've thought of it first!

The concept of distinct skin types has long been a cornerstone in both dermatology and the cosmetic industry. However, emerging research challenges this paradigm, suggesting that the classification of skin into types such as normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive may be overly simplistic and not reflective of the skin's complex biology. Skin types were originally developed during early dermatological studies as a basic framework for skin care and treatment. While this system could be useful for general guidance, it often overlooks the dynamic nature of skin, which is influenced by a myriad of factors including genetics, environment, diet, and lifestyle. Our skin is constantly responding to internal and external stimuli. Factors such as age, hormonal fluctuations, climate, and even daily activities can significantly alter the skin's condition. This variability challenges the concept of static skin types. For instance, someone categorized as having 'dry skin' may experience periods of increased sebum production, typical of 'oily' skin, under certain conditions.

Understanding skin biology has revealed that our largest organ functions as an intricate, responsive system. The skin's condition changes continuously in response to various factors: environmental influences and internal factors. These factors create a constantly shifting landscape of skin needs that can't be adequately addressed through static categorization.

WHAT IS A SKIN TYPE ANYWAY?

No one really knows. That’s how skin types became a scam in the first place!

Traditionally, there are 5 main skin types that could be used to categorize skin. But the concept of skin types has been a marketing hit in the skin care industry so you will see articles stating there are 9, 15, or even 30 different skin types! Here's a quick breakdown of the 5 main skin types that you are probably already familiar with and why these categorizations fall short.

Normal Skin Type: characterized by a balanced oil-water ratio, minimal blemishes, and uniform follicle size, exhibits a healthy glow. This classification perpetuates the problematic notion of a "normal" baseline, when research shows healthy skin naturally varies in its characteristics throughout the day and across different facial regions.

Oily Skin Type: identified by increased sebum production, enlarged pores, and a propensity for blemishes. What we label as "oily" skin often represents the skin's natural protective response to environmental stressors. Studies have shown that sebum production can vary significantly based on environmental conditions, stress levels, and even the skin's microbiome composition.

Dry Skin Type: lacks natural oils, making it more susceptible to environmental damage and aging signs. This type often presents as rough-textured, with small pores, diminished elasticity, and a dull complexion. Dryness often indicates a temporary state of compromised barrier function. Research has demonstrated that skin hydration levels can fluctuate dramatically even within a single day.

Combination Skin Type: exhibits varying characteristics, such as an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with normal to dry cheeks. This type may experience enlarged pores, blackheads, and occasional breakouts, particularly in the T-zone. Biometric studies have revealed that all skin exhibits varying characteristics across different facial zones, suggesting that what we called "combination" skin is actually the natural state of facial skin.

Sensitive Skin Type: requires meticulous care due to its fragility. Common indicators include redness, thinness, susceptibility to sun and product irritation, and visible capillaries (telangiectasia). Sensitivity is increasingly understood as a spectrum of responses rather than a fixed characteristic, with research showing that reactive skin can be influenced by numerous factors including barrier function, microbiome balance, and environmental conditions.

IF SKIN TYPES ARE A SCAM THEN WHAT DO I DO?

You can book with us at Glowdega so we can talk to you about your skin's health!

The future of skincare likely lies in more sophisticated methods of understanding and treating skin. Several promising approaches are being developed:

Biomarker Analysis: Advanced imaging technologies are being developed to assess multiple skin parameters simultaneously, potentially offering more precise ways to understand skin condition. We have this at Glowdega and provide our clients with comprehensive skin scans using a dermatological imaging machine. This diagnostic tool examines skin hydration, pore size, sebum levels, bacteria presence, scarring and pigmentation concerns not visible to the naked eye, sensitivity and more.

Microbiome Consideration: Growing research into the skin microbiome suggests that understanding and supporting this ecosystem may be more valuable than traditional skin typing.

Real-Time Monitoring: Emerging technologies may eventually enable continuous monitoring of skin conditions, allowing for more responsive care approaches.

We recognize the ever-changing nature of your skin and possess the knowledge and experience that looks at your skin condition(s), nutrition, and lifestyle. If you were thinking we were your run of the mill "spa" or estheticians that only provided fluff facials that only look good on social media, you're in for quite the surprise! We take your skin seriously.

If you can't visit us just yet, then you want to focus on your skin condition(s). Skin conditions are specific issues or disorders that affect the skin. They can occur on all skin and are often influenced by a wide range of factors, including environmental exposure, lifestyle choices, underlying health issues, and even the products used on the skin. You can join our Concierge service if you can't find an esthetician near you.

WHY SHOULD I FOCUS ON MY SKIN'S CONDITION?

Focusing on the specific condition of your skin, rather than adhering to a predetermined "skin type", can lead to more effective results. For instance, if you've been labeled as having "oily skin" yet experience red or flaky patches in areas typically considered oily, you might actually be dealing with eczema. In such cases, products designed for oily skin could exacerbate the issue. Similarly, if you've been categorized as having sensitive skin but continue to struggle with breakouts, it's possible that the products for sensitive skin are not addressing the underlying causes of your acne, leading to persistent problems.

The skin type model has significantly influenced skincare product development and marketing. However, this model may lead to inappropriate skincare choices, as it does not account for the skin's dynamic nature. Personalized skincare, which considers individual differences and the skin's changing conditions, is emerging as a more effective approach. This is why visiting an esthetician is key to learning what will work for YOU. Even dermatologists agree and are increasingly recognizing the need for personalized treatment plans that consider a patient's unique skin characteristics and environmental exposures.

The skincare industry is gradually moving beyond the limitations of traditional skin typing. While we still have much to learn about skin biology, focusing on your skin's changing conditions and needs, rather than adhering to a fixed type, aligns better with current scientific understanding.

Understanding skin as a dynamic, responsive organ requires a more nuanced approach than traditional typing systems can provide. As our knowledge continues to evolve, we expect to see more sophisticated and personalized approaches to skincare emerge, based on objective measurements and individual response patterns rather than broad categorizations.