You really don’t need to see a dermatologist for checking out what type and condition of skin you are with. Besides, the fact that our skin may easily change itself due to its external surroundings and its internal balance settings. It is actually very doable to check up our skin condition on daily basis, on every morning once we wake up.

Here is how to classify 4 basic skin types:

1. Normal Skin Type: Having a balanced sebum production. Not too oily and not too dry. No particular skin problems.
2. Oily Skin Type: Overly active sebum production that causes shiny looks on the skin surface.
3. Dry Skin Type: Inactive sebum production causing the skin to (overly) dry.
4. Combination Skin Type: Some part of the skin is with active sebum, usually on T-zone. While other parts of the skin are not producing any sebum and look dryer.

And here is how to classify 4 basic skin conditions:

1. Sensitive Skin Condition: Thin layers of skin may be one of the causes for the skin to be sensitive. Easily becomes red and reactive to certain ingredients in the skin products may trigger even more the sensitivity.
2. Acne Prone Skin Condition: Breakouts may come with Oily or Dry or Combination skin types. It can be hormonal which is temporary. It can also be in a long healing process that is stressful to the skin and the skin’s owner.
3. Acne Sensitive Skin Condition: This is a really suffering combination. It can be as far as ‘Rosacea inflamed acne’ condition. Skin surface is red and heats fragile. It becomes very sensitive to contact skin with the direct Sunlight. The skin is in a discomfort and painful condition to touch.
4. Aging Skin Condition: Overly Dry Skin Type in long run may result in Aging or Premature Aging Skin Condition. Skin cells stop producing sebum, it’s natural skin oil that keeps skin supple and moist. Sagging, rougher, duller skin surface with fine lines, wrinkles, and aging spots are the ultimate signs of Aging Skin Condition.

So, the main reason for our skin to change its type and condition is basically from our sebum production level. This sebum defines the mood of our skin for the day. And the surrounding environment does affect how the sebum acts and reacts on the daily basis before it turns to a ‘permanent’ skin condition. Sebum is just like a rollercoaster.

Next post, I will show you how to check your skin mood at your fingertips. Now, have a Sebum and Smile!

Image Credits: Seth Macey