Skin types
Skin types and the right care: Finding the right balance
Our skin is as individual as we are. Nevertheless, five classic skin types can be distinguished—based on the ratio of oil and moisture in the skin. This ratio has a significant influence on the appearance of the skin and should be the basis for every skincare decision.
Why is it important to classify skin types?
The oil-moisture balance of the skin determines its condition: if it is balanced, the skin is considered normal. If moisture or lipids (oils) are lacking, irritation, tightness, or blemishes quickly appear. Since the condition of the skin can change due to environmental influences, age, or skincare habits, skincare should be adjusted regularly—before visible problems appear.
An overview of the five classic skin types
🟢 Normal skin – staying in balance
Normal skin has a harmonious balance of oil and moisture. It has fine pores, is supple, rosy, and rarely shows signs of irritation. Skincare should be mild and protective – without disturbing the natural balance.
Skincare recommendations:
- Mild, pH-neutral cleansing (water or thermal water in the morning)
- Cleansing in the evening with cleansing oil or gentle milk
- Light moisturizer during the day, with UV protection in summer
- At night: serum or light night cream
- In winter: lightly moisturizing W/O emulsion
- Seasonal extras: enzyme peel or vitamin treatment in spring
🔵 Dry skin – When oil and moisture are lacking
Dry skin (low in oil and moisture) appears rough, flaky, dull, and tends to itch and develop wrinkles prematurely. Causes can include genetic predisposition, environmental influences, or improper care.
Care recommendations:
- Cleansing oil or cleansing milk with moisturizing effect
- Alcohol-free facial toner for post-cleansing and moisturizing
- Day and night care with ceramides, triglycerides, urea, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Recommended oils: jojoba oil, argan oil, olive oil, pomegranate seed oil, soybean or sunflower oil
- Regular moisturizing masks or ampoules (e.g., with vitamin E, panthenol)
- Avoid aggressive surfactants – use of sugar surfactants recommended
- Exfoliants: max. once a month, preferably enzyme exfoliants
- Dry body skin also benefits from rich care
🔴 Oily skin – More than just a teenage problem
Oily skin is particularly common among young adults – triggered by hormonally induced overactivity of the sebaceous glands. The skin appears shiny, has large pores and is prone to pimples and acne.
Care recommendations:
- Daily cleansing with oil-free gels, foams or wash lotions
- Natural substances such as sage, healing clay or rosemary for support
- Alcohol-free facial toner (alternative: rose water)
- Light, oil-free day care with a mattifying effect (e.g., aloe vera, wild pistachio, astragalus root)
- Optional: Exfoliate twice a week (not for inflammatory acne)
- Masks with healing clay and zinc to regulate sebum
- Night care is not necessary – thorough cleansing is sufficient
- For shine: loose powder is preferable, avoid compact powder
🟠 Combination skin – the challenge in the T-zone
Combination skin is oily on the forehead, nose, and chin, and usually normal to dry on the cheeks. This skin type requires differentiated care for the different areas of the face.
Care recommendations:
- Cleanse the T-zone with gel or cleansing foam for oily skin
- Light moisturizer for the T-zone, possibly mattifying gel
- Cheek area: cleansing milk and alcohol-free toner
- Different care products for different areas of the face
- Sun protection for the entire face – oil-free textures for the T-zone
- Exfoliation: T-zone 1–2 times per week, other areas of the face less frequently
🔴 Sensitive skin – Reacts quickly and strongly
Sensitive skin is often thin, dry, and low in oil. It reacts easily to external stimuli, cosmetic ingredients, temperature changes, or stress. Symptoms include burning, redness, itching, and tightness.
Care recommendations:
- Cleanse with cleansing milk, thermal water, alcohol-free facial toner
- Products without preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, or PEGs
- Sugar surfactants as mild cleansing alternatives
- Soothing active ingredients: panthenol, aloe vera, hops, lemon balm, rutin, zinc
- Tip: Cream masks with rose oil or alpine rose extract (stem cell cosmetics).
- Prefer mineral sun filters
The right skincare concept: balance instead of over-care
Whether dry, oily, sensitive, or a mixture of everything: every skin type requires tailored care that is neither too much nor too little. Incorrect care can throw even healthy, normal skin off balance.
At Cosmacon, we pay particular attention to:
- Compatible formulations with few, clearly defined ingredients
- Avoiding critical substances such as PEGs, parabens, and microplastics
- Using natural active ingredients from plant extracts and modern high-tech ingredients
We develop individually tailored care products for every skin type – from daily basic care to special treatments.
Would you like to develop a professional skincare line for different skin types?
Feel free to contact us – we will be happy to advise you.