Skin Types
Human skin pigmentation varies among populations in a striking manner. This has led to the classification of people(s) on the basis of skin color. Individuals with ancestors from different parts of the world can have highly visible differences in skin pigmentation. Individuals with sub-Saharan African ancestry (black people) tend towards darker skin, while those of Northern European descent (white people) have paler skin. Between these extremes are individuals of Asian, South-East Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern, Polynesian and Melanesian descent.
The skin of black people has more variation in color from one part of the body to another than does the skin of other racial groups, particularly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Part of this is the result of the variations in the thickness of the skin on different parts of the body. The thicker the skin, the more layers of cells with melanin in them, and the darker the color. These parts of the body have melanin-producing cells.
Skin can be classified based on its reaction to ultraviolet radiation. The Fitzpatrick Scale (aka Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick phototyping scale) is a numerical classification schema for the color of skin. It measures several components: Genetic Disposition, Reaction to Sun Exposure and Tanning Habits
| Type | Definition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | Always burns, never tans | Pale, very Fair, Freckles |
| II | Usually burns, sometimes tans | Fair |
| III | May burn, usually tans | Light Brown |
| IV | Rarely burns, always tans | Olive brown |
| V | Moderate constitutional pigmentation | Brown |
| VI | Marked constitutional pigmentation | Black |
Skin pigmentation varies among populations, and skin type can range from dry to oily. Finding the best products for your skin means you have to know what your skin type is. Not all product lines work well on every skin type or skin condition. Normal, Oily and Dry are the three main skin types. Some groups also consider combination skin or sensitive skin as a skin type.
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SENSITIVE SKIN
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NORMAL SKIN
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COMBINATION SKIN
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DRY SKIN
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AGING SKIN
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OILY SKIN
Normal skin is soft and has a smooth texture, while there are fine to medium pores. Oily skin has excess oil or sebum and enlarged pores. This skin is prone to acne and can look shiny. Dry skin lacks oils, has fine pores and is sometimes referred to as alipidic skin. Many people confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin. Dehydration is a lack of water, while dry skin has a lack of oil or sebum.
What people refer to as combination skin is skin that may be part oily and part dry. When deciphering skin type it is important to look at pore size and how much sebum is being produced by the skin. Sensitive skin is sometimes skin that has been sensitized by using too harsh or the wrong products for your skin.