Is there a relationship between your skin type and your struggle with acne? Many dermatologists believe there is. So what are the different skin types, and which ones are more likely to create trouble for acne sufferers?

There are five primary skin types, though some authors and researches have defined even more. These primary types are:

1. Normal Skin - when we refer to skin as being normal, it simply means that it’s not too dry and not too oily. It’s the least problematic sky type. Smooth. Firm, with age-appropriate elasticity. Healthy pores. Few, if any, blemishes. It’s the skin type we all wish we had.

2. Dry Skin - this is similar to a smoker’s skin. It’s dry and flaky, not as elastic as it should be, and tends to wrinkle dramatically as you age. It can be caused by over-exposure to the sun and elements, or it can be inherited. Your skin will often feel tight if you have this skin type.

3. Oily Skin - this skin type tends to cause the most trouble for those with acne. It’s oily, often sticky to the touch, and tends to glisten. The oil will often clog your pores, creating an environment that encourages baterial growth, and therefore you’ll tend to experience continual outbreaks of black heads and acne.

4. Combination Skin - this is skin that’s particularly difficult to label. Sometimes it’s dry, sometimes it’s oily. Making your skin care even more difficult, you can actually have areas of your face that are particularly oil while at the same time other areas are particularly dry. Very challenging.

5. Sensitive Skin - this skin type is easily irritated by environmental influences. Allergies, stings, burns, abrasions can all result in red and blotchy areas. Fortunately, it isn’t necessarily any more prone to black heads and acne than normal skin.

You can see now how skin type can affect your acne. When your pores become clogged with dead skin cells, which spurs the gwoth of bacteria, a black head or white head can develop. Those skin types that are more likely to promote this situation are the oily skin and the combination skin. In fact, oily skin is by far the worst culprit.

For those with dry skin, if you’re still encountering black heads, blemishes, and even acne, then you’ll want to add a non-oil based moisturizer to your daily routine. In addition, you’ll want to wash your face regularly with plain water in order to keep your skin clean and your pores clear.

Those with oil skin, on the other hand, will want to wash regularly with plain water and use something along the lines of benzoyl peroxide to help keep the oil from building up. You’ll want to discuss your options with a dermatologist, who can not only evaluate what type of skin you have, but the safest way to heal it and prevent future acne outbreaks.

Tags: Acne Treatment, oily skin, Skin Type