Understanding Skin Types: Genetics, Hormones, Environment and Skin Barrier Health

av Juliana Agatha Swaray 12 juni 2022

Melanin & Textures™ | Barrier Longevity

Why skin type matters

Knowing how your skin behaves can help you choose cleansing, moisturising and sun-protection products more effectively. The familiar categories—normal, dry, oily and combination—are useful descriptions, but they are not rigid medical diagnoses. Skin can change over time and respond differently across seasons, body areas and life stages.

Normal, dry, oily and combination skin

Normal skin is often described as comfortable without marked oiliness or dryness. Dry skin may feel tight and show scaling or roughness. Oily skin tends to develop visible surface shine because of sebum production. Combination skin shows different characteristics in different areas, often an oilier forehead, nose and chin alongside drier cheeks. None of these labels determines skin health on its own.

Sensitive skin is different

Sensitivity describes a tendency toward unpleasant sensations such as burning, stinging, itching or tingling in response to stimuli that may not trouble other people. It can coexist with any oil-production pattern. Persistent redness, eczema-like patches or pain may indicate an underlying condition rather than a skin type. Avoid assuming that every reaction is an allergy; irritation and allergy are distinct processes.

The role of genetics and hormones

Genetics influences skin structure, pigmentation and aspects of sebum production. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy and later life can affect oiliness and the skin’s appearance. Androgen signalling contributes to sebaceous gland activity, but oily skin cannot be reduced to one hormone or one ingredient. Individual differences matter.

Environment and daily habits

Temperature, humidity, UV exposure, cleansing habits, friction and skincare formulations can all influence the way skin feels and looks. Repeated harsh cleansing may produce tightness even when the skin is naturally oily. Dry indoor air may worsen scaling in winter. Changes in texture or sensitivity do not necessarily mean your underlying skin type has permanently changed.

Skin tone and pigmentation

Melanin influences skin colour and aspects of photoprotection, but no skin tone is immune to UV- related damage. Inflammatory conditions may be less visibly red on deeper skin tones and may instead appear darker, violet, grey-brown or as changes in texture. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can follow acne, eczema and other irritation. Gentle care and appropriate sunscreen remain important across skin tones.

How to assess your skin

Observe how skin feels after a gentle wash and during an ordinary day, without immediately layering many products. Note persistent shine, tightness, flaking, stinging and differences between facial areas. Consider whether recent products, weather or medications explain a change. Choose a routine based on current needs rather than a label alone.

Build a flexible routine

Start with a mild cleanser, a moisturiser matched to comfort and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Oily skin may prefer a lightweight lotion; dry skin may need a richer cream; sensitive skin may benefit from simpler, fragrance-free formulations. Add active products gradually and assess tolerance. Seek dermatological advice for persistent inflammation, significant acne or unexplained changes.

Scientific references

Misery L et al. Definition of sensitive skin: an expert position paper from the special interest group

on sensitive skin. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2017.

Proksch E, Brandner JM, Jensen JM. The skin: an indispensable barrier. Experimental Dermatology. 2008;17:1063–1072.