What is Normal Skin & Do I Have This Skin Type?

May 28, 2023

Reference Lab

MAY 28, 2023

If you have normal skin, you’ve won the skin lottery! Why? Because normal skin is healthy, even-toned, well-balanced, and free from any severe skin concerns like acne breakout.

According to The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five types:¹

Oily skin type
Dry skin type
Combination skin type
Sensitive skin type
Normal skin type

Out of all the above, normal skin is the most sought-after. That said, normal skin still needs TLC to maintain its health, smooth texture and radiance.

01 What is Normal Skin?

Normal skin is at the “sweet spot” of all skin types. Not too dry. Not too oily. But just like Goldilocks, it’s “just right.” Because normal skin is well-balanced, it’s not overly sensitive or prone to acne or any other skin condition. This skin type is generally well-hydrated, which helps to keep skin looking plump and radiant.

Most importantly, normal skin exhibits a healthy barrier function, which helps to protect against external factors like irritants, pollutants, and other factors that can cause damage to the skin and body. The uppermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) serves most of the skin's barrier function and is composed primarily of hard skin cells called keratinocytes, which act as the skin’s shield. A weak skin barrier may result in unbalanced and damaged skin. As a result, maintaining a healthy skin barrier plays a significant role in the health of your skin.^2,3

02 How to Identify If You Have Normal Skin

The term “normal skin” is difficult to define, as it can vary from person to person based on a variety of factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. In general, normal skin is characterized by its balance and health, with a well-maintained moisture barrier and a smooth, even appearance.

Characteristics of Normal Skin

It’s important to note that everyone's skin is unique. What is considered "normal" for one person may differ from another. However, there are some common characteristics that can help you determine if you have normal skin.

Texture: One of the key characteristics of normal skin is its texture. Normal skin is typically smooth and even, with a soft, supple feel. When touched, normal skin should feel relatively uniform, without any noticeable rough patches or bumps.
Balanced Oil Production: Normal skin also tends to have a balanced oil production, without excessive sebum or flakiness. This means that the skin isn’t overly oily or excessively dry. This skin type should, for the most part, be free from greasiness or tightness.⁴
Pore Size: Another way to identify normal skin is to look at pore size. Normal skin generally has pores that are small to medium in size, which are not easily visible to the naked eye. The pores found on normal skin should not be easily seen from a distance or without a magnifying mirror.

We all grow older. Our skin doesn’t have to. Learn more!

Who Has Normal Skin?

Young children and pre-teens often have normal skin, as their skin has not yet been exposed to many of the environmental factors that can contribute to skin damage and premature aging. Additionally, genetics also play a major role in skin type. Therefore, people from families who have normal skin are more likely to also exhibit a normal skin type.

Ingredients to Avoid

Individuals with normal skin can typically use a variety of skincare products without experiencing any adverse reactions or skin irritations. However, even for people with normal skin, there are certain ingredients that are worth avoiding.

Here are some common ingredients to steer clear of if you have normal skin:

Fragrances

Fragrances may add some flair to skin care products, including lotion, soap, and facial cleanser. However, fragrance in skin care can be a common source of skin irritation and may cause allergic reactions, even in people with normal skin. To avoid potential skin irritation, look for a skin care product that is labeled as "fragrance-free".

Alcohol

Many skincare products, including toners, astringents, and some facial cleansers, contain alcohol as an ingredient. While alcohol may remove excess oil and impurities from the skin, it can also be extremely drying. Alcohol may also cause irritation or redness, particularly if used excessively. If you are wondering how to reduce skin inflammation and redness, then look for products that are alcohol-free or that contain only a small amount of alcohol to keep the facial skin’s lipid barrier well-balanced.

Harsh Exfoliants

Exfoliants, such as scrubs and peels, help remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother, more even complexion. However, some exfoliants can be too harsh, even for normal skin. If too harsh or used too frequently, exfoliants may cause redness, irritation, or even micro-tears in the skin. People with normal skin should opt for exfoliants that are gentle and use them with caution, slowly building up in frequency.⁵

Synthetic Dyes

Like fragrances, synthetic dyes are added to many skin care products to enhance their appearance. However, these dyes can also be a source of skin irritation and allergic reactions. To avoid potential skin irritation, look for topical skin care products that are free of synthetic dyes. Instead, consider products that contain natural, plant-based colorants or are dye-free.

Sulfates

Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, are commonly found in many skin care products, including facial cleansers and shampoos. While sulfates can help to remove dirt and impurities from the skin, they can also be drying and may cause irritation or redness, particularly if used frequently. Research involving patch tests on 1,600 participants found that approximately 42% had a reaction to sulfate.⁶

Parabens

Parabens are a type of preservative used to extend the shelf life of many skin care products. However, there is some concern that parabens may disrupt hormonal balance in the body, and may contribute to the development of certain types of cancer. To avoid potential health risks, look for products that are labeled as free of parabens or that contain alternative preservatives, such as grapefruit seed extract or vitamin E.⁷

In addition to avoiding these ingredients, it is important to choose skin care products that are formulated specifically for your skin type. While normal skin may be able to tolerate a wide range of products, using products that are too harsh or too drying can disrupt the natural balance of your skin and may lead to skin problems down the line. Be sure to read product labels carefully, and talk to a dermatologist or skin care professional if an adverse reaction develops. It’s always best practice to do a patch test before introducing a new skin care product to your routine, especially to the skin on your face and around your eyes.

03 How to Maintain Normal Skin

Maintaining normal skin is usually possible with a simple skin care regimen. Here are some tips for keeping your skin healthy and radiant:

Cleanse Routinely - cleansing is an important part of any skin care routine, as it helps to remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and impurities from the skin. Depending on your needs, use a gentle cleanser once or twice a day. Choose a gel cleanser without harsh ingredients like sulfates and alcohol. If your skin feels clean from the night before, consider skipping your morning cleanse and rinsing with water instead to avoid dryness.
Moisturize Regularly - regardless of your skin type, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. A lightweight, non-greasy peptide moisturizer or peptide body lotion works well with normal skin and should be applied to the face and neck after cleansing.
Sun Protection - sun damage is one of the most common causes of premature aging, dark spots, and skin damage. To protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day – you should even be wearing sunscreen in winter – and reapply it every two hours when participating in outdoor activities.⁸

By following these simple tips, you can maintain healthy, radiant, and balanced normal skin. If you experience any skin problems or concerns, be sure to consult with a dermatologist or skin care professional to develop a customized skin care routine for normal skin that works for you.

04 Caring for Normal Skin with OneSkin

The OS-01 peptide has been shown to increase key markers associated with collagen production in lab studies on ex vivo human skin models (Zonari, et al). This means that the peptide may increase your skin’s natural production of collagen, one of the most essential factors necessary for supple and radiant skin. The OS-01 peptide moisturizer and peptide eye cream have also been shown to promote a significant increase in the skin’s epidermal thickness, also shown in lab studies on ex vivo human skin samples, which could help strengthen facial skin’s barrier (Zonari, et al).

If you’re searching for the right products for your skin, you know how challenging it can be to find one that meets all your skin’s needs. OneSkin makes choosing effective and safe products easy, because they’re made with all skin types in mind. Free from excessive oils, harsh ingredients and developed by longevity scientists with skin health at the top of mind, OneSkin's simple product line is all you need for balanced and radiant skin.

Key Takeaways:

Normal skin is well-balanced, even textured with smaller-sized pores.
This skin type is not sensitive or prone to acne or any other skin condition.
A strong skin barrier helps maintain skin balance and health.
Caring for normal skin means steering clear of fragrances, harsh exfoliants, synthetic dyes, sulfates, and parabens.
OneSkin products contain the proprietary peptide OS-01. OneSkin products work with different skin types and are sulfate and paraben free.

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