Does a normal skin type actually exist?
Despite all the advancements in the skincare industry down the ages, the basics have remained unchanged: figure out your skin type and then opt for products according to its needs. From oily to combination, there is a broad spectrum of categories but not all of these skin types have the approval of the experts. Case in point: normal skin, that can best be described as the skincare utopia where breakouts and blemishes dont exist. A quick stroll down the beauty aisle will acquaint you with products prominently labelled for the normal skin type, but experts believe that actually coming across this skin type is about as common as spotting a unicorn in the forest. Heres what the experts would like you to know. In my experience, normal skin is healthy, problem-free skin that can be maintained easily with basic skincare products, explains Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. However, there is a long list of criteria to satisfy to be classified as normal skin. This skin type is categorised by even texture, blemish-free appearance, balanced oil-to-water proportion meaning that the skin is neither too oily or dry, minimal pores, no sensitivity to external stimuli or acne, she adds. In a world that considers acne or redness to be abnormal, a new way of thinking that factors skin positivity pushes back on the beauty standard of perfect skin by proving that it doesn't actually exist. Since normal is a subjective word, it's natural to wonder what normal skin even really is. Normal skin might sound like hitting the skincare jackpot, but it pays to bear in mind that skin type isnt a static entity. It varies according to the weather, hormones and stress levels. Theoretically, normal skin can then be defined as the sweet spot in time when your skin is not oily nor too dry, explains Dr Afzaa Machiwala, consultant dermatologist at Kaya Skin Clinic. The notion is seconded by Dr Agarwal, who believes that the hype around normal skin has been generated as a result of marketing. This ideal skin type is not easy to achieve and requires constant, regular skincare and treatments to be maintained. The closest you can come to this skin type is when you have minimal skin problems, says the Mumbai-based dermatologist.