Not all skin is created equal. By understanding *your* skin type, you can better address your skin concerns and properly care for it. In our Genetic Skin Types series, we’ll be taking a closer look at the most common skin types and how to build your healthy skin routine accordingly.

If your skin doesn’t seem to be either dry or oily — and combination skin isn’t quite right, either — then you might have normal skin. Quick refresher: Normal skin is the term commonly used to describe skin that produces an average amount of sebum (enough to moisturize skin but not so much to be visible) and has a functioning skin barrier, which helps keep that moisture sealed in.

Consider it a bit of genetic luck. That said, “normal skin” is still something of a misnomer, as “most people experience skin conditions and skin imbalances,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. The better word might be “balanced,” for reasons we’ll get into shortly. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the so-called normal skin type.

What are the characteristics of normal skin?

Think of normal skin as a Goldilocks situation, with neither too much nor too little of any one thing. On a more clinical level, “normal skin refers to skin where the T-zone may be a bit oily, but overall the sebum is balanced,” says NakedPoppy research scientist Marisa Plescia.

In normal skin types, she says, the average sebum production is 1 mg/10 cm2 every three hours. (For comparison, oily skin types can produce anywhere from 1.5 to 4.0 mg/10 cm2 every three hours, while dry skin types clock in at a max of 0.5 mg/10 cm2.) 

In normal skin, skin hydration is *also* balanced. And healthy skin barrier function means that moisture usually stays within skin where it’s needed, and that external aggressors, from bacteria to pollutants, are successfully kept out.

What does the normal skin type feel like?

There’s a pervasive myth that normal skin is radiant and healthy, with smooth texture and invisible pores. That’s a little misleading. In fact, says Parenti, “it’s the imperfections due to a variety of external and internal factors — like sun spots or hormonal breakouts — that are normal.”

Again, we want to double-down on the fact that “balanced skin” may be a more accurate term for this skin type — since it’s mostly defined by your rate of sebum production and your skin barrier. And really, normal is a pretty subjective standard. It’s also worth remembering that normal skin doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s subject to just as many factors and influences as any other skin type. (Winter! Hormones! Sensitivities!) It doesn’t just get a free pass; it needs proper care to remain balanced.

“Normal skin type — as is dry, oily, combination — is more or less genetic, rather than a state of skin,” Plescia explains. “Normal skin can still look dehydrated or oily, depending on many different factors, including environmental factors like your skincare habits.” Age might be the most important. For instance, your skin naturally loses sebum with age, among other changes. That means once-balanced skin might become dry or rough over time, and fine lines and wrinkles may become more apparent.

Plus, there are other skin conditions that aren’t necessarily tied to a single skin type — meaning it’s fair game whether you have normal skin or otherwise. “These can include hyperpigmentation, redness, visible pores, occasional skin roughness, fine lines, and breakouts,” says Parenti. Bottom line? “For skin to be normal does not mean it needs to look ‘ideal’,” she says.

The ideal skincare routine for normal skin

To properly care for normal skin, take a cue from how your skin is looking. Need a little more help? Look no further than the 3-min NakedPoppy assessment, which will automatically match you with the ideal skincare products for your normal skin and any conditions you might have.

Ultimately, “the ideal skincare routine for someone with normal skin still depends a bit on your specific skincare concerns,” says Plescia. Consider this your basic guideline, then add in more targeted products, such as serum or masks, based on your individual concerns.

  • Cleanse: Be it grime, makeup, or sunscreen, any buildup on your face still needs to be removed at the end of the day — lest it clog pores and create a concern where there was none. Take a cue from the state of your skin. Feeling dry in the winter? Try NakedPoppy Nourish Cream Cleanser. If you’re looking more oily mid-summer, consider NakedPoppy Refresh Foaming Cleanser.
  • Moisturize: “One of the most common misconceptions is that you don’t need to use a moisturizer daily if you don’t have visibly dry skin,” says Plescia. “However, moisturizers benefit the skin and very much affect the overall health of the skin, even if you don’t think you need them.” NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Face Oil not only delivers deep moisture, but also packs rosehip seed oil to target fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
  • Protect: No matter your skin type, sun damage happens. In the daytime, slather on a clean sunscreen like Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer, which offers SPF 30 (the minimum recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology) and doubles as a moisturizer and primer.

Since normal skin tends to be in a balanced state by nature, the idea here is to maintain that balance no matter what comes your way. And really, isn’t that the goal for pretty much everything in life?

Get “shockingly accurate” clean beauty picks. Take your beauty assessment. 

Shop the Story: