Summary
For females, normal oiliness on the skin is better as compared to dry skin. Try et al. (2010) describe normal skin as a perfect balance of health and comfort, lacking visible lesions or discomfort, and being easy to maintain and decorate with makeup. In contrast, dry skin, characterized by roughness and inflexibility, can lead to discomfort such as reddening, cracking, and itching, affecting daily skin management and appearance. Farage et al. (2007) further emphasize the benefits of normal skin, particularly in the context of aging. They note that normal, slightly oily skin ages more slowly, maintaining better hydration and elasticity, which helps prevent wrinkles and keeps skin smooth. Lastly, Puścion-Jakubik et al. (2021) reinforce the preferable traits of normal skin in young women, highlighting its smoothness and firmness without defects, in contrast to dry skin’s challenges like dehydration and poor keratinization, which lead to aesthetic and comfort issues. Collectively, these studies underscore why normal skin is advantageous, promoting healthier and more attractive skin in women.
Research
When it comes to oiliness of the skin, existing literature commonly categorized them into four distinct types: dry, normal, oily, and combination. Each type presents unique characteristics and care needs. Dry skin is often marked by a significant lack of moisture in its outer layer, leading to a rough and flaky appearance. In contrast, normal skin is well-balanced, typically smooth, firm, and free from visible blemishes or defects, representing an ideal state in skin health. Oily skin results from overactive sebaceous glands producing excess oil, giving the skin a shiny appearance and making it prone to acne. Combination skin, the most common type, exhibits properties of both oily and dry skin (Puścion-Jakubik et al., 2021).
According to Try et al. (2010), normal skin is the epitome of balance and health, characterized by its lack of visible lesions or sensations of discomfort. This type of skin not only feels comfortable and well-moisturized but also remains supple and elastic. It is clean, easy to decorate with makeup, and less prone to irritation. On the other hand, the authors suggest that dry skin presents numerous challenges. Often rough, scaly, and less flexible, dry skin can lead to a host of uncomfortable sensations including reddening, cracking, and itching. This not only affects the skin’s feel but can also impact its overall function and appearance, making it more difficult to manage daily. Understanding these fundamental differences helps underscore why normal skin, with its inherent balance, is preferable and how maintaining this normalcy can lead to better skin health outcomes for women.
A significant study by Farage et al. (2007) discusses the impact of skin hydration on the aging process. The authors note that normally oily skin tends to show signs of aging more slowly than dry skin due to better natural hydration and elasticity. The stratum corneum’s integrity, which benefits from normal oiliness, helps keep the skin hydrated and flexible, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles and maintaining a smoother skin texture.
Additionally, Puścion-Jakubik et al. (2021) provides a clear comparison between dry and normal skin types, particularly in how they affect females, which supports the argument why normal skin wins over dry skin in women.
As per this study, normal skin in young women is characterized by its “smoothness and firmness” and the “absence of skin defects.” These characteristics of normal skin suggest a healthier, more resilient condition that is less likely to suffer from the discomfort and aesthetic issues associated with dry skin. On the other hand, dry skin is described as having “a high degree of epidermal dehydration” and is marked by “an abnormal process of keratinization and exfoliation of epidermal cells and impaired lipid production.” These conditions lead to the skin being dry, which can result in a variety of uncomfortable and visually unappealing symptoms such as flakiness, rough texture, and possible irritation or cracking.
This comparison illustrates that normal skin, with its inherent advantages in texture, hydration, and lipid balance, is clearly better suited for maintaining a healthy and attractive appearance compared to dry skin.
Reference
Try, C., Nicod, L., & Humbert, P. (2010). Skin care products for normal, dry, and greasy skin. Textbook of cosmetic dermatology. 4thed. London: Informa health care, 180-7.
Farage, Miranda A., Kenneth W. Miller, Peter Elsner, and Howard I. Maibach. “Structural characteristics of the aging skin: a review.” Cutaneous and ocular toxicology 26, no. 4 (2007): 343-357. https://doi.org/10.1080/15569520701622951
Puścion-Jakubik, A., Markiewicz-Żukowska, R., Naliwajko, S. K., Gromkowska-Kępka, K. J., Moskwa, J., Grabia, M., … & Socha, K. (2021). Intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in relation to body composition, skin hydration and lubrication in young women. Antioxidants, 10(7), 1110. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10071110