North Carolina Cosmetic Arts Practice Exam

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production. This results from the sebaceous glands being overactive, leading to a shinier appearance and a greater likelihood of clogged pores and acne. Individuals with oily skin often experience larger, more visible pores and may struggle with skin conditions related to excess oil, such as breakouts.

In contrast, normal skin typically has a balanced level of sebum, with neither dryness nor excessive oiliness. Dry skin lacks sufficient sebum and moisture, often leading to flakiness and tightness. Combination skin features characteristics of both oily and dry skin, often exhibiting oiliness in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) while being dry or normal on the cheeks and other areas. This distinction highlights that oily skin stands out specifically due to its overproduction of sebum.