What Skin Type Do I Have?
Your skin type affects how you care for it. Here are the five main types:
Normal
Your skin feels balanced, not too oily and not too dry. Pores are small, breakouts are rare, and your skin generally looks healthy with little effort.
Oily
Your skin tends to look shiny, especially by midday. Pores are larger and you may notice frequent blackheads or breakouts.
Dry
Your skin often feels tight or uncomfortable, especially after washing. You may notice rough patches, flaking, or a dull appearance.
Combination
Your forehead, nose, and chin tend to get oily while your cheeks feel dry or normal. Among skin types, this is the most common.
Sensitive
Your skin reacts quickly to products, weather, or stress. Redness, itching, or a stinging feeling are signs that your skin needs extra gentle care.
Are Skin Spots and Moles the Same?
No, they are not. Moles come in different types and each one looks a little different. Most are completely harmless, but some do need a closer look from a doctor.
Common Moles
These are round, evenly in colour, and smaller than a pencil eraser. They are the most typical type of mole and most adults have anywhere between 10 and 40 of them on their bodies.
Atypical Moles
These moles have an irregular shape or uneven colour. They are not always dangerous, but it is a good idea to keep an eye on them and get them checked if anything changes.
Congenital Moles
These are moles you are born with. Smaller ones are usually nothing to worry about, but larger congenital moles carry a slightly higher risk and should be reviewed by a dermatologist.
Junctional Nevi
These are flat, dark brown moles that form at the border between the top two layers of skin. They are generally harmless but should be monitored over time.
Intradermal Nevi
These appear as raised, flesh-coloured or light brown bumps on the skin. They are very common and almost always benign, meaning they pose no health risk.
Halo Nevi
These are moles surrounded by a white ring, which appears when the skin around the mole loses its pigment. They are mostly harmless but worth mentioning to a doctor if you notice one.
Compound Nevi
These moles are a mix of flat and raised. They are usually safe, but it is worth keeping track of any changes in their size, shape, or colour.
Spots to Keep an Eye On
Not every spot is a mole. Here are three types worth knowing:
Moles
Usually brown or black, round or oval. Most are fine. Track any that change shape, colour, or size.
Red Spots
It could be cherry angiomas, rosacea, or irritation. Often harmless, but persistent red spots should be checked.
White Spots
Can appear from sun damage, fungal infections, or vitiligo. Most aren't dangerous but deserve attention if spreading.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Use the ABCDE rule to check any mole or spot for warning signs. Asymmetry means the two halves of the moles do not match. Check the border to see if the edges look ragged, notched, or blurry. Colour is another clue, as a single spot showing multiple shades of brown, black, red, or white needs attention. Diameter matters too, and anything larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser, is worth noting. Finally, watch for anything evolving, which means any change in size, shape, colour, or feel over time. If a mole or spot checks even one of these boxes, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early.
