Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, which can lead to the appearance of visible pores. This increased oiliness can result from overactive sebaceous glands, causing the accumulation of oil on the skin's surface. As the oil fills the pores, they can become enlarged and more noticeable, giving the characteristic look often associated with oily skin.

In contrast, alipidic skin lacks sufficient oil and moisture, which is why it does not display visible pores from sebum production. Normal skin typically has a balanced oil-water ratio and maintains a smooth appearance with minimal visible pores. Couperose skin is associated with weakened capillaries and redness rather than excess oil production, and while it may show diffuse redness or visible blood vessels, it does not involve the pore enlargement seen in oily skin. Understanding the unique characteristics of each skin type helps in identifying the right care and treatment approach in esthetic practice.