Traditionally, four main skin categories are recognised: dry skin, combination skin, oily skin and normal skin, defined by the activity of the sebaceous glands responsible for sebum production. However, skin is more complex than generally believed. At Typology, by utilising a more advanced scientific methodology, we have identified not four but twenty-four distinct skin typologies, and the DE(.) profile is one of them. How can this skin type be defined? Find more information on the DE(.) skin typology in this article.
DE profile (.), along with further explanations of this skin typology.
Summary
Published on December 19, 2022, updated on November 13, 2025, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Further details on the significance of the initials DE(.).
Skin ageing: BEGINNER
Oxidation factors: PRESENTATION
Sebum production: BALANCED (.)
The DE(.) skin matrix.
Source: Typology.
4 minutes to understand your skin. Our dermatological diagnostic guides you toward the ideal skincare for your specific needs. Simple, quick, personalized.
Wrinkles & fine lines
The letter “D” stands for “Beginner” in relation to skin ageing.
The letter D signals the onset of the first visible signs of ageing, often linked to natural facial movements. These marks appear primarily when the skin is engaged by expression: smiles, frowns or repeated contractions of the muscles around the eyes and mouth. These are thus the dynamic fine lines, fine and superficial, which manifest first, especially at the outer corners of the eyes, but also on the forehead or around the lips.
These signs can be detected as early as theend of the twenties and reflect subtle but early alterations in the dermis and epidermis. The production of collagen and elastin begins to decline, causing a slight loss of mechanical resilience, and cellular turnover slows, progressively affecting skin radiance and texture. Added to this is a gradual decrease in sebum production by the sebaceous glands, which can leave the skin slightly dehydrated, promoting the visibility of fine lines during facial expressions, even before static or deeper wrinkles appear.
Early-stage cutaneous ageing manifests as a progressive loss of suppleness, tone and the skin’s ability to retract following each movement.
The letter “E” denotes exposure to oxidative factors.
The "E" indicates that the skin is regularly exposed to external aggressors which promote the formation of free radicals. These unstable molecules are generated by solar radiation, pollution, tobacco, stress or even alcohol, and can damage the cells of the epidermis and dermis, even when the signs of ageing remain very subtle.
In DE(. ) skin, these oxidative factors can accentuate the visibility of dynamic fine lines by weakening the collagen and elastin fibres already engaged by facial movements. Oxidation also affects lipids and cellular DNA, leading to gradual dehydration, a loss of radiance and a less smooth texture. Even though these changes remain subtle, they lay the groundwork for more visible ageing if no preventive measures are implemented.
For DE(.) skin, the emphasis should therefore be placed on preventing pro-oxidative factors.
The “.” dot for balanced sebum secretion.
The "." symbol indicates that the skin produces sebum in balanced quantities, neither too much nor too little. This natural lipid film plays an important role in protecting the skin against dehydration and external aggressors, while maintaining its suppleness and comfort. For DE(.) skin, still youthful yet showing the first signs of ageing, balanced sebum production helps to limit wrinkle formation and preserve the skin’s elasticity during facial movements.
This skin typology generally exhibits a uniform epidermal texture, with few or no imperfections, pores that are scarcely visible and an even complexion.
What measures should be taken to care for DE(.) skin?
A simple yet targeted skincare routine enables the care of DE(.) skin. In the morning, begin by applying an antioxidant serum, which helps neutralise free radicals produced by the sun, pollution or stress. This preventative measure protects skin cells and slows the onset of wrinkles. Next, a lightweight moisturiser helps maintain the hydrolipidic film and brings comfort to the skin. Finally, daily sun protection remains essential, even in overcast conditions, to prevent UV-induced damage. For the eye contour, a dedicated cream can help hydrate this fine, delicate area and reduce the appearance of early crow’s feet.
In the evening, after removing make-up and gently cleansing to eliminate impurities that have accumulated over the course of the day, we recommend applying a retinoid serum. This family of actives is indeed one of the most extensively documented for smoothing wrinkles. If your skin is sensitive or unaccustomed to retinoids, it is advisable to begin with low concentrations and to space out applications to limit irritation. Finish with a nourishing cream to reinforce hydration and support barrier function skin barrier, and don’t forget your eye-contour treatment.
"I truly love these products, not least for their effects on the skin! I’d never had a skincare routine before, and this made it remarkably straightforward to get started. The products are slightly smaller than I anticipated, but they all last exceptionally well!" Angela T. – Typologist DE(.)
