What characteristic defines dry skin types?

Dry skin types are primarily characterized by a lack of water content in the skin. This deficiency leads to a compromised skin barrier, resulting in a rough texture, flakiness, and a feeling of tightness. Unlike oily skin, which has an overproduction of sebum, dry skin manifests a thin, delicate appearance and is more prone to signs of aging due to less moisture.

In contrast to the other choices, excessive oil production is typical of oily skin and does not pertain to dry skin types. Small follicles are a characteristic often associated with dry skin, but they do not define it. While large pores are indicative of oily skin and a higher level of sebum production, they do not relate to the condition of having dry skin. Understanding that moisture levels are crucial to skin health emphasizes why the lack of water is the defining trait of dry skin types.