Correctly identification of skin types and skin conditions is key in successfully selecting effective product choosing. There are as many subtle variations to skin types and conditions as humans but certain prevalent characteristics allow us to group skin types into three classes and skin conditions fall into six classes.
In most cases an individual will have a combination skin type and one skin condition.
Knowing what class you fall into will help you to better understand why some products will work great for you.. and others not so well.
Skin types are hereditary and are the result of oil gland functioning. Skin types can be put into the three categories. Normal, Oily and Dry. In most people they will be a combination like Normal to Dry meaning.. My nose and cheeks are normal in balance but my chin and forehead is on the dry side. ( follow how this works?).. Of course these skin types happen in a varying degree.. such as very dry or very very oily..slightly dry or slightly oily.
One thing that confuses most people is when they say they are oily/dry.. This usually happens when the individuals skin has been very oily and all of the sudden the oily skin looses moisture and begins to get overly dry. This is common.. Use of astringents,soaps,scrubs in an attempt to rid ones self of the excess oil can produce the dryness..
The dryness is the “condition” of the skin. (follow?)
People are so obsessed with the oil..they for get about moisture.. Most people who have oily skin say “I don’t need a
moisturizer , I’m oily enough” Remember moisture is not oil! Look for a “oil free
moisturizer ”, but you must use moisture.
Normal Skin: To be honest, I don’t think any of us have had normal skin since we were 12. Normal skin is perfect in hydration, muscle tone, resilience that is produced by moisture in the adipose tissues. In Normal skin there is strong activity in the Basal layer and the blood circulation is active. Normal skin looks smooth, soft, glowing and moist with even skin colour. The corneum layer shows a great texture and there is no sign of fine lines large/open pores or wrinkles.
Normal skin requires proper cleansing Am. and PM. Being consistant with moisturizers during the day to prevent moisture loss is important, and hydrating crèmes in the evening is important.
An occasional light exfoliation is beneficial.. and when being active in the sunshine using an SPF of 15 or higher should be practiced.
For Normal Skin type.. Less is best on the skin.. don’t load on the crèmes and lotions, a little will do wonders.
Oily Skin is due to over activity in the sebaceous glands. This activity is controlled by the androgen hormone. Oily skin can be detected by its thick,shiny firm apperance. The pores are enlarged, usually due to the oil getting trapped in the pilosebaceous follicle.
These pores become aggravated with dehydration as the condition gets worse.
Hot and humid climates tend to make the oil gland secrete more oil. Misuse of products designed to get the oil under control cause huge problems for individuals with this skin type. Over stimulating the skin will cause problems. Even massaging this type of skin too much should be avoided.
AHA and BETA products can improve this type of skin. Look for products that have botanicals that are active to embrace for your skincare on a regular basis. Follow the directions on the use of these products.. Don't over due it..
Gently clean the skin AM and PM and be sure you are keeping the skin hydrated.. Remember oil and moisture are two different things, as I mentioned before.
Dry Skin is due to under activity of the sebaceous gland. All body activities slow down.
Oil is reduced and the ability to retain moisture is not easy. Dry skin is noted to have fine or deep lines, overly delicate and thinner than normal or oily skin. The lack of oil being produced deprives the skin of it “glue” to retain cells in the corneum layer. The result is fewer cells in this layer of skin…
Improper skincare makes this type of skin worse.
Care for this type of skin includes a daytime protection using products with a sealant such as silicone or collagen based treatment. These types of products form a barrier on the skin and help to prevent moisture loss. Vitamin E, ginseng,dandelion extract, avacado oil, macadamia nut oil and hyaluronic acid can help improve the dry skin individual. Look for these properties in your cremes and lotions.
I hope this helps you find out what type of skin you have.. and you begin to treat it the way it should be treated..
Remember when you look good… You feel good….
C
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Christine'
Home from Nashville.. and gonna tell ya about it..[ This Message was edited by: fungirlz on 2002-11-15 07:01 ]