SKIN TYPES AND CONDITIONS
   

Different skin types
   
The basic characteristics of a person’s skin are hereditary. A person’s skin type can change with age. There are generally three basic skin types—each with their own attributes. A targeted and effective skin care regime requires an exact knowledge of the characteristics, needs and problems of a particular skin type. Only in this way can skin be cared for optimally and its appearance improved.

• Oily and combination skin produces too much oil (sebum), and has therefore a greasy, large-pored appearance. It tends to develop impurities and blemishes. This skin type appears plump, because dead skin cells shed less easily than those of normal skin. Moreover, this skin type often has poor circulation. The common mixed forms fall under the category of combination skin. Skin is oily, dry or normal in areas. Skin is oily (large-pored and susceptible to blemishing) particularly in the T-zone—on the forehead, nose and chin. Dry skin (small-pored, with a tendency toward flaking) is usually found around the temples, eyes and cheeks.

• Normal skin appears smooth, rosy and healthy. It is resilient and possesses adequate oil and moisture. Its acid mantle is intact, it is elastic and pores are barely visible. Overall, this skin type is considered ideal and naturally balanced.

• Dry skin is a very prevalent type. Its structure is fragile and small-pored. It tends to develop fine lines, as well as flakes and tenses easily, because is lacking in adequate oil and moisture. Moisture is insufficiently retained. Broken capillaries along the cheeks, tiny pores and a lack of blemishes are further characteristics of this skin type. Dry skin possesses a thin acid mantle, which impairs its ability to function as a protective barrier.

Variable skin conditions
   
The aforementioned skin types may also exhibit temporary or recurring acute conditions. These conditions often develop due to altered habits or natural factors, such as new medication, pregnancy, dieting, nicotine and alcohol consumption, as well as from overexposure to sun, air conditioning and overheated rooms. Skin conditions should be considered as an independent factor from one’s skin type. Usually they exhibit an amplification of the characteristics of one’s skin type (e.g., dry skin may become dryer as a result of environmental factors). However, oily skin may also suffer from dryness or sensitivity.

Due to changes in the body during puberty, blemished skin (i.e., extremely oily skin) often occurs in young people. Pores become clogged due to overproduction in the sebaceous glands caused by hormone changes. As a result, pimples and blackheads are formed, and the adjacent tissue can become inflamed through bacterial corruption. Skin on the forehead, nose and chin—or in the “T-zone”—is large-pored and has poor circulation. It is important to keep in mind that if pimples do not disappear despite intensive skin care treatment, or suddenly spread, a dermatologist should be consulted to rule out or treat skin diseases such as acne.

Increasing environmental stresses often reduce the skin’s normal capacity to store moisture. This is referred to as moisture-deprived skin. Decisive factors are air conditioning, tanning booths, heated air or temperature changes. In its moisture-deprived condition, skin tends to become flaky and appears raw and brittle, causing small stress lines to develop. It feels uncomfortably tight—particularly after cleansing with water.

Sensitive skin has an impaired barrier function (when compared to its normal condition) and thus cannot protect itself sufficiently. Skin is very thin and tender. It is also tense; it burns and reddens and irritates easily. “Stress lines” begin to form around the eyes and mouth—visible signs of premature aging.

With advanced age, the production of new cells begins to slow. Skin appears tired and requires more time to regenerate. We call this condition mature and difficult, often extremely dry skin. Collagen and connective tissue harden, and moisture can no longer be stored adequately. The elasticity of mature skin decreases, and fine lines begin to develop around the eyes and mouth. Circulation is often inadequate, and skin appears dry and brittle. It also loses some of its natural glow and youthful tautness.