Skin Types
Skin type is a classification that describes a person's genetic skin attributes. Your skin type is determined by genetics and ethnicity, but like everything else, skin can change over time.
Generally, skin becomes drier over time because our cellular metabolism and oil/lipid production slow down as we age. Skin type is based primarily on how much oil is produced in the follicles from the sebaceous glands and on the amount of lipids found between the cells. The T-zone is the first step in determining skin type. The T-zone is the center area of the face, corresponding to the "T" shape by the forehead, nose, and chin. All skin types need proper cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and protecting.
Different Types of Skin Types
There are four different skin types:
Normal
Combination
Oily
Dry
Oily skin ages more slowly because the oil acts to protect the skin. Dry skin can be compromised trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Normal skin often changes as we age.
Normal Skin
Oil: balanced
Hydration: balanced
Follicle size: very small
Appearance: uniform luminosity, no or rare blemishes
Feel: soft, smooth texture; good elasticity
You can treat this skin type by cleansing, exfoliation, nourish, protect. Introduce anti-aging products because normal skin will often become drier with age. Reinforce use of sunscreen.
Combination
Oily: moderate to high
Hydration: good to dehydrated
Follicle size: larger in T-zone than cheeks and sides of face
Appearance: can have buildup of dead skin and oil in pores around nose but dry or flaking skin outside of T-zone; some blemishes and comedones
Feel: oilier in center T-zones than sides of face
You can treat this skin type by cleansing and regular exfoliation, water-based products, and avoid harsh products and rough exfoliation. Skin should be evaluated often as oil-hydration balance can be disrupted by hormonal and environmental influences. Reinforce use of sunscreen.
Oily
Oil: moderate to high
Hydration: good to dehydrated
Follicle size: moderate to large
Appearance: shiny; comedones and blemishes may be present
Feel: thick and firm, uneven due to congestion
You can treat this skin type by regular cleansing and exfoliation and hydrating with water-based products. Getting regular treatments to balance oil production. People with oily skin breakouts and comedones may have them on the neck, back, shoulders, and chest. People with oily skin age more slowly, since the oil acts to protect the skin. You will need to use SPF regularly to avoid post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common aliment that accompanies acne.
Dry
Oil: minimal production
Hydration: minimal production
Follicle size: difficult to visualize, fine pores
Appearance: dull, lack of luminosity, flaking, blotchy
Feel: rough, thin, tight
You can treat by using oil-based products to provide protection of acid mantle and increase the barrier function. Dry skin often has comprised TEWL; water loss caused by evaporation on the skin's surface. The best skin treatments are ones that provide nourishment and protection. Dry skin may often be dehydrated. Like all other skin, reinforce use of sunscreen.
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