The Basic Skin Types And Their Causes

There are four basic skin types that everyone should know about in order for treatment to be considered. Skin can be described as dry, greasy, normal (balanced) or combination. Other types include: dehydrated, sensitivity, congested, mature, blemished or infected.

Dry Skin

Dry skin has an uneven, matt texture. The cause of this is lack of sebum. Without this the surface cells of the skin isn't lubricated and moisture becomes lost in the upper layers; causing cells to curl up and flake. Lubrication of the surface cells keeps them compacted together.

This skin type also lacks suppleness and may feel tight. It has no visible pores and is usually seen as thin and fine. Wrinkles and lines are formed prematurely around the eyes and dilated capillaries (little red lines) appear on the nose and cheeks.

Causes of dry skin are as follows:
Incorrect skin care - Harsh products can strip the skin of it's natural oils. If the body does not produce enough sebum to replace it quickly, then the surface skin becomes dry, parched and irritated. Use products that are alchol free, alkalis free, detergents and abrasives. Look at the ingredients.

Hormone imbalance
Central heating and air conditioning
Crash dieting
Medication
Smoking and alcohol

Greasy Skin

Greasy skin appears to be shiny, coarse, thick, dull and often grimy. This skin is the opposite of dry skin because it produces more sebum than is needed to give normal amount of lubrication and protection.
Oil free products may reduce shine and excess sebum.

Causes of greasy skin are as follows:

Ethnicity (race) - People who are born in hot, sunny climates produce more sebum to protect the skin. It helps as a shield to screen against the effects of ultraviolet light (sunlight)

Hormone imbalance - Greasy skin occasionally occurs at puberty before the balance of sex hormones has settled down.

Normal (balanced) skin

Normal skin types is what it says. The skin has a good balance of oil and moisture secretions. Pores are small, texture is even and colour is healthy. If you touch the skin it should feel slightly warm due to excellent blood supply. Normal skin appears to have a few or no spots and blemishes. It is also smooth.

Causes of normal skin are as follows:
Healthy eating

Combination skin

With combination skin different areas of the face have physical characteristics. The most common combination consists of normal-to-dry skin over cheeks and sides of face, with a greasy T-zone (centre of the face) this is classed as the danger triangle because blackheads and spots maybe present and some people maybe tempted to squeeze.

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