Q/A: Skin type vs. Skin condition
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
“Is there a difference between skin type and skin condition?”
Yes there is; the terms are not interchangeable.
Skin type is genetically determined and cannot be changed.
However, each skin type can be managed through proper skin care, balanced nutrition and physical activity for example.
There are 4 skin types:
1. Normal skin
It is neither dry, nor oily and has no underlying skin conditions. Very very rare especially with changing climatic conditions (see below).
2. Dry skin – skin lacks oil
Dry skin (lacking oil) is not to be confused with dehydrated skin which lacks water (see below).
Some characteristics of dry skin type are:
~ skin pores are very small, sometimes not visible to the eye
~ skin feels tight shortly after cleansing, and sometimes even after moisturizing (in this event opt for a thicker moisturizing cream)
~ you avoid smiling in the event your skin splits
3. Oily skin – skin lacks water
This skin type feels oily after shortly after cleansing. Some characteristics of this skin type are:
~ Visible skin pores
~ prone to acne
~ comedones (whiteheads and/or blackheads) present
~ by midday your face feels like it’s sliding off
4. Combination/ Oily
This skin type is most common. Common characteristics include:
~ Oily in the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin areas) and dry in the cheeks.
~ Blackheads in T-Zone
~ Some days you don’t want to risk smiling and some days your face feels like it’s slipping off.
Each skin type may be affected by various underlying skin conditions. A skin condition is really the skin’s reaction to external elements and may change from day to day, season to season, or with aging, Some common skin conditions are:
~ Acne
~ Dehydration (lacking water)
~ Roeacea
~ Hyper-pigmentation (dark spots)
~ Hypo-pigmentation (white spots)
~ Aging
~ Sensitive
Several factors can affect the condition of our skins including:
~ Climate/ Seasonal changes
~ Environmental pollution
~ Diet
~ Stress level
~ Medication
~ Smoking
~ Ultraviolet Rays (UVRs), largely from the sun.
Any skin type can be affected by various skin conditions. It is therefore possible to have dry skin that is sensitive, or oily skin that is dehydrated.
N.B - It is a common misconception that dry skin needs more water and oily skin needs less oil, a huge reason why people with oily skins choose not to moisturize.
However, dry skin needs more OIL and oily skin needs more WATER.
For tips on choosing the right moisturizer for your skin see article here > Should I moisturize?
Skin consultations by qualified estheticians are usually as a complementary service, so be sure to check around and see if you can get your skin analyzed in the event that you are unsure of your skin condition.
Toodles!
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