Unit 2.20 – Skin Types & Skin Conditions Copy

There are 3 basic skin types.  A person is born with a skin type and internal changes usually through hormones, age, genetics, stress or illness can affect the sebum production from the sebaceous gland and alter the skin type.  Topical skincare cannot alter the internal sebaceous flow.  

Dry Skin

Caused by under or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally hydrated. It usually has a dull appearance, feels dry and itchy and is sometimes sensitive

Oily Skin

Caused by glands that produce too much sebum, resulting in skin that appears shiny and has large open pores. Oily skin are prone to develop comedones (blackheads) and acne. However, oily skin generally remains younger looking and suppler over time than other skin types. Hugely benefits from MDM

Normal Skin

Normal Skin is not necessarily a Skin Type as it is technically slightly oily and is what is known as the perfect skin.  Produces sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a balanced state. Looks consistently plump, moist and vibrant.

There are 4 basic skin conditions.  A person’s facial skin can vary at different times during their life due to environment, lifestyle, incorrect product use, illness or hormonal imbalance.  It is to be noted that a skin condition can be repaired and fixed.

Sensitive Skin

Can be dry, normal or oily. Characterized by their delicacy. Sensitive skin frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition.

Acne Skin

Usually found in excessively oil skin but can also be found in chronically dry skin where the bodies response to impaired acid mantle leads to congestion and excess oil.  Skin can present as red, inflamed, thin, irritated with pustules, papules and lesions.

Pigmented Skin

Can be dry, normal or oily. Characterized by darkened spots on the skin.  Usually caused by over exposure to UV sunlight.  This can lead to pigmented lesions where the melanocytes have been activated in a line of defence.  Pigmentation can also appear in the form of melasma which is caused by hormones in the skin,  Hypopigmentation can also be present as a reaction to trauma to the skin. 

Mature Skin

Has the following characteristics: skin becomes dry as sebaceous glands becomes less active, skin loses elasticity (fine lines and wrinkles appear), skin appears thinner with broken capillaries, especially on cheek area and nose, facial contours become slack as muscle tone is reduced, blood circulation becomes poor which interferes with skin nutrition, making it appear sallow, due to decrease in metabolic rate, waste products are not removed as quickly, leading to puffiness of the skin.