Depending on the characteristics of your skin, you should opt for a specific form of care.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and has the main function of protecting it from external agents. It is an important barrier to external factors, such as environmental agents, bacteria and germs that inhabit the world.
A priori, the skins seem very similar, but the reality is that there are many differences between each of them. A very important aspect when it comes to formulating cosmetic or dermatological products, especially for facial care.
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Main types of skin
Therefore, if we want to take good care of the skin, it is necessary to know its type and what needs or deficiencies it has . Getting to distinguish them is not an easy task since each complexion is very different and, of course, it changes over time.
However, the skin can be grouped based on factors that depend on the skin characteristics and the amount of secretions.
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1. Skin types according to the dermis
There are factors related to the peculiarities and behavior of the external surface of the skin and their classification is as follows.
1.1. Thick skin
The thick-skinned type has a well-developed stratum corneum . People with this skin are those who are continuously exposed to the sun. It is characterized by its coarseness on the surface and its yellow coloration due to keratin. It is the type of skin that we also find on the hands, soles of the feet and lips.
1.2. Thin skin
It has a thin horny layer . Typical of the female gender and covered body areas. It has a uniform surface, with inconspicuous pores and a translucent rosy color. They are located in areas such as the eyelids and genitals.
2. Types of skin according to their secretory nature
This type of skin categorization includes both the face and the entire body. There are matte or shiny leathers whose difference lies in the amount of water or oil they have.
2.1. Oily skin
These types of skin have a greater activity of the sebaceous glands , so people with oily skin have an appearance, sometimes, with a brighter tone on their face, with pimples or pimples. They have a much more “grateful” skin aging for the natural lubrication of their skin.
2.2. Dry Skin
Dry skin appears when there is a decrease in the water content of the stratum corneum , hindering the barrier function that avoids dryness. This is how the consequences of this dehydration appear: roughness, lack of elasticity, itching, tightness and irritation.
23. Mixed skin
There are situations in which, depending on the location, the skin is dry and oily, since the distribution of the sebaceous and sweat glands is not homogeneous . It is often said that there is oily skin in the “T zone” (forehead, nose and chin) and normal or dry in the rest (cheeks and side edges).
2.4. Sensitive skin
There are types of skin that are more sensitive to external agents such as sunlight, certain creams or cosmetics, dust, medications, stress or allergies. This fragility occurs especially in the skin of the face, which will sometimes have many discomforts such as pain, redness, burning, irritation and premature appearance of wrinkles.
Specific care according to skin type
If any of the skin types mentioned were to present an advanced and serious extreme of hypersensitivity, the appearance of pimples, cysts, or inflammation, a specialist should always be consulted.
Hygiene is the most important step in facial care . From there, there are a series of recommendations depending on the skin class of each person.
1. For oily skin
This type of skin requires that special precautions be taken when cleansing and when applying make-up.
- In order not to clog the pores, it is important to cleanse and remove make-up from the face every night.
- It is very good to exfoliate the skin once a week.
- The manipulation of acne , pimples or blackheads will not favor anything.
- To avoid shine, matte products for facial care are recommended.
2. For dry skin
There are many factors that contribute to increased dryness. We tell you how to treat it .
- Support skin hydration from within by drinking two liters of water a day.
- Serums are the complement to reinforce the moisturizing cream.
- Selection of care products enriched with natural oils that help soothe and relax the skin.
- For these skin types, always use day creams with a sun protection factor.
3. For combination skin
When caring for mixed skin you have to take into account the particularity of each of these areas.
- Before applying any product, the skin should always be carefully cleaned.
- The use of lukewarm water is recommended.
- Don’t forget to use a moisturizer frequently.
- Use specific products for these types of combination skin.
4. For sensitive skin
Be very careful when choosing products with elements that can trigger skin reactions.
- Gently pat skin dry after cleansing.
- Use treatments without perfumes or aggressive products that can irritate.
- Select a cream that protects the skin against environmental factors.
- Diet will be important. For example, spicy food will not sit well with these more sensitive skin types.
5. For normal skin
Normal skin is more balanced skin but it is not perfect . To maintain its qualities it also needs care.
- Basic and regular care day and night will keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
- Normal skin also needs to be exfoliated once or twice a week to avoid impurities and dead skin cells.
- Take care of the eyes with a specific cream for the eye contour area.
For any type of skin, it is crucial, especially in summer, to provide the skin with adequate cleaning, protection, photoprotection and hydration. The skin requires a series of care that are not always the same and that change at each stage of life.
Bibliographic references
- Aistars J (Aug 2006). “The validity of skin care protocols followed by women with breast cancer receiving external radiation”. Clin J Oncol Nurs.
- Lichterfeld A, Hauss A, Surber C, Peters T, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J (2015). “Evidence-Based Skin Care: A Systematic Literature Review and the Development of a Basic Skin Care Algorithm.” J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs.
- Schwanitz HJ, Riehl U, Schlesinger T, et al. (2003). Skin care management: educational aspects. Int Arch Occupy Environ Health.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.