If you are struggling to identify whether you have normal skin or dry skin, you’re at the right place. Let us help you identify the differences and some skin care tips according to your skin type!
NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin is the ideal condition of the skin and occurs most often in younger persons. The skin is smooth, soft, with fine pores, there is good circulation, and it is firm and healthy looking – usually a condition without disorders or problems. There is a balance between moisture and sebum production. This is an indication that your skin’s protective barrier is intact and working fine!
However, even with this optimal skin condition, sometimes external influences (i.e. long exposure to air-conditioning, UV rays and pollutions, usage of high pH products) can cause problems to the skin and affect the skin barrier.
Combination skin, usually refers to skin that is normal or even dry on the cheeks and around the eyes, but rather oily with impurities such as blackheads in the forehead, nose and chin area (T-zone).
Recommendations: Be consistent with your skin care. Having problem-free skin now does not guarantee a problem-free skin forever. Follow these few simple tips!
The area of the T-zone can be treated with a clarifying skin toner after cleansing with a mild soap-free cleansing foam which removes excess sebum. For treatment after washing, a moisturizing cream with pH 5.5 is suitable. our skin barrier – the natural defense mechanism is sustained.
The skin changes during the course of a lifetime. With increasing age, it becomes dry. From the mid-30s onward, combination skin should be cared for with products that are adapted to the skin’s condition on the different areas of the face.
DRY SKIN
Although dry skin individuals may have rejoiced during puberty as they have not experienced persistent acne due to lesser sebum production, their skin becomes very thin and rough with rather fine pores as they enter adulthood. It appears somewhat transparent and is more sensitive towards physical and chemical irritants.
When the production of sebum is reduced, the skin barrier is also unstable which then results in increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), or skin dryness.
What are the signs of dry skin?
The medical term for dry skin is xerosis. The signs and symptoms can range in severity and look different depending on the area of your body area which include:
Recommendations: Fret not my dry skin fellas! There are ways to ensure you have healthy skin! Your cleansing and care goals should be focused on the regeneration of the acid mantle and the hydrolipid film, as well as sufficiently supplying the skin with moisture and lipids in order to smoothen it and gain a balance between moisture (water) and sebum production (oil).
In addition to gentle cleansing with soap-free products at pH 5.5, special skin care is needed. For dry skin, oils such as avocado oil and anti-inflammatory phytosterols are recommended to prevent irritation, itching and tension. By stabilizing the skin barrier, they act to counter dehydration and external irritants.
Dry skin develops in almost all humans no later than the age 60, a condition caused by a decline in the regenerative capacity of endogenous lipids and natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Continue to read on what are the signs your skin is ageing here.
If you’re still unsure which is your skin type, take this simple Skin Care Test here.