Skin Types & Skin Conditions

Let’s discuss the difference between skin type(s) and skin condition(s).  Depending on who you ask there are four to five different skin types.  The basics are dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and “normal”.  Which I believe personally there is no such thing as “normal skin” (this is my personal belief only).  All of us are prone to some sort of skin irritation from time to time.  Now don’t get me wrong, you do have some folks that are lucky enough to rarely suffer from breakouts.  They’re call “skin gawds” just kidding LOL, but I salute you.  If you’re fortunate enough to be in that number take a bow or a curtsy.  You’re few and far between.  Now let’s start with the most common Skin Types.

• Dry Skin –Usually skin that feels tight, rough or can sometimes have an ashy dull appearance. This skin type also lacks sebum (oil).  FYI smoking can also give your skin an ashy gray appearance.

• Oily Skin – Usually skin that’s slick and shiny all over the face. Oily skin tends to display clogged and or enlarged pores.  Prone to blackheads.

• Sensitive Skin – Prone to inflammation. Sensitive skin sufferers can also suffer from rosacea (visible redness on the cheeks and visible blood vessels). 

• Combination Skin – Typically oily in your T-zone area and slightly dry outside of the T-zone.

• “Normal Skin” – Well balanced skin that rarely suffers from breakouts and blemishes. Has good oil balance. 

Now I’ll get into Skin Conditions, which is typically anything that irritates, clogs, or inflames your skin.  Skin conditions can be caused by internal as well as external factors.  There is an array of conditions that affect our skin.  I’ll list a few here.

• Rosacea is chronic redness on the cheek area or on the entire face. However Rosacea can be treated.

• Asphyxiated skin is skin that lacks oxygen and is caused by smoking. It’s sometimes mistaken for dry skin because of the dull dry appearance the skin has.

• Eczema is a skin condition that shows up as dry flaky patches and is sometimes inflamed (red and irritated). Eczema is treatable and is often confused with dry skin.

• Dehydrated skin is dull and lifeless. Skin that lacks water and can tend to be itchy.  Dehydrated skin has very noticeable fine lines. 

• Acne is definitely a skin condition and not a skin type. Acne occurs when your pores are clogged and there is a build of dead skin cells on the skins surface. 

I’ll stop there, but there are plenty more skin conditions that are often confused with skin types.  Get knowledgeable with your skin and know what triggers a breakout and what reacts well on your skins surface.  Knowing your skin type/skin condition when deciding on products can possibly save you a lot of time and money.  It will also help you avoid foods that may have an adverse effect on your skin.  As we all know, what we consume has an effect on our outer bodies as well.  #NOILYOURSKINWORTH ….