TYPES OF PROBLEM SKIN

TYPES OF PROBLEM SKIN

Problem skin can be divided into various categories. Determining which skin type your skin matches is an important step in proper and healthy skin care. For example, you do not want to pursue a skin care regiment or use skin care products for oily skin if you have dry skin. In addition, if you have sensitive skin, then you need to pay closer attention to the type of products being used on your skin to avoid possible allergic skin reactions.

Skin has its own set of characteristics that are very useful in the identification of the actual skin type. However, before examining the characteristics of problem skin, it would be useful to examine the properties of normal skin.



NORMAL SKIN

The characteristics of an individual with a normal skin type are:


•skin texture is even, soft, smooth, and plump
•the skin is reasonably firm to the touch
•the skin has good elasticity
•no red or dark patches on the skin and the skin color is fairly even
•pores of the skin are small to medium in size
•blemishes are uncommon
•in general the skin neither feels too oily or too dry
•most quality skin care products do not irritate the skin
•overall the skin looks vibrant and healthy


OILY SKIN

The first type of problem skin is oily skin. An individual with oily skin may have the following skin features:


•shiny or slippery skin appearance, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone)
•skin is course, overly firm, and thicker, beyond that of normal skin
•pores are large and visible
•pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne blemishes are present or frequently appear
•after washing, skin gets an oily build-up after only a couple of hours
•oily film on face is present after sleeping
•for women, make-up foundation only lasts a couple of hours
•flakiness around the nose area may exist due to dried excess oils
•oily skin is slow to develop discolorations such as freckles, fine lines, and wrinkles as the skin ages
•the skin tans easily
•hair is oily


DRY SKIN

Opposite to oily skin, dry skin is another common type of problem skin. The various signs given below identify dry skin:


•flaking of the skin is common
•skin feels tight (especially after washing), looks dull, and is rough
•the skin may have red patches
•in more severe cases, this skin problem will cause cracks in and bleeding of the skin
•fine lines and wrinkles are evident
•skin generally has fine pores
•few acne blemishes are present
•the skin is often itchy
•hair is dry

For more information on dry skin, please visit the following link: problem skin - dry skin care.


COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin is a term used to described skin that can be both oily and dry at the same time. It is perhaps the most common type of problematic skin and looking for the following characteristics can identify it:


•the forehead, chin, and nose are oily (the T-zone area), but the cheeks and skin around the eyes can range from normal to dry
•in another manifestation of combination skin, the skin may be oily along the chin, jaw line, and temples, but dry or normal elsewhere
•skin pores are medium in size
•overall the skin appears normal and healthy, not including those small affected areas that are too oily or dry


SENSITIVE SKIN

Sensitive skin is very troublesome for many individuals. People with this skin type experience the following:


•sensitivity to cosmetics (especially those that are heavily scented)
•rashes or red blotchy patches may develop on the skin with exposure to applied pressure, wind, sun, or temperature changes
•certain skin care products also trigger rashes
•broken blood vessels and capillaries are evident under the surface of the skin
•this problem skin type usually has a fine texture
•skin has fine pores




Another element of sensitive skin has to do with sensitivity to the sun. People with this type of problem skin are generally more susceptible to sunburns. However, susceptibility to sunburns is not exclusive to individuals that have problem skin. Features such as skin color, hair color, and eye color can determine sun sensitivity.



If a person has:


•white or pale/milky skin, freckles, blond or red hair, blue or green eyes

then the individual never tans and is more likely to be sunburned with the potential of painful swelling and skin blistering/peeling.

If a person has:


•white skin, blond hair, blue or green eyes

then the individual is likely to be sunburned, but sometimes may tan.


If a person has:


•white skin or light brown or olive toned skin, dark hair, brown eyes

then the individual is not usually sunburned, but instead usually tans.


If a person has:


•brown to dark skin, brown or black hair, brown eyes

then the individual always tans and rarely is sunburned.


Regardless of whether you have problem skin or heightened skin sensitivity, the use of an appropriate sunscreen is highly recommended when in the sun.

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Dry Skin Prevention Tips

Dry Skin Prevention Tips

Dry skin prevention is the one of the best treatments for dry skin. Dry skin cannot always be prevented because of the many causes, but where possible, why not take steps to prevent dry skin from occurring. Below are some dry skin prevention tips.


Bathing




•take no more than one shower or bath daily
•avoid long bathing times (around 10 minutes is best)
•baths are kinder to the skin that showers, especially when mild unscented bath oils are used
•reduce the frequency of bathing/showering, especially in the winter months
•avoid hot water, use only warm water for proper dry skin prevention
•use a soap with a high fat content or contains glycerin or is a mild unscented moisturizing soap (e.g. Dove or Cetaphil)
•avoid the use of strong anti-bacterial and/or deodorant soaps or bubble baths
•some people will have to limit the use of any soap as much as possible because of extra skin sensitivity
•avoid scrubbing with pads, mitts, or face cloths and pat dry the skin instead of rubbing with a towel
•after shower apply moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or glycerin or petrolatum while the skin is still wet because moisturizers work better on moist skin
•avoid scented moisturizers or lanolin containing ones

When Outdoors


•cover exposed skin when whether is cold and windy
•in very cold weather, if skin is not covered with clothing, petroleum jelly should be used for protection
•in hot months, use sunscreen with moisturizer to prevent dry skin


When Indoors


•in the cold dry winter months, use a humidifier to raise the relative humidity by a small amount
•high humidity in a house during the winter, although great for the skin and your plants is not recommended for your house (see the chart for recommended settings)
•keep your thermostat at a lower (but comfortable) temperature in the winter months to prevent exposure to a lot of dry heat
•avoid the use of electric blankets because they generate dry heat







Personal Hygiene

•perfumes and antiperspirants should not be overused
•apply a moisturizer (with alpha hydroxy acids or glycerine or petrolatum) to the skin during the day as a daily prevention of dry skin technique

Diet


•avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption since these have diuretic properties
•ensure you are taking in enough water (8 glasses of water per day is generally recommended for good health and preventing dry skin)
•increase omega-3 fatty acids by consuming more cold-water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds or flaxseed oil



In addition to the dry skin prevention tips mentioned above, visit the dry skin causes page for more tips and hints on what can be done to prevent dry skin.

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DRY SKIN CAUSES

DRY SKIN CAUSES

There are many dry skin causes, but what exactly happened to your skin for it to be in this dry, chapped, and unhealthy condition?


Skin contains oil glands (sebaceous glands) that release oil (sebum). There are also other oils or fats (lipids) at work in the skin to help prevent dry skin. The role of the sebum and these other oils is to keep skin moisture at its proper level (about 30%), so that the skin is supple, resilient, and not dry. Basically, the oils form an excellent barrier and prevent water from inside the skin cells from escaping. Water is not soluble in oil and therefore it has difficulty penetrating the fatty layer. An added benefit of these oils is that they create a barrier to external contaminants from entering the body.

Dry skin means that these essential oils and fats have been stripped away from the skin matrix, which means among other things moisture or water loss in the skin.

There are a number of reasons why skin becomes dry or dry skin causes. Sources of the problem can vary widely. Below is a list of dry skin causes.


Inherited or Genetic Factors as Dry Skin Causes


•some individuals are genetically predisposed to dry skin
•specifically they may not be able to produce enough oils as is necessary or their skin may simply be more sensitive to damage

Age


•as a person gets older (especially over 40 years old) there is a natural decrease in the body’s ability to maintain the proper production of oils and fats and this is one of the main causes of dry skin
•there is a loss of sweat and oil glands
•the skin thins, making it more vulnerable to drying and damage
•babies don’t have properly developed oil glands and therefore they are also more vulnerable to dry skin

Work or Other Activities


•any occupation that requires frequent hand washing will dry out skin
•activities such as gardening are problematic because the soil is abrasive and can dry out the hands
•construction or agricultural work, and some types of office work promote dry skin
•constant frictional irritation will lead to the skin becoming dry
•excessive air-travel because the air in airplanes is very dry is a dry skin cause

Frequent Washing or Swimming


•excessive bathing especially in hot water with harsh soaps strips away natural skin oils and is one of the main causes for dry skin
•frequent swimming in chlorinated water also removes essential skin oils and results in dry skin


Repeated Contact with Chemicals

•harsh soaps or antibacterial soaps, detergents, household cleaning products, rubbing alcohol, and solvents are all good oil strippers from the skin and can promote skin dryness
•dry skin can also be due to the use of products containing fragrances (and certain cosmetics) and lauryl sulfates
•overuse of perfumes or antiperspirants

Poor Diet


•vitamin A and the B vitamins promote healthy skin; a deficiency in these vitamins will lead to skin dryness and other skin problems
•a zinc deficiency will reduce the metabolic breakdown of fatty acids and vitamin A which are essential for good skin health
•a fat deficiency (such as not enough omega-3 fatty acids) is a problem because this means that there is not enough fat content in the skin matrix to prevent water loss

Dehydration
•dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, excessive sweating, or not enough daily water drinking can dehydrate the body and skin


Caffeine, Alcohol, and Drugs


•drugs such as diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines can dry out the skin and be dry skin causes


Smoking


•causes changes in the elasticity of the skin
•some studies have shown that the skin of smokers contains less water content


Weather

•cool windy weather with low humidity, too much sun exposure, or hot and dry climates all are dry skin causes that act quickly


Central Heating and Air Conditioning


•forced air furnaces, wood-burning stoves, and electric heaters all dry out the air and the skin
•poor household ventilation can also lead to dry skin


Thyroid Disorders as Dry Skin Causes


•can lead to reduce activity of sweat and oil glands


Skin Diseases


•allergic reactions of the skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhoea, and diabetes are conditions that manifest themselves partly as dry skin

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DRY SKIN CARE

DRY SKIN CARE

Dry skin care treatments must be used when necessary to prevent dryness from robbing skin of its natural beauty and in order to maintain skin in good health.

It is likely that most people have at one time experienced a dry skincare problem to some degree either on their hands, face, or other parts of their body. However, how common is this problem? Do we really have to be concerned about dry skin care?


Twenty percent of the population suffers from a dry skin problem. That is one in five people and so, yes, dry skin is quite common. Depending on which part of the world you are from, this percentage may even be greater. It is a non-specific condition, affecting people of all ages. It is not solely a problem associated with skin aging.


Most people tend to ignore or not realize they have dry skin and this leads to the worsening of the condition. How do you know you have dry skin? Well, generally the same symptoms occur in people and this makes it easy to diagnose. The signs are usually obvious. However, the level of severity can differ substantially.
For a look at symptoms of a dry skincare problem - click here.

If you suspect you have a dry skin care problem then the next logical question is how did this happen to my once healthy skin. There are a number of reasons why your skin has become dry and the causes of dry skin are discussed here.

Fortunately, dry skin (also known generally as xerosis) usually is not a serious problem and for the most part can be controlled simply by being aware and using proper dry skincare products.


Prevention is your first weapon. Tips for preventing a dry skincare problem can be found here. Following these dry skin care recommendations is a must if you want to keep you skin healthy, but as we all know, we do not live in an ideal world. Sometimes our day-to-day demands prevent us from practicing dry skin care prevention and next thing you know, your skin is dry.


For minor symptoms, there are many effective dry skin care treatments and dry skin products. These can be pursued without doctor’s advice.

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Dry Skin Treatments

Dry Skin Treatments

Dry skin treatments are really composed of a four-pronged approach. First, you must avoid the dry skin causes or in other words avoid the factors that make the skin become dry.

Second, dry skin prevention is critical as well. Take the necessary steps to avoid dry skin from becoming your problem. Being aware of the causes of dry skin and practising dry skin prevention are important dry skin treatments even if you already have dry skin, because this condition can get much worse than it already is.

The third factor in the dry skin treatment is seeking the advice from your family doctor who may refer you to a dermatologist. When should you seek the advice of a dermatologist? It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when symptoms seem to be more problematic than just minor irritation. If you are concerned, make an appointment to discuss your dry skin problem.

The fourth factor in dry skin treatments is the use of a moisturizer. The use of a proper moisturizer (in combination with causes/prevention awareness) is an important element in dry skin treatment.

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DRY SKIN SYMPTOMS

DRY SKIN SYMPTOMS

Dry skin symptoms in people are generally the same. Skin is often driest on the arms, lower legs, and the sides of the abdomen. Other areas were dry skin is commonly found are the hands, face, elbows, and heels of feet. However, not everybody suffers from these symptoms to the same degree.

Symptoms vary depending on variables such as:


•age
•health
•geographical location (cold and dry climates producing greater symptoms)
•time spent outdoors.



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There are two categories of dry skin symptoms. Basic dry skin symptoms are due to environmental factors or normal skin aging.


Basic Dry Skin Symptoms

•skin has a rough and dry texture instead of smooth
•a loss of plumpness – skin appears shrunken or dehydrated
•skin is dull in appearance
•after showering, bathing, or swimming the skin feels and looks tight
•flaking, scaling, or peeling of the skin is quite common
•itchy feeling which is sometimes intense (so intense it may interfere with proper sleep)
•calloused (toughened) skin
•normal fine lines or wrinkles in the skin become much more visible
•severe redness, inflamed areas, or tenderness in the skin
•cracks in skin or deep cuts that may bleed which are signs of extremely dry skin.



The other category of dry skin symptoms is due to more serious conditions. These symptoms are more specific to the stated condition.

Ichthyosis vulgaris (fish scale disease or fish skin disease)

This is a condition when the skin does not shed as it normally should. Instead, skin cells accumulate on the skin surface. The disease can be inherited, but is usually not present at birth, but rather develops after a few years. It may disappear during the adult years, but tends to return as the individual gets older. Symptoms for this condition are:


•dry scales on skin surface which range in colour from white to brown
•commonly found on lower legs where scales are thick and dark
•may cause flaking of the scalp
•may also be present as deep cracks on the palm of the hands and soles of the feet.




Lamellar Ichthyosis

This is a condition that is present at birth and stays with the individual over his/her lifetime. Babies are born encased in a filmy membrane that sheds after 10 to 14 days. For individuals with this condition, it is a very disfiguring dry skin condition that causes a lot of distress. In addition to the characteristics stated above, other symptoms of this dry skin disease are:


•skin is covered in scales which are either fine and white or thick and dark
•more common on legs, but generally found all over body.



Asteatotic Eczema

Symptoms for this condition are:

•skin is dry, scaly, and with deep cracks (like a dry riverbed)
•skin in this condition can become inflamed, itchy and will bleed
•usually occurs on the shins and occasionally on the thighs, hands, and torso.

Psoriasis

Symptoms for psoriasis are:


•red skin that has dry silver scales similar to dandruff
•severe cases have cracked, bleeding skin with pus-filled blisters
•psoriasis is a chronic condition that flares up periodically although an individual may go many years without symptoms
•can occur at any age, but usually between the years of 15 to 35

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