There are different skin types in individuals. Recognizing
these are important in choosing the correct applications suitable for each skin
type and deciding the best treatment for the acne in such skin types.
Daily normal skin care and choice of topical applications depend upon the
following factors:
Skin types (genetically determined)
Local Climate: Windy, hot, humid, cold
Nature of one's activity: indoors, outdoors, contact with chemicals etc
? Food habits, stress, topical applications, usage of soaps and shampoos
What are the different skin types?
Normal Skin
Oily Skin
Dry Skin
Combination Skin
How do we recognize our skin type?
Normal Skin
This is the ideal skin type. It has just sufficient amount
of oiliness to prevent it from showing dryness, at the same time it does not
have the greasy look and feel. The normal skin holds enough moisture to remain
soft and supple.
Because of overactive sebaceous glands some skins are oily and greasy. This
is the acne prone skin. Excessive use of greasy cosmetics can compound
the problem here.
Because of insufficient sebum secretion and moisture retention, skin
becomes dry and cracked. This is usually seen in people with atopics, elderly
patients and those exposed to extreme climates. It is also seen as a
hereditory trait in which certain enzymes required to hold moisture within
skin is absent, as in icthyosis.
Usually
individuals have a combination skin, i.e, oily at places and dry at places.
The so called 'T' zone of face including the forehead, nose, upper lip and
chin contain greater number of sebaceous glands and, when active, make this
area oily and greasy. In contrast, the 'V' zone of face, the lateral aspect of
cheek and the side of the face, has lesser number of sebaceous gland, and,
consequently, is normal or dry.
