Articles

There are three main categories of skin conditions. The conditions are called oily, dry, and combination. The symptoms are different for each condition and it would be best to learn how to treat them separately.

The Need to Know About Dry Skin

Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture in the outermost layer of the skin. Natural lipids, or fatty substances, are what consist of this skin layer. They keep in moisture thereby leaving the skin soft and supple. These substances locking in moisture can be removed resulting in dry skin that has symptoms such as fine lines or cracks, a feeling of skin tightness, and a rough rather than a smooth texture. In extreme cases deep fissures may pop out that have the potential to bleed.

The ways to prevent this from happening are shown through these helpful tips. Our best tip is to moisturize daily. Best to pat yourself lightly when drying off after showering. Apply the moisturizer with upward strokes all over your face and neck when your skin is still damp. We recommend that your baths be short and with water that is lukewarm. As relaxing as they are, long, hot baths remove the skin's natural moisture barriers that are so important in preventing dry skin.

The Need to Know About Oily Skin

Sebaceous glands in the skin producing an excessive amount of skin oil, or sebum, are what cause oily skin. These glands are most found in the neck, face, chest and back regions. These oils are necessary for a healthy skin texture. When they are overproduced however, the oily skin symptoms of shininess, blemishes and pimples show up on the body.

The best way to treat oily skin is to be able to remove the excess oil while leaving intact those fatty acids that help maintain the proper functioning and protection of our skin. This is performed through gentle cleansing. What to do here is avoid soap because this is what effectively removes the skin's natural oils. The right product should be a cleanser that has a low pH level and does not cause skin irritation. There is no reason to overdo it. Washing oily skin effectively can be done with just two cleansing sessions a day.

The Need to Know About Combination Skin

The third main skin condition is called combination skin. As the name mentions, this condition is marked by a combination of dry and oily skin affecting different areas of the face and body. Usually what is found are oily areas covering what is called the T-zone. This zone covers the forehead running down through the nose, mouth, and chin. The attributes found along this area are overly shiny skin, a greased appearance, and the presence of blackheads and pimples. The remaining parts of your skin are known to have a feeling of tightness after washing. They will look flaky and feel rough.

How then to treat correctly this tricky skin condition? To begin with use a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that does not leave you with feelings of skin tightness or dryness. Mildly foaming or gel-based cleansers have been known to work the best on combination skin. Avoid bar soaps at all costs. They overly dry your skin while also clogging the skin's pores. One should apply a sunscreen that has UVA-protecting ingredients everyday. Using a skin treatment product such as a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants and containing ingredients that resemble the structure of healthy skin is the best route to eliminate the dry sections. Oily skin products that don't cause irritation and are pH-correct are best applied at least once a day. Facial skin products that consist of benzoyl peroxide are advised to be applied topically if one gets blemishes as part of their combination condition.