The various skin types

One look in the mirror and you know what your skin looks like right now. But do you really know how to identify your skin type? And yet, there are clues that allow you to recognise your skin type and gain a better understanding of how it works.

 

We all get genes from our parents! Each individual has their own characteristics written into their DNA! As far as the skin is concerned, it is also a question of biological heredity. Because we human beings and all of our organs, including the skin, are entirely made up of cells, all of which carry our genetic code. We inherit a colour, a skin type (and hair type) and sometimes skin diseases (often inflammatory ones). Subsequently, lifestyle and beauty products used on the skin will have an impact, at which point we refer to the condition of the skin.

Bear in mind that the skin is a vital organ. It is the protective barrier between the body and the outside world. The skin is a kind of shield against pollution, knocks, bacteria, viruses, cold and heat. It is made up of three layers:

• The epidermis (the most superficial layer) which is in contact with the outside world
• The dermis (just beneath it)
• The hypodermis (the deepest layer)

The skin has its own blood vessels, which create a genuine irrigation system, and nerves, which transmit information between the brain and the skin, in particular sensory information. This information goes in both directions: from the brain to the skin (hmmm, I like a certain someone - cue blushing!), and from the skin to the brain (ouch, that’s hot, I've burned myself – time to whip my hand away).

How do you identify your skin type?

To identify skin type, we factor in what can be observed (such as the colour - pale or red, to a greater or lesser extent). Then we move on to how it feels to the touch (it’s rough, or soft, or bumpy, takes time to regain its initial shape when pressure is applied – all to a greater or lesser extent, etc.). Being able to categorise the skin allows us to gain a better understanding of its nature, its strengths and weaknesses, the factors that are likely to have an impact on its physiology, modify it or transform. That way we can embrace hygiene routines and use beauty products accordingly.

The skin of the face, upon which skin type hinges, also characterises the skin that covers the entire body.

What are the various skin types?

Skin type is a bit like eye colour: it’s something that you cannot change.

You can't change your skin type, but by factoring in its characteristics, you can gain a better understanding of it and anticipate how it might respond to certain things. Picture this: the skin is a large envelope measuring about 1.5 to 2 m², weighing between three and five kilos for the average person! From the soles of the feet to the scalp, the skin plays the role of a barrier at all times, as well as an incredible communication tool. The skin is neither completely smooth nor completely even. It is made up of folds and of multiple orifices, is sometimes hairless and sometimes covered with hair, nails or hairs.

Knowing your skin type, and treating your skin kindly, is the way to support it better on a day-to-day basis. You can do this by using beauty products that keep it healthy and looking good, into the long term. Not forgetting that caring for your skin equals caring for yourself as a whole, both physically and mentally.

Experts have identified four skin types: normal, dry, combination and oily.

When it comes to beauty products

Although it does not have any particular problems, normal skin needs regular, high-quality beauty products that keep its pH stable, its microbiota and physiology intact. The regimen includes regular cleansing in the morning and evening, moisturising, a scrub / face pack combo once a week depending on the condition of the skin (tiredness, lack of radiance, returning from holiday having had too much sun, etc.).

Skincare products to favour: Formulations that counter free radicals to keep the skin’s structures from oxidising, which are able to restore and strengthen its barrier function, while keep the skin's homeostasis in order.

In the NACRE ÉCLAT range from BLUE SKINCARE, we recommend using Skin Renewal Serum and Regenerating Moisturising Cream all year round. Their formulations contain antioxidant ingredients such as:

• Oleic sunflower oil (high in vitamin E)
• Niacinamide PC (vitamin B3), known for its powerful antioxidant action.

Moreover, these two products are high in NACR-45® nacre powder (the proprietary active ingredient in BLUE SKINCARE products). Day by day, the skin’s barrier is strengthened and the skin primed to fight external damaging factors. Their effectiveness is scientifically proven.

Not to mention that these two treatments are rich in mother-of-pearl powder NACR-45® (BLUE SKINCARE's proprietary active ingredient): day after day, the skin barrier is reinforced, the skin is armed to fight against external aggressions. Scientifically proven effectiveness.

Nutrition

If we had to remember only one food rule: consume foods rich in omega 3, allies of a beautiful skin (hydrating and repairing) and fruits and vegetables, super antioxidants. This diet involves a variety of plants, cereals, fatty fish. In summary, a balance in the plate to preserve the balance of the skin.

Cosmetic care side

The objective is to rebalance the areas prone to dysfunction, especially the T zone, and maintain good hydration and nutrition on the rest of the face. In case of occasional imperfections, local care will be necessary.

To be preferred: the ideal routine consists of treatments that respect the skin's pH and microbiota, based on purifying ingredients and light emollient agents, to moisturize and nourish.

These three treatments are rich in mother-of-pearl powder NACR-45 ^® (proprietary active ingredient of BLUE SKINCARE): the skin barrier is reinforced, the skin is armed to fight against external aggressions. Scientifically proven effectiveness.

Nutrition

The diet must be varied and balanced in order to provide the good fats necessary for the quality of the skin. Hydration by drinking water daily to ensure suppleness, comfort and radiance. To be preferred: foods such as cauliflower, nuts, spinach (rich in vitamin B8), seafood for their zinc content.

Be careful, this type of skin is sometimes the consequence of more serious pathologies such as diabetes, an imbalance of the thyroid or even kidney disease.

Dry skin is, in summary, characterized by a dry and rough touch, a feeling of discomfort, a dull and dull appearance, invisible pores. It shows more wrinkles around the lips and eyes but an absence of imperfections and comedones.

On the cosmetic side:

Avoid irritating treatments such as tonic lotions with alcohol, which are too aggressive and drying.

To be preferred: surgras treatments, emollient cleansing oils, day and night creams rich in moisturizing and nutritious active ingredients.

These four treatments are rich in mother-of-pearl powder NACR-45® (BLUE SKINCARE's proprietary active ingredient) whose "shield" effectiveness has been scientifically proven. Day after day, the skin barrier is restored. The skin is stronger.

Nutrition

We drink a liter of water every day, we favor a diet particularly rich in fruits and vegetables all year round and in essential fatty acids (organic butter, quality vegetable oils, fatty fish) all year round too.

Cosmetic care side

Above all, you must cleanse the skin gently so as not to stimulate the production of sebum, and use light, moisturizing and mattifying care.

Preferred :

To note :
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the predominant bacterial species in oily skin. Hence the advantage of using NACRE ÉCLAT treatments because they contain pre and post biotics that feed the good bacteria and normalize the skin biofilm.

Once a week, make a scrub and or a purifying mask (clay or rhassoul work very well).

Nutrition

Beware of a diet too rich in sugars and milk (promoting secretions) especially when you are prone to acne. Opt for menus based on fruits and vegetables, white meats (poultry in particular) and fatty fish, cereals so as not to be deficient in vitamins or vitamins B6, essential for healthy skin.

Factors that influence the skin

Whatever your skin type, your epidermis must adapt to different factors, also called exposome:
• Environmental factors, such as climate (wind, cold, sun), pollution (outdoor and domestic), passive smoking, etc.
• Hormonal factors (adolescence, menopause)
• Lifestyle (diet, tobacco, alcohol, stress, sleep, excessive hygiene, drug treatments) Do not neglect the importance of protecting your skin from external aggressions, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to keep it healthy.

Evolution of skin type with age

All skins, whatever their type, are subject to the passage of time; aging alters the condition and appearance of the skin. If the skin is at its best around the age of twenty, the onset of aging is felt around the age of thirty with the appearance of the first very fine lines around the eyes and mouth. The secretion of collagen, guarantor of tonicity, decreases. Around forty, wrinkles deepen and multiply. At fifty, the features are more marked, the skin is refined and becomes drier. After the age of sixty, all the signs of aging are visible (loss of elasticity, density, firmness, deep wrinkles, spots, etc.).

human skin

The skin of women and men differs: that of men is thicker and often oilier, with smaller sebaceous glands but more productive in sebum, under the action of testosterone. It can be weakened by shaving and care that is often absent (such as hydration or exfoliation). Finally, men's skin ages later than women's, but faster.