Articles

Skin conditions have three main categories. The conditions are named 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

What causes dry skin is a lack of moisture in the outermost layer of the skin. This layer consists of a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances. The skin being its natural state of soft and supple derives from these substances locking in the moisture and preventing it from escaping. When this substance is removed and moisture escapes, common symptoms result in feelings of skin tightness, rough skin, fine lines or cracks, and in extreme cases deep fissures that can bleed.

To prevent this from happening here are some helpful tips. First moisturize daily. Without rubbing too hard with your towel, pat yourself dry after showering. When the skin is still a little damp, apply the moisturizer all over your neck and face using upward strokes. It is worth noting that short, lukewarm baths are much better for dry skin than long, hot ones that strip away the body's natural moisture barriers.

The Need to Know About Oily Skin

What causes oily skin are sebaceous glands producing an excessive amount of skin oils, or sebum. The most plentiful amount of these glands are found in the neck, face, back and chest regions of the body. The overproduction of these natural and healthy oils give way to the oily skin symptoms of pimples, shininess and blemishes.

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. In a nutshell this is accomplished through gentle cleansing. It is best to avoid soap as it is prone to stripping the skin of its natural oils. One should use a cleanser that has a low pH level and does not provoke any skin irritation. Overwashing is not going to help. Two times a day should be plenty in effectively washing oily skin.

The Need to Know About Combination Skin

Combination skin is the third main skin condition. 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 consists of the forehead running along down the nose, mouth and chin. These areas are most likely going to end up with characteristics of being shiny, feeling greasy, and consisting of pimples and blackheads. The remaining parts of your skin are known to have a feeling of tightness after washing. They will appear flaky and feel rough.

How to treat this tricky skin condition? For starters wash your face with a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that doesn't leave your skin feeling tight or dry. Mildly foaming or gel-based cleansers have been known to work the best on combination skin. A necessity for proper cleansing of this skin type is to avoid bar soap. They too easily can clog your pores and they dry your skin much more than just a gentle cleanser. One should apply a sunscreen with UVA-protecting ingredients everyday. Using a skin treatment product such as a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants and including ingredients that resemble the structure of healthy skin is the advised route to eliminate the dry sections. Oily skin products that are irritant-free and are pH-correct are best applied at least once daily. Facial skin products that consist of benzoyl peroxide are encouraged to be applied topically if one has a tendency to get blemishes as part of their combination condition.