skin types/ skin properties

Knowledge about individual skin properties is helpful for choosing

adequate skin care products and treatment regimens. Common

definitions of skin types and skin properties are listed below. The

following aspects should be considered in this context:

    Individual skin type may change due to external (e.g. climate,

skin care) and internal (e.g. medications, hormonal changes)

factors over time – it is not static
    Several skin types and properties may be present simultaneously

in an individual in different localisations, e.g. oily skin with irritated

skin patches


normal skin

Normal skin displays a smooth texture and a rosy, clear surface,

with fine pores. There are no visible blemishes, greasy patches or

flaky areas. Sebum production, moisture content, keratinisation and

desquamation are well-balanced. Normal skin is often found in

young persons.

dry skin
Dry skin is characterised by a lack of moisture in its corneous layer,

resulting in tightness and even flaking. The skin appears dull,

especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. It may lack elasticity,

with accentuated fine lines and wrinkles. In more severe cases,

itching and burning may occur. Extremely dry skin shows signs of

cracking and fissuring.
Dry skin can be genetically determined or triggered by factors such

as climate, cosmetics and medications. It can be a natural

consequence of the ageing process, as sebum production slows

down.

oily skin

Oily skin is characterised by an increased amount of lipids on the

skin surface due to overactive sebaceous glands. It is shiny and

thick, often with enlarged pores. Oily skin is prone to blackheads

and other blemishes. It occurs more often in men than in women,

and it predominantly affects adolescents and younger persons.

combination skin

Combination skin is rather dry in some parts of the body and oily in

other localisations. Mixed facial skin tends toward dryness on the

cheeks and around the eyes while being oily in the t-zone (nose,

forehead, chin). The dry parts and the oily parts require different

skin care regimens. This skin type is very common.

sensitive skin

“Sensitive skin” is not a skin type, but rather a symptom caused by

various factors. Patients tend to describe their skin as “sensitive” if

it frequently reacts with redness, itching, burning or dryness to the

topical application of skin care products. Causes for this condition

may be an underlying skin disorder, allergies, contact to irritants in

certain products, or the use of inadequate, not skin type-adjusted

products. Most commonly, the facial skin is involved.

mature skin

With age, the skin’s sebum production slows down, often leading to

increased dryness, an accentuation of fine lines and wrinkles, and

flakiness. The skin may appear dull, and finally start to itch and

burn. In women, the shifting balance of hormones with menopause

causes various changes. As their skin thins considerably after the

menopause, women’s skin may become more sensitive to sun

damage and weather extremes. Another problem is

hyperpigmentation, especially in persons with a long history of sun

exposure. While it is important to meet the needs of mature skin, it

is necessary to keep in mind that not all persons over 40

experience the above-mentioned problems. Therefore different skin

care regimens may be necessary in persons of the same age

according to their skin type.