37.Skin Type vs Skin Condition (part 1)
Your skin type is something that you’re born with. It’s determined by the amount of oil secreted by the skin, by the capillary activity and the sensitivity of the skin. Skin conditions are caused by external factors eg the weather or incorrect products used on the skin. A skin type and a skin condition need separate care. With a skin type we can control the ‘problem’ eg with a skin type that is oil dry we can recreate a lipid barrier on the skin to protect it and prevent further drying by using correct products. Skin types can be controlled but not treated. A skin condition on the other hand can be treated as they have been caused by external factors, eg we can rehydrate a dehydrated skin.
Eczema is a common skin condition caused by inflammation. Symptoms include: redness, skin swelling, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, or bleeding. The cause of eczema is unknown but is presumed to be a combination of Pollution, stress, hormonal fluctuations, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, medical procedures and even over-processed or over-exfoliated skin can all lead to sensitization.
Psoriasis is an immune mediated disease that affects the skin. It is typically a lifelong condition. There is currently no cure, but various treatments can help to control the symptoms. When a person has psoriasis, their skin replacement process speeds up, taking just a few days to replace skin cells that usually take 21-28 days. This abundance of skin cells builds up to form raised ‘plaques’ on the skin, which can also be flaky, scaly, and red on the skin.
Treatment Options: Complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage can be added with skin treatment to lower stress hormones and control inflammation.
Gentle cleansing and exfoliation is beneficial to allow the penetration of rich moisturizers for this sensitive condition. Our Dermalogica Prescriptive facials would be the first step to controlling these conditions. Dermalogica has created a system of products formulated to address the neurogenic responses to inflammation that contribute to sensitive and sensitized skins. Some of These products include:
Ultra Calming Cleanser: sulphate free, can be used with or without water also contains raspberry, echinacea, coneflower, cucumber and vitamin B5
Ultra Calming Mist: a simple formulation containing the UltraCalming complex and aloe leaf juice
Barrier Repair: anhydrous formulation that soothes, shields and reinforces the skin’s barrier, contains Vitamins C and E, oat kernel oil and silicones to create a invisible shield.