What is skin?
With the help of medical science, it can be said that skin is the bodies largest outer layer or organ that covers entire human body and protects it against heat, light, injury and infection. It also regulates the temperature of human body. It helps you to feel the sensation of touch, heat and cold.
Skin is made with 3 layers:
The epidermis is the outer layer that provides a waterproof barrier and creates your skin tone.
The dermis stays beneath the epidermis layer which contains tough connective tissues, hair follicles and sweat glands.
Finally the deeper subcutaneous tissue hypodermis is made of fat and connective tissue. Melanocytes are special cells that creates the pigment melanin which is the reason of different skin colors. Melanocytes are placed in the epidermis.
Activities of skin:
- Controls body temperature
- Stores water and fat
- Is a sensory organ
- Prevents water loss
- no blemishes
- Prevents entry of bacteria between the organism and its environment
- Helps to make vitamin D when exposed to the sun
Types of skin:
Basically there are 5 types of skin.
- Normal skin
- Oily skin
- Dry skin
- Combination skin
- Sensitive skin
Normal skin
Normal skin refers to well-balanced skin. The scientific term for this kind of skin is eudermic.
How to identify normal skin?
- good blood circulation
- fine pores
- a velvety, soft and smooth texture
- a fresh, rosy color with uniformed transparency
- no blemishes
- is not prone to sensitivity.
But normal skin can get dry with the passage of time.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is very sensitive which gives rise to skin itchiness, various allergies or rashes.
How do I identify sensitive skin?
Using any type of cosmetics on the skin can cause rashes, redness and burning of the skin. If there is such a problem in the skin, the skin is identified as sensitive or sensitive skin. These skin problems are easily aroused and range from light to very deep shapes on the skin.
The following causes can also be considered as a symptom of sensitive skin:
If the skin is very sensitive and allergic to any kind of cosmetic or active ingredients.
- If any ingredients cause a reaction while taking care of the skin.
- For sensitive skin, you need to test the patch and use the ingredients.
Combination skin
Combination skin is, as the name suggests, skin that consists of a mix of skin types.
How to identify combination skin?
- an oily T-zone (forehead, chin and nose)
- enlarged pores in this area perhaps with some impurities
- normal to dry cheek
Dry skin
It is the type of skin that produces less sebum than normal skin. So for the lackings of sebum dry skin lacks the liquids that it needs to regain the natural moisture.
How to identify dry skin?
There are 3 levels of dry skin.
1. Dry skin
Mildly dry skin. In this level your skin can feel tight, rough and look dull. Skin elasticity also gets low.
2. Very dry skin
If the first level of skin dryness is not treated then this problem will increase.
- mild scaling or flakiness in patches
- a rough and blotchy appearance.
- a feeling of more tightness
- possibility for itchiness
- It is also more sensitive to irritation, redness and the risk of infection increases.
3. Extremely dry skin
Certain areas of the body – basically places like hands, feet, elbows and knees – are prone to:
- Roughness
- Calluses
- Scaling
- frequent itchiness
Extremely dry skin is most commonly found on the elderly or on severely dehydrated body.
Oily skin
It is used to describe a skin type with higher production of sebum. This over production is also known as seborrhea.
- A number of issues are involved for the over production of sebum:
- Genetics
- hormonal changes and imbalances
- Medication
- Stress
- comedogenic cosmetics (make-up products that cause irritation)
How to identify oily skin?
- enlarged, clearly visible pores
- a glossy shine
- thicker, pale skin: blood vessels may not be visible
- Oily skin creates a perfect environment for acne, redness and itchiness on your skin.
You can also evaluate your skin types and condition by examining below situations by visiting a good dermatologist or pharmacist.
- Signs of aging
- Skin color
- Sebum and sweat production
- Natural moisturizing production.