Skincare21.net » Skin Care Products http://www.skincare21.net Free skin care advice: Acne Blackheads Age Spots Zits Eczema Wrinkles Psoriasis Dry skin Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:05:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Analysis of Different Skin Types http://www.skincare21.net/analysis-of-different-skin-types.htm http://www.skincare21.net/analysis-of-different-skin-types.htm#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:26:27 +0000 Dr. John http://www.skincare21.net/?p=191 The success of any skin treatment is dependent on the skin’s condition which should be analyzed prior to commencing any skin therapy. Analysis of the skin can only be assessed after the skin is cleansed of oils, make-up and dust particles and examination using a magnifying glass with white light (mag lamp) or a Wood’s lamp may be necessary. To assess the skin type, factors such as the skin’s moisture level, temperature, texture of the skin and the acid-alkaline balance (pH) are important to consider when categorizing the individual skin type.

Factors to consider when analyzing the skin

Skin Moisture Level

The level of moisture in the skin (skin hydration) is maintained by the volume of water present in the body in general. Skin cannot be rehydrated if the person is dehydrated. Moisture is lost through the skin as sweat which is secreted through the pores of the skin in the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis). The lost water is replenished by the dermis (deeper layer of the skin) which is nourished by tissue fluid and blood. With age, the level of moisture retained in the dermis decreases and is therefore unable to effectively replace the loss of moisture in the epidermis. Excessive dieting, over exposure to the sun and the effects of wind on the skin can lead to the loss of moisture which affects the water-electrolyte balance of the skin.

Temperature of the Skin

An epidermis [upper layer of skin] that has a dilation of surface capillaries(micro-vessels) with a pink appearance and is easily stimulated indicates a high skin temperature. A skin with a lower skin temperature has a compact epidermis with a creamy skin appearance. The temperature of the skin may change temporarily due to emotional disturbances such as nervousness and embarrassment, known as flushing of the skin or ‘blushing’. The importance of the normal skin temperature is crucial in determining the skin’s condition for treatments of the body. This allows the skin to respond appropriately to the treatments preventing aggravation of the skin. Increase in temperature after the application of certain skin products may indicate inflammation.

Texture of the Skin

The texture of the skin aids in determining the skin type. Skin with large, open pores indicates an ‘oily’ skin type whilst a smooth, finer pore size is categorized as a ‘dry’ skin type. The texture of the skin is dependent on the secretion of the sebaceous gland (skin oil glands) and the skin’s moisture level.

Acid or alkaline (pH) Balance of the Skin

The pH of the skin distinguishes the degree of alkalinity or acidity of the skin. The scale of the pH level is measured from 1 to 14. The pH levels less than 7 indicates an acid balance while alkaline levels are categorized as a pH greater than 7. The ideal pH level of the skin is 7.5 which is almost neutral, neither acid nor alkaline. Keratinization of the epidermis and the secretions of both the sebaceous and sweat glands form the skins acid creates a mantle that protects the skin against infection and this may affect the pH of the skin.

Taking these factors into consideration helps to determine the individual’s type of skin from the categories of oily, normal, dry and combination. Analyzing the skin aids in suitable treatment regimes that is most beneficial to the individual skin type. Treatments that are contra-indicated for the different skin types should be identified before commencing the treatment, thereby preventing side effects.

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