Difference between skin type and skin condition.

The skin is among the essential organs that make up the body. It is composed of several internal skin layers and an external hydrolipidic film. This latter acts as a barrier that protects the internal tissues from external aggressions. Due to its composition and the rate of elements that characterise it, the hydrolipidic film is the basic element that allows us to determine the skin type.

Skin type is a skin characteristic that does not change; it is determined by our genetic heritage. There are 4 types of skin:

• Normal/Eudermic Skin: This refers to a balanced and comfortable skin type, which is neither too oily nor too dry. The balance between sebum production and hydration does not appear to be compromised. It has a regular skin texture, an even complexion, a smooth and soft texture, and does not have any imperfections.

• Dry Skin : This refers to a type of skin that produces less sebum than normal skin, consequently having an impaired barrier function. Due to this sebum deficiency, the skin may appear tight, rough, and dull on a daily basis. In extreme cases, it may exhibit redness, flaking, and frequent itching sensations.

• Oily Skin : This refers to skin that produces excess sebum, most often in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). The skin surface then tends to shine, the pores are visible and enlarged, and blemishes (comedones, blackheads, acne...) may appear.

• Combination Skin : This skin type is complex. Indeed, it is characterised by an oily T-zone on the face which can show imperfections, and areas that tend to be normal or even dry on the cheeks.

Unlike skin type, the health status of the skin can change throughout life under the influence of various internal and external factors to which it is exposed: ageing, hormones, climatic variations, pollution, stress, diet... These issues can be transient or gradually establish themselves.

There are several skin conditions:

• Acne-prone skin: It is characterised by the inflammatory condition of the skin surface. This skin condition is caused by an overproduction of sebum, which promotes the proliferation of certain bacteria responsible for acne.

• Sensitive and reactive skin : This refers to skin that frequently suffers from tingling, itching, and presents red patches.

• Dehydrated Skin : It is recognised by its lack of radiance, dehydration fine lines and feelings of discomfort.

• Mature Skin : This is a skin condition that exhibits signs of ageing (wrinkles, skin sagging, age spots...) with the progression of age. It has lost its dryness, become wrinkled and lacks elasticity.