What does it mean to have a VP(-) skin type?

The letter "V" signifies that the signs of ageing have become visible and are occurring more frequently. Indeed, the fine lines at the corners of the mouth and at the corners of the eyes deepen with age, becoming more and more pronounced, meaning they are now visible both in motion and at rest. Additionally, new folds appear on new areas of the face such as the wrinkles between the eyebrows (frown lines) or the horizontal forehead lines, depending on individual expressions. Aside from wrinkles, the complexion is uneven with pigmentation flaws. These various marks that appear on the surface are the result of different changes that occur within all layers of the skin over the years.

A slowdown in the rate of keratinocyte renewal and a decrease in the adhesion of corneocytes are observed from the age of thirty, which impairs the skin's barrier function, making the epidermis more vulnerable to external aggressions, particularly UV rays. Ageing is also marked by a decrease of 8 to 10% every 10 years in the cells that produce melanin, a pigment that protects against UV radiation, along with a change in their morphology and distribution, which causes irregular pigmentation on the skin's surface and the appearance of age spots. At the dermis level, the fibroblasts that synthesise collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin see their morphology and activity altered, leading to a decrease in the production of essential proteins for skin firmness and elasticity. These phenomena result in the formation of wrinkles.

The letter "P" signifies that the skin is well protected against the sun's UV rays. Beyond these beneficial effects on mood or vitamin D secretion, excessive sun exposure is the main cause of premature skin ageing and the onset of skin cancers. Indeed, UVA rays can cause dermal changes especially in the elastic tissue, and UVB rays lead to epidermal damage. Activation of free radicals, alteration of the cell membrane, DNA modification... UV rays act differently within skin cells to generate damage, which can alter the cell's function, cause its death or provoke DNA mutations leading in the long term to the formation of cancerous cells. Thus, even though the skin has some defences against UV rays (melanogenesis, endogenous antioxidant system...), it is important to regularly apply an adequate amount of a sunscreen product suited to one's phototype and sun exposure conditions for reasonable exposure while limiting risks.