Oily, dry, normal, combination... defining your skin type goes far beyond these characteristics. At Typology, based on a scientific methodology, we have defined 24 different skin types, including the AE(-) profile. But what does this mean?
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What should we know about the AE(-) skin type?
Summary
- A brief explanation on the initials AE(-)
- The letter "A" for Absence of signs of ageing
- The letter "E" for Exposure to oxidation factors
- The symbol "-" denotes Low sebum production
Published December 15, 2022,
updated on August 7, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
5 min read
A brief explanation on the initials AE(-).
Skin ageing ABSENT
Oxidation Factor OVERVIEW
Sebum Production LOW(-)
The letter "A" for Absence of signs of ageing.
The first letter "A" signifies thatno signs of ageing are visible on the skin. Indeed, three main manifestations can impact the appearance of the face, namely wrinkles, a skin sagging (loss of volume) and loss of density. Generally, the first signs of skin ageing appear around the age of thirty, reflecting the changes that occur in the different layers of the skin (slower cell regeneration, decrease in lipid levels, weakening of the natural ability to produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, reduction in the size and number of fat cells in the fatty tissue...). Although ageing is an inevitable process, it is possible to prevent and exert some control over the various factors affecting the speed of the ageing process, and thus delay the onset of signs of ageing.
The letter "E" for Exposure to oxidation factors.
The "E" indicates that the skin is highly exposed to external aggressions (solar radiation, air pollution, tobacco, stress, alcohol...), as well as insufficient sun protection habits relative to the phototype and exposure rhythm. These factors promote the production of free radicals, highly unstable and reactive molecules that can have a lasting impact on the skin. However, this action is normal in all living organisms that consume oxygen.
However, in the event of an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's natural ability to neutralise them, oxidative stress sets in and skin damage occurs. Indeed, these reactive oxygen species contribute to the degeneration of skin cells, both at the level of the epidermis and the dermis. All vital components of the skin such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, lipids and DNA find themselves under attack, thereby causing damage and malfunctions.
This oxidation process can thus affect the structure of the skin, causing a premature ageing of the skin or even a cancer. Initially superficial wrinkles that gradually deepen, less toned skin and a duller complexion can start to appear, and this before age. To slow down their action and thus prevent the premature ageing of the skin, the daily application of antioxidant-based treatments, in addition to an appropriate sun protection , is recommended.
The symbol "-" denotes Low sebum production.
The "-" indicates a reduction in the ability of the sebaceous glands to produce sufficient sebum (sebaceous hyposecretion), as well as a discrepancy in the synthesis of natural moisturising factors by keratinocytes, which give the skin the ability to retain water. Tightness, irritation, dehydration fine lines, redness, flaking, dull complexion... are characteristic of this skin type.
Indeed, this lack of lipids reduces the effectiveness of the hydrolipidic film. The skin then becomes vulnerable to all forms of aggression (UV rays, pollution, bacteria, etc.), triggering inflammatory responses, and no longer prevents transepidermal water evaporation as effectively. Moreover, this alteration in the barrier function leads to a dysregulation of Langerhans cells (cells of the immune system), which begin to induce disproportionate inflammatory responses when they are overly stimulated.
Several factors can influence this low sebum secretion, leading to these disturbances: frequent washing, certain medicinal treatments, unsuitable skincare, seasonal variations, tobacco, UV radiation, genetics... However, although this skin type is more prone to wrinkle formation due to its less supple nature, it is conversely less susceptible to skin sagging given that its thinner epidermis suffers less from the effects of gravitational pull.
Daily exposed to environmental factors, unprotected and with insufficient sebaceous activity... all conditions, which can be corrected, cause premature ageing of the skin. AE(-) skins are thus more prone to develop signs of ageing (wrinkles, solar lentigines...) in the long term if no practices are put in place.
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