Skin Conditions & Make-Up

There are five basic facial skin types, however these can be affected from factors such as illness or even the weather. The most common skin types are oily, dry, sensitive, normal & combination.

Oily

Oily skin is caused by glands within the skin that produce too much sebum & excess oil. Due to this, individuals with oily skin are more prone to blackheads & skin breakouts. Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. When make-up is concerned, those with oily skin are advised to use products which are oil free - the benefit of wearing make-up on oily skin is that it can mattify the complexion to avoid a shiny, greasy look. In this case a powder foundation would be beneficial as a liquid foundation will clog the pores which could irritate the skin & cause breakouts & just make the overall face appear more oily.

Dry

Dry skin is caused by under or inactive oil glands that do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin naturally lubricated. Due to this, the skin can often feel itchy & sensitive. Dry skin must be kept hydrated regularly with rich creams or lotions. Those with dry skin should choose a foundation that is hydrating & should avoid powder foundations which may cause the skin to flake when applied. I would recommend using a tinted moisturiser as it keeps skin hydrated but also gives the wearer a healthy, natural glow without harming the skin.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin can be dry, normal or oily & is characterised by delicacy which is why it can be categorised more as a skin condition than a skin type. Sensitive skin reacts to environmental conditions & often requires special treatment to remain in good condition. Those with sensitive skin are prone to reactions when using products which contain alcohol, fragrance oils, synthetically manufactured oils, harsh ingredients or artificial colours. Due to this, individuals require skin care products which are free from these reactants & opt for gentle, natural products with essential oils. This should also be considered when choosing make-up products - choosing the right foundation or make-up can be difficult for those with sensitive skin as there are so many different products available, all with different ingredients - the best advice would be to try a variety of products & decide which works best for the individual.

Normal

In normal skin, the oil glands produce sebum at a moderate rate, resulting in a good skin balance - not too oily & not too dry - seems too good to be true! Despite this, normal skin requires no less attention than any other skin types & a good skin care routine should be practised daily to keep the skin maintained & in good condition. Due to this, those with normal condition are not limited to what make-up products they can use - lucky!

Combinition

Combination skin is characterised by an oily 'T-Zone' area which can cover the forehead, nose & chin, while the skin around the cheeks, eyes & mouth is normal or dry. This skin type requires different treatments, so those with combination skin should assess their skin regularly & use different products on different areas of the face. Where make-up is concerned, many individuals with combination skin have recommended using mineral make-up as they found it beneficial on the oily 'T-Zone' areas of the skin but not harsh on the dry areas.

All five of these skin types require a skin routine best suited for the individual in order to keep their skin in good condition. However there are also other factors that can affect any of these skin types, such as acne, eczema & even ageing; all which need particular care & attention.

Acne

Acne is a chronic skin condition that affects most people at some point during their life. It causes spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, back and chest. The symptoms of acne can be mild, moderate or severe - in cases of severe acne, scarring can occur, however this can usually be prevented by seeking prompt treatment. Acne is thought to be caused by changes in hormones that are triggered during puberty & can cause great distress & have an adverse effect on a person's quality of life and self-esteem. Therefore, healthcare professionals recognise that the condition requires effective and sometimes aggressive treatment. In most cases acne is treated using specialised creams & lotions, however in severe cases antibiotics are prescribed to help clear the condition.

Eczema

Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin, which can cause symptoms such as; redness of affected areas of skin, general dry skin - which is often thickened in the areas that have been scratched, lumps or blisters in affected areas or signs of superficial infection, such as weeping or crusty deposits. Like acne, there are three cases of eczema which are catagorised by the severity of the condition - acute, chronic & infected. Those with eczema can take reactions to certain moisturisers or bath lotions, therefore it is vital that those with the condition use medicinal products to prevent the skin from becoming more irritated. In most cases, a GP will prescribe these products to the individual & advise them to use this on a daily basis to clear up the affected area(s) as much as possible, however in some severe cases powerful antibiotics must be prescribed if the skin does not respond to any previous treatment such as lotions or moisturisers.

Ageing

 

As we get older the skin becomes much more fragile & stops producing as much natural oils, therefore it requires alot of care & attention to keep the skin looking smooth & supple. Factors such as smoking & sunbathing can increase the ageing process, so extra care should be taken if this applies to any individual. Many argue that trying to prevent skin ageing is expensive, however if you practise a daily skin routine & healthy lifestyle choices & have done so from a young age, this should be enough to aid the gradual ageing process & is much better for you than plastic surgery or botox. There are many products available on the market to help ageing skin, some include collagen - a naturally occuring protein found in the skin which provides firmness & strength - which prevents the skin from sagging.