Inroduction
Skin condition can vary considerably over the course of life. Among the numerous internal and external factors that determine the condition of the skin, the following stand out: climate and pollution, medication, stress, hereditary factors that influence the levels of sebum, sweat, and natural moisturizing factors produced by the skin, as well as the products you use and the skin care options you are applying.
Skin care products should be selected to suit the skin type and address the condition of the skin. Dermatologists and other skin care experts determine the type and condition of a person’s skin by measuring the following factors
Signs of aging
Our skin type can evolve over the course of life. People with an oily skin type as teenagers may find that their skin becomes dry after puberty, while people with a normal skin type find that their skin becomes drier as they age.
As all skin types age, the skin loses volume and density, fine lines and wrinkles appear, and changes in pigmentation may be observed. Knowing and measuring these signs of aging helps determine the condition of the skin. Read more on aging skin.
Skin Color
Color and ethnicity influence the skin’s response to external forces, such as the sun, pigmentation disorders, irritation, and inflammation. The basic skin color is determined by the density of the epidermis and the distribution of melanin. Read more at cutaneous ethnicity.
Skin erythema is also a useful measure of skin condition; it indicates the efficiency of our circulation and can be useful in identifying processes such as couperose and rosacea.
Skin sensitivity
Dry skin is skin that is easily irritated by different factors, which are generally tolerated by the skin in good balance, for example, by certain skin care products or by high or low temperatures. For some people, sensitive skin is a permanent problem, for others sensitivity has its origin in certain external and internal factors. It occurs when the skin’s natural barrier function is compromised, resulting in water loss and the entry of irritants. Symptoms are exacerbated by factors to which facial skin is most exposed, from the sun to certain ingredients in cosmetics and cleansing agents.
Sebum and sweat production
The amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin controls the effectiveness of the skin barrier function and, consequently, the condition of the skin. Overproduction of sebum can lead to oily, acne-prone skin, while low sebum production causes dry skin.
Sweat glands in the skin produce sweat to help the body maintain its optimal temperature. Excessive or low sweat production can influence the condition of the skin.
Natural moisturizing factors (NMFs)
Naturally present in healthy skin, NMFs, like amino acids, help fix water within the skin, maintain its elasticity and flexibility, and prevent it from becoming dehydrated. When the skin’s protective barrier is damaged, it is often unable to retain these essential NMFs. The consequence is that the moisture of the skin decreases and the condition is affected.
Nationality
Race and nationality significantly influence skin condition. It is common for Nordics to be white, Africans to be black, and Orientals to be yellowish. Likewise, it is important to consider the degree of sun exposure and the subject’s work activity to evaluate the normal color of the skin. The temperature under normal conditions, should be the same throughout the skin. It may be increased after exercise, due to the greater circulatory supply.
Collagen
This protein is found naturally in the body , especially in muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, intestinal lining and different organs including the skin. However, it is lost due to two main factors: an inadequate diet and the passage of time, starting in the second decade of life. Visible signs of collagen loss are wrinkles, stiff tendons, decreased muscle mass, and joint pain. With an in-depth analysis of facial skin, dermatologists can predict loss of firmness and the formation of premature wrinkles
Conclusion
Your skin’s condition is shaped by a myriad of factors such as climate, pollution, stress, hereditary influences, and the products you use. By assessing signs of aging, skin color, sensitivity, sebum and sweat production, natural moisturizing factors, nationality, and collagen levels, you can craft a skincare routine that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Consulting with dermatologists can unlock deeper insights into your skin’s unique characteristics, empowering you to maintain healthy, resilient skin throughout every stage of life. Use these tailored strategies and watch your skin thrive.
