The skin is our largest organ and often reflects our overall health. It is a complex system that reacts to environmental factors, internal processes, and skincare products.
Every person has unique skin, which can be divided into different skin types.
But apart from skin types – such as normal, dry, oily, combination skin – there are skin conditions that occur temporarily or chronically and require the right care.
In this blog post, we delve deep into the different skin conditions, explain their causes, and offer tips on how to care for and deal with each one.
What are skin conditions and how do they differ from skin types?
Skin types (e.g. normal, oily, dry) are genetically determined and remain relatively constant throughout life.
Skin conditions, on the other hand, are dynamic.
They can be caused by internal factors such as hormones, diet or stress, as well as by external influences such as weather, pollution and unsuitable care products.
The most common skin conditions and their characteristics
1. Dehydrated skin
Features:
Lack of moisture, tightness, fine lines, dull complexion.
Lack of moisture, tightness, fine lines, dull complexion.
Causes:
Environmental factors (heating, air conditioning), insufficient water intake, excessive cleaning.
Environmental factors (heating, air conditioning), insufficient water intake, excessive cleaning.
Care:
- Use facial care products that retain moisture in the skin.
- Avoid products containing alcohol, which can further dry out the skin.
- Drink plenty of water and use moisturizing masks.
2. Sensitive skin
Features:
Redness, irritation, itching or burning.
Causes:
Overreactions to ingredients, environmental factors, genetic predisposition.
Care:
- Use products with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, or cornflower.
- Avoid fragrances and harsh exfoliants.
- Protect your skin from extreme temperatures.
3. Acne-prone skin
Features:
Pimples, blackheads, inflamed nodules.
Causes:
Overproduction of sebum, clogged pores, bacteria, hormonal fluctuations.
Care:
- Anti-comedogenic ingredients can help.
- Use a light moisturizer to avoid drying out the skin.
- Always consult a dermatologist if you have severe acne.
4. Pale skin
Features:
Lack of radiance, uneven complexion.
Causes:
Environmental pollution, lack of sleep, inadequate care.
Care:
- mild and natural facial scrub with nourishing oils (e.g. jojoba)
- Integrate antioxidants such as vitamins C and E into your routine.
- Regular moisturizing and sun protection.
5. Mature skin
Features:
Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigment spots.
Causes:
Natural aging process, sun damage, oxidative stress.
Care:
- Use retinol (vitamin A) and tocopherol (vitamin E) to promote collagen production.
- Moisturizing creams with jojoba and cacay oil
- Daily sun protection is essential.
6. Pigmented skin
Features:
Dark spots, uneven skin tone.
Causes:
Sun damage, hormones, skin injuries.
Care:
- Use ingredients such as niacinamide or azelaic acid.
- Chemical peels can help reduce pigmentation.
- Sunscreen is essential to prevent the condition from worsening.
7. Redness (rosacea or couperose)
Characteristics: Visible blood vessels, persistent redness, sometimes inflammation.
Causes:
Genetics, heat, cold, spicy foods, alcohol.
Care:
- Soothing products without alcohol or fragrances.
- Gentle cleansing and cooling masks.
8. Oily skin with enlarged pores
Features:
Shiny skin, frequent blackheads, visible pores.
Causes:
Overproduction of sebum, genetic factors.
Care:
- Clarifying micellar water with witch hazel and cornflower hydrosol.
- Use non-comedogenic products.
- Regular, but gentle exfoliation.
9. Skin with damaged barrier function
Features:
Dry, flaky patches, increased sensitivity.
Causes:
Overly aggressive cleaning, environmental influences, incorrect products.
Care:
- Surfactant-free, mild facial cleanser to protect the skin barrier.
- Moisturizing day cream
- Avoid anything that could further irritate the skin.
Correctly diagnosing skin conditions
Understanding skin conditions is the first step to finding the right care.
Here are some tips:
1. Self-analysis:
Observe how your skin reacts to different factors such as weather, diet, or skincare products.
2. Professional advice :
Dermatologists or skincare experts can provide deeper insights using skin analysis and diagnostic tools.
3. Patch test:
Always test new products on a small area before applying them to your entire face.
Tips for a healthy skincare routine
Regardless of your skin condition, there are some universal principles for healthy skincare:
1. Cleaning:
Cleanse twice daily with a gentle micellar water or a surfactant-free cleanser
2. Moisturizing care:
Choose products that are suitable for your skin condition.
3. Sun protection :
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to avoid damage from UV rays.
4. Lifestyle:
A balanced diet, sufficient sleep and stress management have a positive effect on the skin.
Conclusion
Skin conditions are as individual as the people who experience them. The right care and a conscious approach to external and internal factors can improve your skin's condition and ensure a healthy, radiant appearance in the long term. If you run a Shopify store, use this knowledge to offer targeted products and help your customers optimally meet their skin needs.
Invest in your skin – it will be with you for a lifetime!