The most common skin imbalances (combination skin, dry, oily skin, and sensitive skin) are often classified as skin types even though they are caused by either internal or external factors and are generally treatable. Treating imbalances can take time, as each person’s skin is affected by different factors. Just updating the products they use is enough for some, but someone else may need to make changes to their diet or balance factors in the nervous system. Everyone’s skin lives in a constant state of change in relation to internal and external factors, so it’s not worth comparing your skin journey to anyone else’s.
THE ORIGINS OF IMBALANCES
The most common of all skin imbalances is dehydration or surface dryness. Dehydrated skin is not, however, a skin type, but a sign that too much moisture is evaporating from the skin. Dehydration can occur in all skin types and it is usually the first sign of a skin imbalance that can lead to other common imbalances: impurities and sensitivity. Reasons for increased moisture evaporation include
- Skin not being cared for
- Insufficient water moisturisation or hydration
- Incorrect treatment methods, such as a moisturiser that is too thick combined with insufficient water hydration or washing the skin with too strong a cleanser
- Stress
- Sleeplessness
- Cold air
- Dry air
- Intense heat
- Wind
- Strong UV radiation
- Air-conditioning
- Air pollution
- Poor nutrition
- Unprotected skin
When the skin is poorly moisturised for a long time, the keratinization process is disrupted and the surface of the skin becomes ‘shield-like’, that is, it feels thick and rough and is dull in colour. Moisture and conditioning agents are then not absorbed into the skin but rather rejected, leaving them on the surface. Despite the use of skin oil or thick cream, the skin feels tight. The skin also becomes easily clogged – it is very common for skin suffering from long-term dehydration to have a lot of blockages and milia. Thus, one of the causes of impurities may be decreased moisture content.
In addition to reduced moisture content, the formation of impurities can be caused by poor blood circulation to the skin, a blocked lymphatic system, an alkaline pH on the skin’s surface, or an imbalance of microbial flora. Impurities can also be caused by stress, indigestion, and hormones. High-quality and natural skin care products, regular facial massages, a diet composed of whole foods, and the relaxation of the nervous system all support the well-being of the skin.
Skin sensitivity can be caused by many different factors including lack of skin care; improper care, such as washing the skin with products that are too strong or too activating; stress; anxiety; hormonal imbalances; digestive problems; and a nutrient-poor diet. These factors can result in the microbial flora of the skin becoming unbalanced and the protective barrier of the skin is weakened, which disrupts the skin’s immune system. In addition, the skin’s microcirculation may be poor and there may be blockages in the lymphatic system due to tension or stress in the face or throughout the body.
Combination skin
The characteristics of combination skin are a mixture of dry and oily areas of skin. The skin type behind combination skin is either dry or normal. The skin is usually dull, the T-zone is oily and has blackheads and impurities, and the skin can shine during the day. At the same time, however, the skin will feel tight in some areas, and dry or flaky spots may appear on the skin.
Skin care for combination skin
Cleanse combination skin in the mornings and evenings with cleansing oil. Soap, cleansing foams and gels should be avoided. After cleansing, the skin should be moisturised with an essence that contains mild acids. Acidic products revitalise the skin’s own production of moisturisers and balance the hydrolipidic membrane, allowing the skin to function better. They also ease dryness and reduce impurities. Finally, facial oil should be applied to the skin. This will strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and balance sebum secretion. A facial massage a few times a week will improve the metabolism of the skin and help to remove waste products, improving the colour of the skin and reducing impurities.
Seborrhea sicca or dry oily skin
The surface of dry oily skin is dry, tight and even scaly, despite the skin being heavily oily and makeup not adhering. The colour is dull, and the skin may also be sensitive. Dry oily skin is very similar to combination skin, but it has more impurities and blackheads, as well as milia. The surface of the skin may also be shield-like and thick due to moisture deprivation. Incorrect care of oily skin can lead to dry oily skin.
Skin care for dry oily skin
Cleanse dry oily skin in the mornings and evenings with a cleansing oil. Incorporate a facial massage into the cleansing routine to improve the skin’s metabolism. The skin should be moisturised with an essence containing mild acids to hydrate the skin, strengthen its protective barrier, brighten its tone and prevent the formation of impurities. Finally, a facial oil should be applied to the skin to balance sebum secretion, soothe inflammation and soften the skin. A facial massage a few times a week is an important part of the skin care routine, as this improves the skin’s metabolism and aids the removal of waste products, preventing the formation of impurities.
Sensitive skin
Skin sensitivity may manifest itself as redness, itchiness or a burning sensation. The symptoms can come and go, but sometimes the sensitivity can progress into inflammation, rash or inflamed pimples – and these we can call real skin problems.
Facial care for sensitive skin
Cleanse sensitive skin in the evenings with either cleansing oil or mild cleansing milk. If your skin is extremely sensitive, you can rinse your face in the mornings with plain water. The skin should be moisturised with an essence that soothes and reduces redness – the active ingredients of the essence will vary depending on individual needs because each sensitive skin is unique. Mild acids can balance some sensitive skin but irritate others. The aim is to first soothe the skin and prevent irritation and only then to strengthen it. It can sometimes it can take 2–3 months to soothe the skin. For a facial oil, you should choose a product made from genuine cold-pressed vegetable oils, as omega fatty acids soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. The product may also contain soothing essential oils, but bear in mind that not all sensitive skins tolerate essential oils.