There are three textures - oily, dry and balanced (often known as normal); many skins are a combination of oily and dry. Colour influences texture while any skin can have a sensitive or blemished condition. To determine skin type, cleanse skin thoroughly and using a magnifying glass in strong light, examine it closely.
Oily - Caused by overproduction of sebum by the oil glands.
Affects darker skins mostly; but even a light skin is inclined to go sallow. Skin shines constantly, is coarse and has enlarged pores. It is often plagued with blackheads, occasional break-outs and is the skin most prone to acne.
It stays younger-looking longer, has few wrinkles and usually improves with age. Trying to remove all oils from the skin only encourages greater gland activity.
It is important to remove only excess oil from the surface, leaving a sufficient amount to ward off any over-activity.
Too enthusiastic a treatment with harsh soap or cleansing lotion will often dehydrate the epidermis, leaving skin in a flaky condition.
Dry - Three different things cause dry skin: dehydration, insufficient amount of oil secretion and ageing.
It affects 85% of all light-skinned women. Skin is generally of a fine texture, but looks and feels tight and drawn. It chaps, flakes and peels easily, and even at an early age may show wrinkles and lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth.
Contributory factors to this condition are: use of wrong cosmetics, strong soaps, exposure to sun and wind, indoor heating and air-conditioning.
One of the most important steps in dealing with a dry skin is to try and avoid further dehydration by sealing in moisture. The lack of natural oils must be compensated by rich external lubrication.
Balanced - Exists when oil, moisture and acidity are harmonious.
It is ideal but rare. Skin is fine textured with no visible pores, smooth to touch, neither wet nor greasy. It has a tendency to become more dry with time, so it needs assistance to retain the status quo.
Combination - This is really skin in transition between dry and oily state. It gives off too much oil in the T-area of forehead, nose and chin ; the rest is dry particularly around eyes and on cheeks.
The dry and oily areas have to be treated separately.
Details of meladerm skin treatments and care can be found at www.meladermcream.com
