SKIN TYPES AND CONDITIONS

SKIN TYPES AND CONDITIONS - G.M. COLLIN

 

Every person’s skin is unique. When it comes to skin care, the most important thing is to understand your skin’s specific needs. Determining your skin type and conditions and choosing the right products are the key to a balanced, healthy and glowing skin.

A skin type is the skin you were born with and the way that your skin behaves, pretty much all the time, due to genetic makeup and hormones. A skin condition is usually a temporary concern and can be the result of outside influences, including climate, diet, stress, skincare products, allergies, etc.

Trying to determine yours? Ideally, you can plan a visit to your aesthetician. She will perform a complete skin analysis and build the perfect skin care regimen adapted to your needs. The following are a few characteristics common to each skin types and conditions, that can help you identify where your skin fits in the most.

SKIN TYPES

The 3 skin types are dry, normal/combination, and oily. Skin type is determined by the quantity of sebum secreted over the skin surface. Most skin can be classified as normal to dry or normal to oily. It is quite rare for skin to be completely normal without any underlying tendency.

 

1. DRY SKIN

DRY SKIN - G.M. COLLIN

 

Dry skin is characterized by a lack of sebum secretion (essential lipids) by the sebaceous glands, thus altering the skin’s natural balance and rendering it fragile. The natural moisture factor (NMF) using sebum as a barrier is affected. Natural lubrication is reduced resulting in superficial dehydration and an increase of expression lines. Dry skin is typically dehydrated, which becomes more prominent with age. It can also often become sensitive.

What are the causes of dry skin?

  • Insufficient lipid production
  • Weak/diminished hydrolipidic barrier (results in an inability to protect the skin)
  • Aging
  • Environmental factors
  • Alkaline cleanser usage

 

How to recognize dry skin?

  • Lack of sebum secretions
  • Thin texture
  • No oily film to the touch, skin feeling rough to the touch
  • Mate complexion and closed pores (barely visible if at all)
  • Skin feeling uncomfortable, with a taut sensation
  • Lack of suppleness
  • Sensitivity to environmental aggressors
  • Flakes, if dehydrated

How to care for dry skin?

First and most importantly, switch from alkaline cleansers to a gentle cleanser, to ensure that the skin is not ''stripped'' from its natural oils. Also, choose products with a higher lipid content to generously nourish the skin and help protect the hydrolipidic barrier.

 

 

ESSENTIAL INFUSION DRY OIL

Enriched with phytolipids that revitalizes dry or tired skin, this precious, nourishing and regenerating dry oil provides intense and comforting hydration that helps protect the skin’s moisture barrier by preventing the visible signs of premature aging.

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NUTRIDERM CREAM

Enriched with Omega 3, 6, and 9 and rice peptides, this hydrating and nourishing velvety textured cream restores the natural cutaneous balance by treating dry skin and ensures soft, supple, healthy-looking skin.

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2. NORMAL / COMBINATION SKIN

 

Normal / combination skin is characterized by a moderate quantity of sebum secretion.

How to recognize normal / combination skin?

  • Proper amount of sebum secretion on the skin’s surface
  • Regular skin texture
  • Pores slightly dilated
  • May look shinier on the T-Zone
  • Some comedons may be present
  • Skin feels smooth, velvety to the touch

How to care for normal / combination skin?

You can either use aqueous or lipid-based products, to maintain the skin's balance and hydrolipidic barrier, or you can adapt your regimen to your skin condition(s), but make sure to get your skin re-evaluated by an aesthetician, at the change of seasons, to identify any changes and adapt your skincare regimen, as needed.

3. OILY SKIN

 

Oily skin is characterized by an excessive sebum secretion.

How to recognize oily and seborrheic skin?

Oily skin:

  • Sebaceous secretions in excess
  • Thick and irregular skin texture
  • Pores generally dilated
  • Shiny look
  • Dull complexion
  • Skin is oily to the touch

 

Seborrheic skin:

  • Very shiny look
  • Oily secretions all over the face
  • Pores dilated giving the skin the appearance of orange peel
  • No comedones or very little
  • Rarely infected
  • Hyperkeratinization
  • Redness
  • May be sensitive or dehydrated on the surface.

How to care for oily skin?

Applying products containing alcohol on oily skin should be avoided at all costs, as these will dry out the skin and disrupt its barrier function, only making the skin increase its production of sebum to rebalance itself. Instead, opt for products with ingredients that help reduce excess sebum and that leave a matte finish.

 

 

PURACTIVE + CLEANSING GEL

This gentle foaming and refreshing cleansing gel removes makeup, excess sebum and impurities, leaving the complexion look and feel supple and refreshed.

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PURACTIVE + PURIFYING MIST

This purifying, hydrating and mattifying mist minimizes the appearance of pores, soothes and purifies the skin.

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PURACTIVE+ ESSENTIAL OIL COMPLEX

Rich in essential oils, this easy-to-use fluid complex effectively soothes and refreshes acne-prone skin without causing dryness, leaving the skin looking healthier, perfectly matte and soft to the touch.

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PURACNE GEL

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, boldo extract and niacinamide, this gel offers a solution for a clear, pure and blemishfree skin.

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PURACTIVE + CREAM

Formulated with antimicrobial peptides, this light, non-oily cream mattifies the skin, tightens pores, refreshes and illuminates the complexion.

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PURE MASK

Formulated with clay and superberries, a potent source of antioxidants, this purifying velvety mask absorbs excess sebum without drying the skin, tightens the appearance of pores, purifies and reveals a fresher looking skin and helps to visibly improve a dull complexion.

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Read more about oily skin here

 

SKIN CONDITIONS

Skin conditions are much more varied and are usually temporary, such as sensitive, dehydrated, or acneic skin, for example. They can be triggered by allergens, environmental irritants, infection, hereditary factors, and stress.

 

1. SENSITIVE SKIN

SENSITIVE SKIN - G.M. COLLIN

 

Sensitive skin is due to an imbalanced ecosystem (hydric & lipidic system). It can affect all skin types and occur at any age. Sensitivity should be the first condition addressed.

What are the causes of sensitivity?

  • Heredity
  • Environmental stress (pollution, cold, sun, wind)
  • Chemical stress (aggressive treatments/ unsuitable skin care)
  • Physical stress (rubbing, harsh mechanical exfoliants)
  • Emotional stress
  • Compromised barrier function
  • Hormonal fluctuation
  • Sun exposure
  • Medication

 

How to recognize sensitive skin?

  • Redness
  • Itchiness or discomfort
  • Flakiness
  • Major dehydration
  • Tightening sensation
  • Blotchiness
  • Premature lines and wrinkles

Common sensitive skin disorders:

  • Erythema is redness of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by hyperemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries. It can occur with any skin injury or inflammation.
  • Erythrosis is a permanent redness on certain parts of the face, such as the nose or cheeks. It is linked to the dilatation of the blood vessels.
  • Couperose (vasodilation / increased blood flow) is a chronic skin condition caused by the weakening of the blood vessels, located mainly on the cheeks and nose.
  • Cyanosis (vasoconstriction / reduced blood flow) is a bluish discolouration of the skin resulting from an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood.
  • Rosacea (medical condition when in crisis) is a long-term skin condition that typically affects the face. It results in redness, pimples, swelling, and small and superficial dilated blood vessels. Often, the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin are most involved. A red, enlarged nose may occur in severe disease, a condition known as rhinophyma.

How to care for sensitive skin?

Just as it is important to use products and ingredients adapted to sensitive skin, recognizing and avoiding behaviours that could contribute to the sensitivity would be beneficial:

  • Avoid intense heat including hot showers, baths, and saunas
  • Wear sunscreen daily
  • Exfoliate using mild, non-mechanical exfoliants
  • Do not aggressively rub the skin
  • Avoid overly acidic products or pure essential oils
  • Spicy foods may exacerbate the condition
  • Avoid facial steamers
  • Use gentle massage techniques
  • Moisturize, respecting the pH

 

 

SENSIDERM CLEANSING OIL

Mixed with water, this oil turns into a milky emulsion that gently melts away impurities from the skin, dissolves waterproof makeup from the eyes, lips and face and leaves the skin soft and silky, without an oily film.

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SENSIDERM CLEANSING MILK

This soothing, light, creamy-textured cleansing emulsion dissolves sebum and removes skin impurities and makeup, leaving the skin feel fresh and softened.

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SENSIDERM SOOTHING MIST

This fragrance and alcohol-free moisturizing mist provides a superior soothing effect and treats sensitive skin, thanks to its magical formula composed of honey and aloe vera extracts.

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VASCO-TONIC CONCENTRATE

Formulated with vitamins, antioxidants and botanical extracts, this potent double duty serum progressively and visibly diminishes diffused skin redness and dark under-eye circles, provides a toning effect through hydration and soothes the skin with moisture.

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SENSIDERM CREAM

Specially designed to meet the needs of sensitive, fragile and reactive skin, this silky cream visibly reduces skin redness, soothes and relieves sensations of discomfort.

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ROSA SEA GEL

This unique gel-cream formulated with ingredients to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin significantly decreases the appearance of redness, improves skin tone evenness and restores skin comfort.

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Read more about sensitive skin here

 

2. DEHYDRATED SKIN

 

Dehydrated skin is characterized by an impaired ability of the skin to retain moisture, resulting in a breakdown of normal skin function. It can affect all skin types, occur at any age, and be caused by a variety of factors. Dehydration can activate sensitivity and should be one of the first conditions addressed in home care and clinical treatments.

DEHYDRATED SKIN - G.M. COLLIN

 

What are the causes of dehydration?

  • Unsuitable skin care and/or poor cleansing routine (alkaline-based soaps)
  • Sun exposure
  • Dry climate or seasonal dryness
  • Direct heat (fireplaces, forced-air heating)
  • Stress
  • Compromised barrier function
  • Air conditioning
  • Physiological aging
  • Improper diet, insufficient water consumption, and alcohol consumption
  • Medication

How to care for dehydrated skin?

Just like sensitive skin, use products and ingredients adapted to the dehydrated skin’s condition, plus, avoid behaviours that could contribute to skin dehydration. Here are a few tips:

  • Cleanse the skin with non-drying cleansers
  • Avoid alkaline products
  • Avoid hot showers, baths, and saunas
  • Always use an SPF and avoid intense sun exposure

 

 

HYDRAMUCINE CLEANSING MILK

This creamy-textured emulsion gently removes skin impurities, secretions and makeup and provides a satin finish with a sensation of comfort.

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HYDRAMUCINE HYDRATING MIST

Containing botanical and natural extracts, this toning mist restores cutaneous hydration and allows the skin to better protect itself against dehydrating conditions, leaving the skin feeling refreshed with an immediate sensation of comfort.

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HYDRAMUCINE OPTIMAL SERUM

This formula composed of a unique synergy of hyaluronic acids and an ‘NMF*’ complex, which ensures an intense and long-lasting hydration increases the skin’s ability to restore and maintain hydration and regenerate its moisture barrier.

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HYDRAMUCINE CREAM

This rich emulsion gives an immediate feeling of comfort and a radiant appearance to the skin and promotes the elasticity and suppleness of the skin as well as a glowing complexion.

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HYDRAMUCINE OPTIMAL CREAM

This rich, velvety formula packed with botanical microspheres and a botanical complex increases the skin’s hydration level and lipid protection.

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HYDRAMUCINE OPTIMAL GEL

Enriched with plant peptides and chronoenergizers, this alcohol-free, light-textured and ultra-fresh moisturizing gel promotes a refreshed, supple and radiant skin.

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Read more about dehydrated skin here

3. COMEDOGENIC AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN

 

Caused by hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, resulting in an over-production of natural oil (sebum) and shiny skin.

Comedogenic skin: Comedones, or blackheads, result when oil, blocking dilated pores and covering their opening, oxidizes and turns a dark colour when it comes into contact with oxygen.  

Asphyxiated skin: Identified as oily skin, asphyxiated skin is unable to liberate sebum adequately to the outside. The sebum solidifies and obstructs the pores, producing micro cysts called "miliums": small deposits of grease, visible on the surface of the skin that are trapped inside the skin.

Acne: Caused by an excessive production of sebum, initiated by sebaceous glands. The sebaceous hypersecretion leads to obstruction of the pores and the formation of comedones. Inflammation then follows, causing redness and acne to appear on the surface of the skin.

Different Forms of Acne

  • Papules are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
  • Pustules are small red pimples that have pus at their tips.
  • Nodules are solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
  • Cysts are large lumps, found beneath your skin, that contain pus and are usually painful.

Read more on acne here.

 

 

PURACTIVE + CLEANSING GEL

This gentle foaming and refreshing cleansing gel removes makeup, excess sebum and impurities, leaving the complexion look and feel supple and refreshed.

shop

 

 

PURACTIVE + PURIFYING MIST

This purifying, hydrating and mattifying mist minimizes the appearance of pores, soothes and purifies the skin.

shop

 

 

PURACTIVE+ ESSENTIAL OIL COMPLEX

Rich in essential oils, this easy-to-use fluid complex effectively soothes and refreshes acne-prone skin without causing dryness, leaving the skin looking healthier, perfectly matte and soft to the touch.

shop

 

 

PURACNE GEL

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, boldo extract and niacinamide, this gel offers a solution for a clear, pure and blemishfree skin.

shop

 

 

PURACTIVE + CREAM

Formulated with antimicrobial peptides, this light, non-oily cream mattifies the skin, tightens pores, refreshes and illuminates the complexion.

shop

 

 

PURE MASK

Formulated with clay and superberries, a potent source of antioxidants, this purifying velvety mask absorbs excess sebum without drying the skin, tightens the appearance of pores, purifies and reveals a fresher looking skin and helps to visibly improve a dull complexion.

shop

 

4. AGING SKIN

AGING SKIN - G.M. COLLIN

 

Anything that interferes with skin function or that causes changes in the appearance of skin.

  • Skin atony on both the face and body is often associated with the loss of fat. The deterioration or reduction of collagen and elastin in the dermis are another cause of skin atony. While anyone can get loose skin, it is more likely to occur in people as they age. People who have lost significant amounts of weight are also more susceptible.
  • Line and wrinkles on the face are some of the most visible signs of aging. They're caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. As we age, our bodies can't produce enough collagen to replenish what has been lost, so the skin begins to lose its strength and elasticity over time.
  • Pigmentation spots are caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their colour. Several factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation.

 

Causes of skin aging

10% OF THE AGING PROCESS IS CHRONOLOGICAL/GENETIC OR HORMONAL AGING

90% OF THE AGING PROCESS IS ENVIRONMENTALLY AND PHOTO INDUCED AGING, such as:

  • Free radicals
  • Sun exposure
  • Tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants
  • Aggressive treatments / inappropriate skin care products
  • Physiological aging
  • Lifelong effects of gravity
  • Glycation

G.M. Collin offers a vast selection of products, from preventive anti-aging care and combating the first signs of aging to skincare for mature skin.

Shop anti-aging products here.

Written by KAREN ASQUITH - DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AT G.M. COLLIN