Your skin type is determined genetically & there are 4 categories:

 

Normal sebum is balanced, without areas of concern unless skin condition becomes impaired. 

Oily sebum is produced in over abundance, breakout and congestion is common, skin feels greasy and shiny after cleansing, either immediately or after a short period of time.

Dry sebum is under produced, skin feels tight and dry all over, after cleansing skin feels very tight and uncomfortable. skin may be irritated easily, flakiness in areas is common.

Combination in some areas of the face (predominantly the forehead, nose to chin area) sebum is in abundance, other areas may be dry or normal.

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It is not enough to establish a skin type and treat only according to that category if wanting to achieve the best results, we have to consider skin condition which is determined by internal and external factors, these may even be transitory and subject to changes that would have a positive impact on your overall skin health, others there is no solution for and can only be managed accordingly:

lifestyle, diet, climate, pollution, stress, medical condition, medications, harsh products & age are all factors that affect skin condition.

Skin conditions include dehydration, which is should not be confused with genetically dry skin, it can affect all skin types, even the most oily, in fact it is very likely to find dehydrated skin that is oily or problematic as this skin type is more likely to be tempted to not use moisturisers or nourishment in an attempt to dry out the skin, but instead it results in an imbalance and any breakouts will be increased, skin will produce more sebum to counteract. Hydration is key to skin health as it enables optimum skin function, dehydration leads to poor circulation & impaired barrier function.

Sensitivity as a condition also affects all skin types, the skin barrier function is disrupted and impaired leading to a reactive state, often over exfoliation or incorrect use of products create sensitive condition, also certain medications UV exposure or pollution.

Pigmentation is characterised as either hyperpigmention, dark spots of excess melanin or hypopigmentation, light spots where melanin is not present. Hyperpigmentation can be caused or exacerbated by UV exposure, hormones in the case of melasma where internal cause must be considered in the treatment plan or genetic disposition, such as in the case of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation where following skin injury, melanin is produced within or around the damaged area.

Hypo pigmentation can be caused by fungal infection, such as in the case of tinea versicolor or pityriasis vericolor, an immune condition such as vitiligo or following injury such as acne scarring, surgical or accidental scarring.

Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin, characterised by the presence of pustules, comedones, papules & cysts, it is commonly classified as mild, moderate or severe. When diagnosed, dermatologists classify it into four grades by evaluating the types of comedones present, amount of inflammation present, the severity of breakout, how widespread the acne is and what areas of the body are affected. Acne breakout can occur in all ages, in all skin types and ethnicities, causes can often be linked to hormonal issues.

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Grade I - the mildest form of acne. There will be comedones, pimples or milia, and occasionally minor pustules. There is little inflammation. 

Grade II - Considered moderate acne. A greater number of comedones and pimples are present. Papules and pustules are more frequently found. Grade II acne can be treated with over-the-counter products. 

Grade III - moderate to severe acne. The difference between grade II and grade III acne is the amount of inflammation present. Papules and pustules will be greater and there will be a large amount of redness and inflammation found on the skin. Nodules are often present. This type of acne should be evaluated by a medical provider.

Grade IV - The most severe grade of acne, the skin will display many pustules, nodules and cysts. Comedones and pimples are numerous. There is pronounced inflammation, and breakouts likely extend to areas other than the face.

Grade V acne, also called cystic acne, should be treated by a dermatologist. 

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Many minor issues can be managed by selecting the correct skin care & treatment options aswell as addressing factors that are considered as causes. 

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Particularly as we age it is important to treat with consideration for skin type & condition as a whole concept, therefore as a brand we encourage you can take our skin health questionnaire that includes some important questions to establish your individual requirements which can be evaluated by one of our qualified specialists.

As an advanced skin care system whilst we do have certain products that may be better adapted to certain skin types, our philosophy means that we go a step beyond a traditional system for simply treating oily skin, a system for dry skin etc.. as many of our formulations contain ingredients that benefit, balance & create the optimum environment for restoring healthy skin function and the essential barrier defence for most skin types with a focus on improving condition.