DEFINE THE SKIN TYPE AND STATE

Defining your skin type is essential for taking proper care of your skin as it allows you to choose the appropriate products.

Generally, the skin is defined in two ways; according to its type and its condition.

Skin type becomes evident at around age 20, and includes dry skin, oily or combination skin, and normal skin . Skin type may change over time.

The condition of the skin is relevant to all skin types. Often linked to the environment, the state can be temporary or become permanent. Skin may lack radiance, be dehydrated and/or sensitive, display fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, a loss of firmness, or enlarged pores.

These different skin types and conditions may be recognized visually and by touch.

DRY SKIN

Dry skin is generally associated with a lipid production dysfunction at the epidermal level.

Dry skin results in:

– a fine and even skin texture

– a matte appearance

– constant sensations of discomfort, dryness, and tugging over the entire face

– skin irritation and cutaneous sensitivity over the entire face

– the appearance of fine lines and roughness over the entire face.

Skin dryness is exacerbated by factors like age, cleansers and tonics that are not adapted to the skin type, diet (lack of essential fatty acids), the sun, extreme climates and inappropriate protection from these climates.

COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN

Oily skin is skin that produces too much sebum.

This skin type is genetic, but it may also be caused by internal factors (hormonal changes) and external factors (warm, humid climates, cleansing products that are too aggressive or inappropriate for the skin type and which leave the skin unbalanced).

The following effects are observed:

– an overproduction of sebum, which leaves skin looking shiny, especially in the T-zone

– enlarged pores

– skin imperfections (blackheads, pimples, localized irritation)

– a dull complexion

“Combination skin” occurs when the T-zone is oilier than the rest of the face.

NORMAL SKIN

“Normal skin” refers to skin that has the ideal PH balance and does not display any of the imbalances seen in dry or oily skin.

The skins appearance is matte and luminous. It is skin that is radiant, does not feel tight, and is not shiny.

This “perfect” skin type is relatively rare, except in children. Even normal skin, which is theoretically well-balanced, has a tendency to undergo fluctuations linked to the environment or internal changes. It may also become dry in the winter or become dehydrated.

DEHYDRATED SKIN

Dehydrated skin lacks moisture. All skin types may become dehydrated, at least occasionally.

This skin state results in:

– constant sensations of discomfort and localized or occasional tugging of the skin

– fine lines and rough skin in the dehydrated areas

– a dull complexion, a lack of radiance

– “normal” sebum production in the T-zone

Skin dehydration is exacerbated by factors such as age, inappropriate cleansers and tonics, sun exposure, extreme climates, smoking and diet.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Skin sensitivity affects all skin types. You may have sensitive skin from birth or it may become sensitive over the course of time because of the use of cosmetic products which are not adapted to your skin type, your way of life (stress, smoking, diet) or due to harmful environmental stressors (climate, pollution, excessive sun exposure).

Skin that is sensitive or prone to irritation may be painful and result in blotchiness, which may systematically appear upon contact with water or due to stress or changes in climate.

Note: In order to conduct a complete diagnostic of your skin type, we recommend that you visit one of our points of sale where a Sisley beauty counselor will advise you about the best Sisley skincare products for you after examining your skin and fine-tuning the results.