Symptoms of dry skin include course skin texture, inflexibility, loss of softness, skin flakiness and the accentuation of facial lines and wrinkles. Dry skin results when moisture, which is continually supplied from the inside of the body, is being lost faster through evaporation than it is being replaced.
Oily skin produces excess sebum throughout the entire face, particularly through the T-zone. Balancing the skin, without stripping its natural moisture, is very important. Over cleansing and harsh products can strip the skin of oil and encourage flakiness which can potentially cause a reaction known as reactive seborrhea, where the oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils.
Tends to be oily through the T-zone and normal to dry throughout the cheeks and around eyes. Avoiding blemishes, clogged pores and controlling excess oil are the main focus.
Seems balanced throughout most of the face and not too oily or too dry. Breakouts are not common but dehydration, prevention of premature aging and lack luster appearance are primary concerns.
Most scientist feel that aging is the cumulative effect of the interaction of many lifelong influences, including genetics, environment, cultural influences, diet, exercise and leisure, stress and other factors.
Generally, from about the age of 30, skin starts to show the first signs of aging. The regeneration properties decrease and the skin loses moisture, tension, and elasticity. This aging process of the skin is accelerated by sun exposure and the involved free radicals developed by UV-irradiation, which damage cells.
Moisture also plays an important part – If the natural hydro-lipid film of the outer skin layer is damaged, the skin becomes dry, rough, and chapped.
With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins and sebaceous glands produce less oil. Men experience a minimal decrease, usually after 80 years old. Women gradually produce less oil beginning after menopause. This can make it harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness and itchiness. Muscle tone is lost, and there is an increase in the number, size, and color of pigmented spots on the face. The skin thins, becomes dry, and develops wrinkles.
Starting a preventative program of daily cleansing, weekly cellular renewal through exfoliation and maintaining skin hydration through effective moisturization is a necessary routine, no matter the age or skin type.
Remember, the look and feel of the skin and body is a function not only of genetics but also of the environment, including our stress level, what we eat and drink, exposure to the sun, and the products we use. So, in addition to using effective products like Plantogen®, we should consider our total lifestyle.
Research into stress and its potential side effects indicates we all need to take time out and ‘de-stress’ our lives, not only to protect our physical looks, but also to protect our health and mental wellbeing.