The skin is largest organ of the human body, and with the exception of the brain, probably is the most complex organ. The skin of an average adult, if spread out flat, would cover about 18 square feet (1.7 square meters) and it would weigh about six pounds (2.7 kilograms).
Anatomically, the skin is a layered organ. There are two basic layers to the skin: the outer and the thinner layer called the epidermis, and the inner, thicker layer called the dermis. |
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| What is Skin Type? |
Some people are quite aware of their skin type; for other’s it’s a complete mystery. Understanding skin type is important. Skin type strongly influences our decisions about our skin-care routines. Even the finest products won’t be effective if they are not compatible with your skin type. The primary step in improving the appearance of your skin is a proper diagnosis. You don’t need to be a dermatologist-just refer to the description and you should be able to discern your particular needs with little effort. Identifying skin type is highly subjective. |
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| What Influences Skin Type? |
Outside factors can and do influence the way your skin looks and feels. To effectively evaluate your skin and determine the correct skin-care routine, the following factors need to be considered.
Internal:
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, menstrual cycle, etc)
- Health problems ( rosacea, psoriasis, thyroid disorders, etc)
- Genetic predisposition of skin type( oily versus dry, prone to breakouts, or sensitive skin)
- Medications you may be taking
External:
- Climate/weather(cold, warm, moist & dry)
- Your skin-care routine ( over-moisturizing or exfoliating, using irritating or drying products)
- Sun exposure
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| The four most common skin types are: |
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- Normal Skin (no apparent signs of oily or dry areas)
- Oily Skin (shine appears on skin, no dry areas at all)
- Dry Skin (Flaking can appear, no oily areas at all)
- Combination Skin (oily and dry or normal areas)
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