Unlike skin type, skin condition can vary greatly during the course of your life.

There are many internal and external factors that determine its condition. These include things such as climate, pollution, medication, and stress.  Not only these, but also hereditary factors that influence the levels of sebum, sweat and natural moisturising factors.  As well as these factors, the products that you use and the skincare choices that you make.

Firstly, when it comes to selecting skincare products it should be to match your skin type and address skin condition.  So many people end up making the condition the primary focus, when it should be always skin type first.

Let’s have a look at some of the skin conditions and their effects.

Sensitive skin

Let’s have a look at the signs of sensitive skin.  Firstly, I cannot tell you how many people tell me they have sensitive skin.  Often, they do not and it is caused by other factors.  Many people are unaware of these and that is because we are not taught.  We just do what we think is best or what our friend does or what the media tells us to.

I would rather educate people on their skin.  So, let’s have a look at some examples of what can happen if you have sensitive skin.

• Thin skin texture with a translucent appearance.
• A feeling of tightness, which can indicate dehydration and lead to skin reactions from products.
• Redness or blotchiness. This signals over-reactive capillaries or a tendency toward rosacea.
• Flaking, peeling or cracking on the cheeks and forehead. This indicates dehydrated skin and impaired barrier function.
• Flushing and itching, or burning sensations, which can also be a sign of over-reactive capillaries.
• Small, rash-like bumps or breakouts (not to be confused with acne breakouts).
• There may be broken capillaries around the nose and cheeks.  It is usually high in colour and warm to the touch.

Sensitive skin is something we are born with and we can only try and not irritate it.

Sensitised skin is caused by the environment.  Often this is something we have done or exposed ourselves to.  We need to learn to avoid these triggers.  But, of course, firstly we need to work out what they are.

Acne prone skin

Occasional blemishes are something which affect all of us, but suffering constantly from severe acne can really impact on your confidence – so it’s time to find an effective solution.

The fact is, despite there being measures to take to reduce the chance of a breakout, some people are just more susceptible to getting spots than others.  The only thing you can do is to have an effective daily skin care routine to clear your blemishes as soon as possible.

You can also suffer from the following:

Papule – A papule is an area of abnormal skin tissue that is less than 1 centimetre around. A papule has distinct borders, and it can appear in a variety of shapes. Papules are often called skin lesions, which are essentially changes in the colour or texture of your skin.

Sometimes, papules cluster together to form a rash.  In most cases, papules are not serious and can be relieved with home treatments. However, if the papules appear soon after you start a new medication, consult your doctor immediately.

Pustule – Pustules are small bumps on the skin that contain fluid or pus. They usually present as white bumps surrounded by red skin. These bumps look very similar to pimples, but they can grow quite big.  Pustules may develop on any part of the body, but they most commonly form on the back, chest, and face.  They may be found in clusters in the same area of the body.

Pustules may be a form of acne typically caused by hormonal imbalances or hormonal changes in the body. This is a very common skin condition, particularly among teenagers and young adults. You can treat pustules with medication, or surgery in extreme cases, if they become bothersome.

Comedone – A term given to a blackhead; formed when sebum is trapped in a pore. Cells at the top of the pore multiply and block the sebaceous gland; the surface turns black due to oxidation (when it has been exposed to the air).

If the sebum builds up it may cause the gland to erupt into the lower layers of the skin causing a papule.  An infected papule will become a pustule.

Seborrhoea – This condition is caused by over active sebaceous glands, which creates too much sebum on a skin type that is already naturally oily.

Most commonly found in young skin types, and usually associated with puberty.  It may develop into acne if left untreated.  The pores become enlarged with comedones.  The pores may become blocked with sebaceous secretions.  The condition subsides once the hormones settle down.

Dehydrated

This condition lacks moisture and has a dull appearance.  This is different to dry skin.  Usually you need to drink more water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

It may be tight with a smooth sheen to its appearance (not to be confused with shiny oily skin).  This is usually a  temporary condition, which can happen to any skin type.

Stressed out skin

Stressed out skin is something we can all suffer from, from time to time.  When we put extra stress on our bodies, it shows in our skin.  It can come out in forms of acne, dry skin patches, redness and other warning signs.

This can be if we have overdone it with a poor diet or overworked yourself.  It can happen to anyone.  Look out for these warning signs as your skin can be a key to what is happening inside your body.  Do not ignore them.

Sometimes we just need to adapt our skincare routine, to combat some of our stress signs.  But then we also need to add relaxation methods into our life too and maybe cut out some of those bad habits too.

Milia

This condition is where sebum gets trapped within a blind duct.  It is most common on dry skin particularly around the eyes and cheek area. It appears as white nodules, and indicates a tendency towards dryness in that area.

If it is not established it is possible to disperse with gentle massage.  Milia should never be expressed in a way such as other spots, as it can lead to permanent damage to the skin