Skin Care Concerns Definitions
A: Oily skin is a condition of overactive sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) and larger pores that cause the skin to have a shiny, greasy sheen. Larger pores that produce too much oil are more prone to getting blackheads. It's normally a hereditary condition, but it can also be caused by hormones, poor diet, environment, certain cosmetics and improper skin care.
A: Dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum (oily secretion) production. It's a condition caused by a decrease in the lipids (oils) produced in the sebaceous glands. Dry skin is unable to retain proper moisture levels. Skin can feel tight, rough and look dull. The causes of dry skin can be from extreme weather conditions, dehydration, diet and an improper skin care regimen. Some poorly produced skin care products can strip skin of the natural oils it needs to stay hydrated. Hot water can also dehydrate the skin.
3. Q: What is Hyperpigmentation?
A: Hyperpigmentation (dark spots, dark patches or age spots) are caused by an excess production of melanin. Overly produced melanin deposits are the result of your skin fighting harmful UV rays and protecting it from severe damage. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by other factors, such as certain chronic diseases, inflammation, medications and hormones.
4. Q: What is Pregnancy-affected skin?
A: Pregnancy-affected skin can cause a variety of problems because of am expectant mother's sudden burst of additional hormones during pregnancy. Skin can suffer from moderate to severe acne that affects the face, neck, chest and back. Other conditions caused by a hormonal increase can be sensitivity to certain ingredients in food, medications or poor skin care products. This can result in hives or rashes, itching and irritation. Melasma, known as the pregnancy mask is pregnancy-caused Hyperpigmentation that occurs as a result of a spike in hormones. This causes an overabundance in melanin deposits.
A: Aging skin is the result of changes in the skin's structure over time.
Decreased production of collagen and a slower cell-turnover rate causes a lapse in skin elasticity. These factors, combined with sun exposure, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can speed up the aging process. Wrinkles and a loss of fat cells cause the skin to look worn, dull and even dry.
A: Sensitive skin is an affliction to sensitivities that can be caused by allergic reactions, immune-system problems and/or overly dry skin. Condition symptoms are redness, swelling and easily irritated, dehydrated and/or inflamed skin that can’t protect nerve endings. Other than genetics, environment (especially extreme weather conditions) medications, immune-system function and certain chronic diseases are all factors that can cause sensitive skin conditions. Poor skin care products and habits can also lead to increased sensitivities.
A: Acne is a disorder where the sebaceous glands become enlarged, so they produce more sebum. Sometimes, the sebum gets trapped under the hair follicles, which causes inflammation. Bacteria can also get trapped in the obstruction with the sebum. The condition is most common during the adolescent years, when hormones peak and a specific hormone, known as androgen is prevalent. Other than hormones, other major factors that can cause acne are genetics, certain medications, pregnancy, and comedogenic (acne-causing) cosmetics.
8. Q: What is the difference in a Man's skin and a Woman's skin?
A: Men tend to have larger pores, which results in more sebum (oil) production and blackheads. A rougher texture can be the result of razor bumps from shaving and other external stimuli/elements. Men suffer from dry skin, sensitive skin and other tough conditions, similar to women.
A: It's a pigment (skin color). Melanin is produced by melanocytes that form in the lower level of the skin called the epidermis. Melanin is responsible for the production of pigment, which gives skin its color.
10. Q: What are Sebaceous glands?
A: Sebaceous glands are oil-producing glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum. The sebum helps protect the skin by keeping it lubricated and preventing moisture loss.
A: Wrinkles are the result of the skin's loss of elasticity. A decreased production of collagen results in the eventual collapse of the skin. Skin loses its bounce-back ability, which eventually results in the folding of your skin.
A: Rosacea is a chronic sensitive-skin condition that causes inflammation, irritation and sometimes swelling of the cheeks and nose. There are times, too, when it appears on the forehead and chin. The condition can cause pustules, flaking, itching and persistent redness. It can also be very itchy and painful.
A: The Dermis, the layer under the epidermis, consists of the skin's vital connective tissue, collagen, and elastin. Collagen and elastin give the skin its strength and resiliency.
14. Q: What is Cell-Turnover Rate?
A: It's the regeneration of skin cells. When you're younger, layers of dead skin cells are sloughed off continually at a higher rate. As you age, your skin's cell-turnover rate decreases. With younger skin, when you're in your early to mid 20s, your skin's cell-turnover rate is every 14 to 28 days. In older skin, say in your 30s and beyond, your skin's cell-turnover rate is every 30 days or more.
15. Q: What is pH level of skin?
A: The Potential/Hydrogen level is the acid/alkaline balance of your skin. Levels are measured on a scale of 0-14, 0 represents the highest level of acidity, 14 represents the highest level of alkalinity. The skin's normal pH level should be at 5.5-6.0 on the pH scale.