Skin conditions
Skin conditions are usually caused by extrinsic (external) factors such as skincare products, diet and environmental factors. They can usually be addressed with proper skin care, and may at times be reversed if the cause is a simple matter to correct. Some skin conditions are more serious and require diagnosis and treatment by a doctor.
How to address this skin condition:
How to address this skin condition:
There are common skin conditions that regularly plague or affect certain skin types. For example, dry skin types are prone to skin conditions such as sensitivity and dehydration. Oily skin types are prone to skin conditions such as acne.
But this is only a guide. Sometimes dry skins develop pimples and blemishes. Sometimes oily skins become dehydrated.
Good skincare is the key to minimising unwanted skin conditions that develop from time to time. Even more serious conditions like eczema can be kept away, or attacks can be minimised, by good skincare products and routines.
Sun damage, hyperpigmentation and even skin cancers can be avoided with the simple application of sunscreen and by avoiding prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
Dry skin that becomes dehydrated will dramatically improve with exfoliation and a richer moisturiser.
Oily skin that’s prone to dehydration may benefit from an acid-balanced cleanser, which will not strip your skin.
Depending on the severity of acne on an oily skin type, a lightweight moisturiser and regular exfoliation will help minimise acne breakouts.
Like good food is good for any body type, griffin+row skincare is good for any skin type. griffin+row products are synergistic blend of pure botanical extracts and essential oils that directly support the healthy functions of your skin.
Sensitive skin
Reacts to external environment. Looks red or flushed.
Sensitive skin is very common. It is usually caused by incorrect skincare or other environmental factors. Look out for products that contain harsh or irritating chemicals; not just skincare, but many other everyday products may contain such chemicals too.
In a treatment plan, skin sensitivity needs to be addressed first. Sensitive skin is a skin that is always in crisis and sending inflammatory signals from cell to cell, which inhibit normal skin functions.
Skin physiology:
- A red and uncomfortable epidermis.
- Nerve endings are affected.
- Flakiness and itchiness may appear.
- May be sensitive in small areas, or in general.
- Reacts to changes in the environment.
- May be triggered by diet or skincare products.
- May be a symptom of a more systemic disorder.
- Use a pH-balanced cleanser to restore your skin’s natural acid balance.
- Don’t over-cleanse. Most people will be able to cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser, but if your skin is very sensitive, you might want to reduce the number of times you cleanse.
- Don’t over-exfoliate and stay away from harsh exfoliants, whether chemical or mechanical. Avoid facial brushes, as they can harbour germs in the moist holes where the bristles insert into the head of the brush.
- Use skincare products that don’t contain harsh or irritating chemicals. Stay away from products that contain fragrances, listed as “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label, which may contain many undisclosed and potentially harmful chemicals.
Dehydrated skin
Skin lacks moisture.
Dehydrated skin is skin that has lost moisture through the superficial layers of the skin.
Many people confuse the term “dry skin” with “dehydrated skin”. The two terms have a different meaning, as “dry skin” means skin that is lacking oils and lipids, whereas “dehydrated skin” refers to a lack of moisture or water content. The two often go hand in hand, as dry skin types are prone to dehydration and sensitivity.
Skin physiology
- Uppermost layer of the skin becomes thin and flaky.
- Skin appears flaky and cells shed unevenly.
- Skin doesn’t bounce back when touched.
- Skin looks crepey when lightly pinched.
- Cleansing is important, as the acid balance needs to be maintained to prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
- Dehydrated skins don’t desquamate properly, which means that they don’t shed dead skin cells very well. Regular exfoliation is required to assist with the process of removing dead cells from the skin.
- griffin+row Hydrate contains citric acid, which helps dead skin cells shed properly. This then facilitates absorption of your moisturiser. Hydrate also contains natural moisturising factors (NMFs) that bind moisture to your skin.
- Moisturisers help lock moisture in your skin. They also improve the appearance and comfort of your skin, as they lubricate and hydrate the skin.
Ageing/mature skin
Skin shows signs of ageing.
Tell-tale signs of aging skin include age spots, lines and wrinkles, sagginess, dull skin, open pores and dryness.
Skin physiology
- Surface cells shed more slowly.
- Cell metabolism slows down, affecting all integral cell types.
- Blood circulation diminishes, affecting all structures in the skin.
- Dermal-epidermal communication is compromised with the breakdown of the membrane and separation between the two layers of the skin.
- Age spots form as a result of the diminished capacity of the skin to regulate its functions including melanin distribution.
- Collagen degrades and production slows. Wrinkles result.
How do we address this skin condition:
Aging skin should be treated in a similar way to dry and dehydrated skin. Particular importance is given to exfoliation, as exfoliation speeds up the cell turnover process and brightens complexion. Also important are the antioxidant and regenerative properties of the ingredients being applied through your daily skincare routine.
griffin+row products contain centess+complex, a synergistic cocktail of pure plant extracts directly targeting the causes of skin ageing.
Acne
Chronic inflammation with appearance of congestion and infection.
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the pilosebaceous unit, characterised by pimples, pustules and blackheads.
Acne can be classed into four grades: Grade 1 (mild) – Blemishes that are caused by pores blocked with excess oil. Grade 2 (moderate) – As above, but more severe and accompanied by pimples and infection. Grade 3 (severe) – Greater inflammation and infection. Grade 4 (cystic) – Very large, painful and red blemishes. Obvious infection below the surface of the skin.
Mild and moderate acne commonly affects teenagers between 14 and 17 years of age, and the condition can usually be treated with a good skincare routine. Grades 3 and 4 should be treated by a doctor.
Skin physiology
- Acne is a chronic or acute condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit and characterised by the presence of pimples, pustules and congestion.
- Pores become clogged with oil, dead cells
- Inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit follows with the leakage of oil and dead cells into the dermis.
- Encapsulation of the debris leads to infection and the presence of pus.
- Painful lumps erupt with the presence of pus and hardened sebum trapped in the pores.
- Not contagious, though cause may be genetic.
How do we address this skin condition:
- Grades 3 (severe) and 4 (cystic) need to be treated using medications such as antibiotics, retinols, etc. Medical advice from a qualified doctor is required.
- The appearance of acne grades 1 and 2 can be improved with a good skincare routine.
- Cleansing is important, as it removes excess oil from the surface of the skin.
- Exfoliation is important, as it removes dead cells, which can clog pores.
- Although it seems counter-intuitive, a good moisturiser can also form part of the solution. griffin+row Nourish is a lightweight moisturiser that contains aloe vera leaf juice to calm and soothe a troubled skin. It also contains jojoba oil to balance the oil flow and antibacterial fragonia essential oil to minimise bacteria on the skin
