Why would we ever concern ourselves with skin type as massage therapists? Though we aren’t treating our client’s skin we should have an awareness of what kind they may have. Our scope of practice specifically target soft tissue structures, shouldn’t have a comprehensive understanding of the organ we directly touch the most?
So what are skin types? They are the combined physical expression of our genes and environment. From this fascinating cocktail it creates three types of skin: normal, dry, and combination, and these types may change based on which areas of the body we are addressing.
Normal Skin
Normal skin types have good tone, are well hydrated and have good resilience. What is a great example of healthy skin? We can typically see it in children, from birth to puberty. As we age many factors may influence our healthy skin such as the passage of time, sun exposure, harsh climates, dehydration, and poor skincare. Poor nutrition may even play a role, food devoid of vitamins, enzymes and amino acids impact the cellular regeneration and growth of our skin.
Normal skin requires proper maintenance with morning and evening cleansing plus protection from oxidation caused by free radicals and the sun. To protect our soft skin we can use protective moisturizers containing anti-oxidants such as: vitamins E, C, idebenone, or coenzyme Q10.
Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs when sebaceous glands over produce sebum, and is evident when skin has a shinny, thick or firm appearance. Sometimes it may look dirty or uncared for and is often oily to the touch. Hot and humid climates, improper skincare product, or excessive use of harsh soaps may increase the severity of oily skin.
This skin type can be organized into two groups: oily skin without water deficiency, and oily with water deficiency.
- Oily skin without water deficiency: Skin has proper hydration, but it looks or feels oily but does not have the sensation of dryness.
- Oily skin with water deficiency: Skin does not have proper hydration, looks or feels oily ad has a sensation of dryness.
Caring for oily skin requires thorough yet gentle cleansing in the morning and evening. Use oil-free moisturizing gels or lotions to help maintain its suppleness and moisture. Exfoliators that provide moisture such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or weekly use of enzyme peels are often suggested by estheticians.
Dry Skin
Dry skin typically occurs because of underactive sebaceous glands, abnormal exfoliation (hyperkeratosis), environmental factors, and age. Women post menopause may experience skin dryness, causing it to feel scaly, rough, or itchy. Abnormal exfoliation, sun damage or premature aging may appear thick and flakey and are often indications of dry skin.
When caring for this kind of skin type include products that will add emollients or oils to stimulate the skins ability to naturally produce humectants (water binding ingredients). Emollients can provide a sealing film that minimizes moisture loss. They could include high molecular weight ingredients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone. We may also boost our dry skin’s natural water retention and maintain moisture with lactic acids, glycerin, urea, ceramides, and cholesterol.
