Factors that determine Your skin type- Internal and External

Several factors determine what type of skin one has. Whether it's normal, oily, dry or combination skin.

These factors apply to sensitive skin as well and can be classified as internal or external.

INTERNAL FACTORS

Genetics

Heredity is the main factor of what type of skin one has. There is a high probability a particular type of skin runs in a family, just like other characteristics.

Hormones
Fluctuation in the level and types of Hormones can result in skin changes. Hormonal changes occur in Puberty, pregnancy, menopause.

Conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) cause hormonal imbalance. Thereby, leading to symptoms such as Acne, excess body and facial hair, etc.

Cases involving hormonal imbalance most times result in oily skin, enlarged and clogged pores.

Aging

As we age, the skin gradually loses its capacity to fight off foreign substances, it also loses its elasticity. In women, Estrogen levels fall in menopause leading to dryness and wrinkling.

In men, aging comes with a decline in testosterone ( the primary male sex hormone). Amongst other signs, the skin also undergoes changes.

This is very normal. Regular exercise and a balanced diet go a long way at this stage. But if the symptoms get too worrisome, visit Your Health care practitioner for advice.

EXTERNAL FACTORS

These are influences rather than determinants. Therefore, most of them can be modified or worked on in order to reduce their effects on the skin and the body.

Diet and Lifestyle

It may sound like a cliché, but the phrase 'You are what You eat' never gets old. Eating and living a healthy lifestyle reflects on the skin and Our general wellbeing.

Other habits such as smoking and alcohol can inhibit the absorption of vital nutrients that are needed to nourish the skin. In addition, they can lead to the deposit of toxic by-products on the skin.

Climate and weather

UV rays from Sunlight exposure are known to be a major risk factor for skin cancer. They cause darkening of the skin and premature aging.

Regular application of Sunscreen with at least an SPF (Sun protection factor) of 30 (SPF30) is recommended before sun exposure.

The weather has an impact on the skin. The winter or Harmattan, for example, leaves the skin feeling dry. These periods require lots of hydration and moisturization.

Stress

Stress hormones are substances produced in the body when it is tired and strained from work, illness, etc. They have many negative effects such as breakouts, thin and fragile skin, the flare-up of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, weight gain, high blood pressure, and sugar, etc.

Specific  illnesses

Kidney failure, Liver failure.

Medications

Certain medications exert adverse effects on the skin. For example, Birth control pills which are taken as contraceptives or for other problems can cause enlarged and clogged pores, thereby breakouts. Improper skin care
Habits like bathing with very hot water dry up the skin. The use of wrong products for Your skin type is likely to worsen it. For instance, if You have oily skin, avoid applying heavy emollients.

Detergents, some textures of Your clothes and use of perfumes on the body may cause sensitivities and drying of the skin. Sometimes, this may just be what is causing Your skin problem.

I will love to hear from You in the comments, for contributions and/or questions on this topic.

here you can check out what skin type you have.

Yours in the flawless skin journey, Nafisah NK