How skin conditions accompany our lives

How do skin type and skin condition differ?

In our article " The 4 Skin Types: Explanations and Example Routines ," we already introduced you to the four common skin types (normal, dry, oily, and combination skin). Now we want to look at the skin's condition.

Often, terms used to describe the skin are used interchangeably, but the difference between skin type and skin condition can be expressed quite simply. Skin type is genetically determined. Therefore, you can't really change it, as it's a predisposition. Thus, skin type essentially forms the basis. Skin condition is an additional factor. It's variable and can sometimes represent a snapshot of the skin's condition over a short period, for example, during times of high stress. Skin condition is caused by external influences and can therefore change rapidly.

What factors influence the condition of the skin?

Besides the stress already mentioned, there are many such external factors. Typical examples include weather conditions and temperature fluctuations, ranging from extreme heat in summer to sub-zero temperatures in winter, which require the skin to adjust each time. The amount of pollutants and the level of environmental pollution we are exposed to also play a role. Then there are the factors we introduce into our bodies ourselves; namely, our diet, but also substances like nicotine and alcohol, or medications we take. Of course, a major factor that accompanies us all throughout our lives and also affects the skin is our hormones and the fluctuations they undergo.

What skin conditions are there?

There are different preferences when it comes to distinguishing skin conditions. One can categorize them very broadly into just a few, or take a broader view. Since skin is as individual and diverse as we humans are, at colibri skincare we prefer to make more nuanced distinctions. We focus on skin conditions that we, as a skincare company, frequently encounter when advising our customers and that inspire us to develop new products specifically for these conditions. Typical skin conditions include sensitive , irritated, dehydrated , and blemished skin, as well as the so-called problem of hyperpigmentation , or more simply put: age spots . Some of these skin conditions may share similarities or occur in conjunction with a particular skin type.

Furthermore, we consider certain life phases to be relevant to skin conditions. Aging alone changes the condition of the skin, from a youthful appearance and plumpness to reduced elasticity and wrinkles. However, when it comes to skin, aging is definitely not a uniform process with a universally applicable course for every individual. Another challenging life phase for the skin is, of course, puberty. The hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact the condition of the skin. We are also frequently asked by pregnant women or new mothers how they can best support their skin. Understandably, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, mothers need to pay even closer attention to the products they use. Therefore, we want to dedicate a chapter to this important life phase as well.

In the individual sections on skin conditions, we will first explain clearly what characterizes each condition and how you can recognize it, and then give some tips on what to pay particular attention to when caring for this specific condition.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin often appears red and uneven. It feels tight, is prone to itching, and simply feels stressed. If this description from our skin type article sounds familiar and you're thinking, "Wait... That's just like dry skin," you're absolutely right. Sensitive skin as a condition and dry skin as a skin type are indeed very similar and often occur together. In effect, this means that dry skin is usually also sensitive. However, sensitive skin can also occur independently of this skin type and is generally very common. As is often the case, the exact severity can vary. In extreme cases, the skin can be so highly reactive that even minor stimuli can trigger strong reactions. This is somewhat similar to the mimosa plant, which also reacts strongly to even the slightest touch.

The key to treating sensitive skin is avoiding irritants. A variety of approaches can help with this. First, it's good to identify which irritants your skin reacts to most and then specifically avoid them. Additionally, the skin shouldn't be exposed to excessive contact or friction. Specifically, this means not touching your face too often and gently patting it dry with a towel after cleansing, rather than rubbing. Skincare products should also be mild and non-irritating, avoiding fragrances or harsh alcohols such as ethanol (so-called fatty alcohols are more tolerable and don't cause further irritation). To avoid overwhelming sensitive skin, you should use only a few products. Ideally, choose those specifically formulated for sensitive skin and with anti-inflammatory properties.

Irritated skin

Irritated skin shares some similarities with sensitive skin. It also tends to redden and, consequently, to develop an uneven complexion. The redness can vary greatly, ranging from small, pinpoint areas to large, red patches. Unlike sensitive skin, however, irritated skin is not as easily inflamed and is not necessarily accompanied by itching. Itching, however, can still occur with irritated skin.

Fortunately, the similarity in symptoms also means that some tips for sensitive skin are applicable to irritations as well. For irritated skin, the skincare products used should also be mild and free of irritating fragrances or pure alcohol. You should also ensure that the products are soothing. Many skin problems stem from a lack of moisture and a disrupted skin barrier. Therefore, even with irritated skin, it's important to specifically support the skin barrier with a suitable moisturizer and restore the skin's balance. To combat redness, a gentle skin-tone evening product can help.

Dehydrated skin

While dehydrated skin shares similarities with dry skin, the terms are not synonymous, even though they are often used interchangeably. Often, when someone reports having dry skin, it is actually dehydrated. Visually, the two are difficult to distinguish. Both the condition and the skin type are characterized by flaking, cracks on the skin's surface, and a dull complexion. However, as explained earlier, dry skin is a permanent condition, whereas dehydrated skin is a fluctuating one. Furthermore, while dehydration can occur in combination with dry skin, it can also affect other skin types. Simply put, dry skin lacks moisture and lipids, while dehydrated skin lacks only moisture.

The good news about treating dehydrated skin is that, despite the differences compared to dry skin, most of the same products are effective. Most products developed for dry skin also address the problems of dehydrated skin, as long as they aren't too rich in lipids. To ensure the products are absorbed effectively, a gentle exfoliation should be used regularly to remove dead skin cells from the surface. Afterward, a moist base should be created for the skincare products. Whether you use a dedicated toner or simply dampen your face with water is entirely up to you. Hyaluronic acid is then best suited for application, as it has a high water-binding capacity. Excessive water loss through evaporation is often due to a weak skin barrier. Many moisturizers combine the properties of strengthening the skin barrier with hydration and also contain occlusive agents that effectively lock in moisture.

 

Impure skin

Blemished skin can manifest as pimples, pustules, blemishes, and blackheads . The affected areas are also often red and inflamed. Blemishes are frequently associated with oily skin. The fact that excess sebum clogs the pores further promotes inflammation. Aside from a general predisposition to blemishes due to skin type, the triggers are usually hormones, typically occurring during puberty and the menstrual cycle.

The best remedy for blemished skin is regular and thorough facial cleansing with gentle exfoliants, clarifying masks, and a cleanser. These unclog the pores and thus reduce the causes of blemishes, making it less likely that new ones will form. The best active ingredient in masks, scrubs, and cleansers for this purpose is salicylic acid (BHA). The rest of your skincare routine should be low in lipids and rely on lighter formulations. Typical everyday tips include—just as with sensitive skin—avoiding touching your face as much as possible. Unlike with sensitive skin, however, the goal here is not to avoid irritation, but rather to prevent transferring acne-causing bacteria to your facial skin. Another way to prevent bacteria is to regularly wash and replace textiles such as towels and bed linens that frequently come into contact with your face.

Pigment spots

Pigment spots are small patches that stand out from the rest of the skin tone. Their appearance can vary greatly; some people are prone to many or very few pigment spots, and these can range in color from light to dark. Firstly, they are a completely natural sign of aging (see also the section on mature skin in this article). Secondly, pigment spots are primarily caused by sun exposure.

Fortunately, age spots caused by UV radiation can be easily prevented with appropriate sun protection and antioxidants . Age spots can also be effectively treated with skincare. There is a wide range of products and active ingredients that can fade hyperpigmentation and create a more even complexion. Our brief comparison of brightening boosters, which also offer a slow-aging effect, might help you choose the right product.

For people with freckles, we would like to advise caution when using skin-evening products. Freckles are essentially differently pigmented areas on the skin and can fade when treated with brightening boosters. Those blessed with freckles who wish to keep them should therefore avoid applying such products to the freckled areas.

Young skin/teenage skin

Teenagers' skin has several advantages over "older" skin. It's still young and elastic. This elasticity stems from its naturally high collagen and elastin content. Collagen, in particular, breaks down in the skin with age. Furthermore, young skin doesn't yet require external hydration because its moisture reserves are still plentiful. These are all advantages that one would wish for again once the first signs of aging appear and the skin begins to lose moisture. However, teenagers also have to endure a multitude of blemishes during puberty, which can be quite damaging to their self-confidence.

Young skin needs little additional help or an extensive routine. The blemishes caused by puberty and hormones are actually the only skin problem for which active ingredient cosmetics can be beneficial even at a young age. Similar to treating blemished skin, a chemical peel or a cleansing mask is recommended. This can initially lead to a temporary worsening of the condition, with more blemishes appearing at first. This is because deeper impurities are brought to the surface of the skin. However, improvement should occur quickly, as this ultimately stimulates the natural renewal process, allowing minor inflammation and redness from pimples to heal faster. To minimize the formation of such inflammations caused by bacteria and reduce the number of blemishes, a cleanser is also advisable. For teenagers who like to experiment with makeup, a cleanser is also a great way to remove it. A proper makeup removal routine also helps prevent blemishes. Getting into the habit of thoroughly washing off your makeup before going to bed, even at a young age, can only be beneficial.

Since teenagers are also often prone to acne, it's worth consulting a dermatologist if in doubt. Acne should not be treated with over-the-counter cosmetics, but always with appropriate medication.

 

Skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are very special phases in a woman's life, but they can also present entirely new challenges for the skin. During pregnancy, the skin can be more irritable and therefore more prone to itching. Furthermore, pigmentation irregularities and blemishes can appear more frequently, even if there was no previous tendency towards them. Hormones can, after all, cause many changes in the human body. In addition, sebum production can fluctuate wildly, resulting in either very oily or very dry skin. Such changes can be irritating at first, but are perfectly normal during such significant bodily transformations. A classic effect of pregnancy on the skin is, of course, stretch marks. These appear primarily on the abdomen, but can also develop in other areas. During breastfeeding, blemishes may still occur more frequently, and the complexion may appear dull. This is perfectly understandable, because despite all the joy of having a newborn, it is also a demanding time for the mother's body.

The general recommendation for pregnant and breastfeeding women is always to avoid the two active ingredients BHA (salicylic acid) and retinol (vitamin A) , as they could potentially be harmful to the child. The exact effects of topical application (i.e., application to the skin) are not yet sufficiently researched. But as they say, prevention is always better than cure, so BHA and retinol should be avoided until the end of breastfeeding. At colibri skincare, however, we don't believe that simply advising against certain active ingredients is sufficient advice, so we also want to offer tips on which other active ingredients are safe. Niacinamide can achieve similar effects against blemishes as BHA. And instead of vitamin A, you can simply use vitamin C. This also has a slow-aging effect and boosts collagen production. Otherwise, thorough cleansing is important, and double cleansing is a good option. Incidentally, one of the best active ingredients for pregnant women is argan oil, as it is extremely effective against stretch marks. Women who already have weak connective tissue should start massaging argan oil into stressed connective tissue early on.

Mature skin

Unlike other skin conditions, mature skin isn't easily described as a static state. Rather, it represents a progressive process, much like aging itself. Over the years, both moisture reserves and substances like collagen in the skin diminish. This leads to drier skin, sometimes tightness, and simply less elasticity. Often, the complexion loses its radiance, and wrinkles and age spots slowly but surely become noticeable. The latter are also commonly referred to as age spots. The aging of the skin, and especially the first appearance of wrinkles, can manifest itself in very different ways. Some people get their first wrinkles in their early twenties, while others don't see them until their forties. The locations where wrinkles appear can also vary from person to person. Some develop forehead wrinkles easily, others the typical laugh lines around the eyes. Incidentally, this is more due to genetics than to the idea that people with forehead wrinkles were often angry or that those with fine lines around the eyes laughed more. You can laugh a lot and still not be prone to laugh lines.

To compensate for moisture loss in mature skin, a combination of toner, hyaluronic acid, and a moisturizer is recommended. There's a wide range of products available for lightening age spots. Here, we've clearly compared suitable products from our range. The best active ingredient for promoting cell renewal and thus achieving a more youthful appearance is retinol . To restore elasticity to the skin, products that promote collagen production are helpful. A little insider tip: If you're already using hyaluronic acid for more moisture, antioxidants to combat age spots, and retinol for slow aging , increased collagen production will naturally occur as a side effect. All of these active ingredients have the property of boosting collagen production. Practical, isn't it?

Two general tips for slowing down skin aging are, firstly, to protect yourself from sun damage early on and to use sunscreen. UV radiation is the biggest contributor to skin aging. Secondly, you can start using gentle slow-aging products as soon as you notice the first signs of aging, whether that's in your mid-20s or your mid-40s. No one should feel old or ashamed because their skin benefits from slow-aging early on. Ultimately, it just means that we, like our skin, are maturing, and that's a good thing.

If you need more detailed tips about your skin condition or specific product recommendations, please feel free to contact our customer support for advice.