Dehydrated

Dehydrated skin has a rough texture which sometimes causes the skin to crack. The skin becomes dry, sore and cracked when the natural oils are depleted and the defense system is overburdened. Causes for chapped skin include:

1. Extended exposure to the elements, especially the wind, cold and sun
2. Repeated contact with soaps, chemicals and water
3. The body's lack of fluids or oils in the form of essential fatty acids.
4. Neglect
5. Not using the additional protection of sun screens and clothing when subjecting the skin to the elements
6. Not using rubber gloves when cleaning, scrubbing or holding the hands in water for extended periods
7. The friction of clothing, often due to harsh detergents present in the fabrics rough, tight-fitting clothing.

Acne

Most people will suffer from spots and oily skin at some time during their teenage and early adult years. This can be a real drain on one's self confidence, particularly for those with more severe cases of acne. Signs of acne prone skin include:

1. You are often told that your skin looks shiny.
2. You have many undefined bumps under your skin.
3. Your pores are enlarged.
4. You have sudden breakouts for no apparent reason.
5. Your face feels unclean and greasy by mid-afternoon.
6. Your skin is never completely blemish-free.

Signs of active acne include:

1. You have many sore, undefined bumps under your skin.
2. You suffer from cysts and pustules.
3. You have blackheads on your nose, chin, and cheeks.
4. You feel compelled to pick and "purge" your pores because it makes you feel clean.
5. Your self-esteem is suffering due to the appearance of your skin.

Damaged

Throughout life everyone is exposed to the sun and air pollution whether it be casually or in extreme doses. This exposure along with smoking, alcohol, medications, stress, and harsh weather conditions leave the skin with a dull, dry, discolored, and lined complexion. These damaging agents present in the environment cause the skin to age prematurely and increase hyperpigmentation. Signs of hyperpigmented skin include:

1. You have had excessive sun exposure while taking certain medications (antibiotics, tranquilizers, diuretics, etc.)
2. You have been using facial depilatories, bleaches, or waxing procedures to remove hair.
3. You have been using over-the-counter acne preparations.
4. You do not always use sunscreen when outdoors.

Signs of prematurely aging skin include:

1. Your dry, fine lines are beginning to deepen.
2. Your skin, chronologically, looks older than you are.
3. Your skin is no longer firm and elastic. Your skin feels thinner and is showing "spider veins" on the face and chest.
4. You spent many years enjoying the sun without protecting your skin.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin can be defined as an abnormal skin response to various factors which can be physical or chemical. The response is far stronger that that of normal skin under the same circumstances. However, it is important to note that sensitive skin can be acquired as well as inherent and the two different types of sensitivity should be treated differently.

Sensitized skin is an acquired condition usually occurring after a cosmetic procedure due to vulnerability of the post-operative delicate skin. Environmental stress, fragrances, preservatives, and allergies to certain topicals are also known to sensitize the skin. Some common symptoms are:

1. You are experiencing redness or discomfort from a cosmetic procedure such as a face lift, rhinoplasty, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser resurfacing.
2. Both skin care products and cosmetics have caused blotching, breakout, and rashes in the past.

Intolerant skin is hereditary or constitutional sensitization which most often includes rosacea and atopy. Extreme conditions such as wind, pollution, sun, detergents, medications, and stress frequently cause trauma to Intolerant skin. Symptoms include:

1. Your skin is sensitive to temperature change.
2. Your skin gets red when eating spicy food, exercising, or in high stress situations.
3. Your skin feels "sore" in cold weather.
4. Certain fabrics make your skin itch.
5. You have atopic skin.
6. Your skin is often dry and requires reinforced moisturization.