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Skin conditions have three main categories. The conditions are called oily, dry, and combination. Each condition will affect us differently and therefore it is wise to know how to treat each one.

The Need to Know About Dry Skin

The cause of dry skin has to do with a lack of moisture in the outermost layer of one's skin. This layer consists of a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances. The skin being its natural state of soft and supple derives from these substances locking in the moisture and preventing it from escaping. These substances locking in moisture can be removed resulting in dry skin that has symptoms such as fine lines or cracks, a feeling of skin tightness, and a rough rather than a smooth texture. In extreme cases deep fissures may pop out that have the potential to bleed.

Here are some tips to help prevent this from happening. First moisturize daily. After your shower pat yourself without rubbing too hard with the towel. When the skin is still a little damp, apply the moisturizer all over your neck and face using upward strokes. It is worth noting that short, lukewarm baths are much better for dry skin than long, hot ones that strip away the body's natural moisture barriers.

The Need to Know About Oily Skin

Sebaceous glands in the skin producing an excessive amount of skin oil, or sebum, are what cause oily skin. The most plentiful amount of these glands are found in the neck, face, back and chest regions of the body. These oils are necessary for a healthy skin texture. When they are overproduced however, the oily skin symptoms of shininess, blemishes and pimples show up on the body.

The best way to treat oily skin is to be able to remove the excess oil while leaving intact those fatty acids that help maintain the proper functioning and protection of our skin. In a nutshell this is accomplished through gentle cleansing. The key here is to avoid soap as it strips away the skin's natural oils. One would be best with a cleanser that has a low pH level and does not provoke any skin irritation. Overwashing is not going to help. Two times a day should be plenty in effectively washing oily skin.

The Need to Know About Combination Skin

The third main skin condition is called combination skin. As the name mentions, this condition is marked by a combination of dry and oily skin affecting different areas of the face and body. Generally, the oily parts of the face are found on what is called the T-zone area. The area this zone covers starts with the forehead and then runs down the nose, mouth and chin. What is mainly found along this area is the presence of skin that is overly shiny, a greasy appearance, and the abundance of pimples and/or blackheads. The other sections of the face are known to have a feeling of tightness after washing your skin. They will appear flaky and feel rough.

How to treat this tricky skin condition? To begin with use a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that does not leave you with feelings of skin tightness or dryness. Mildly foaming or gel-based cleansers have been known to work the best for combination skin. Most importantly avoid bar soaps. They too easily can clog your pores and they dry your skin much more than just a gentle cleanser. One should use a sunscreen that has UVA-protecting ingredients everyday. Using a skin treatment product such as a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants and including ingredients that resemble the structure of healthy skin is the best route to tackle the dry sections. Oily skin products that are irritant-free and are pH-correct are best applied at least once a day. Facial skin products that have benzoyl peroxide are advised to be applied topically if one is prone to blemishes as part of their combination condition.