The activity of the sebaceous glands is not the only criterion to consider when defining skin. Oxidation factors, skin aging... are other criteria that we have decided to take into account in order to establish our 24 skin typologies. But what characterizes a DE(-) skin type?
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I have DE(-) skin, what does that mean?
What is the explanation behind the initials DE(-)?
Skin Aging BEGINNER
Oxidation Factor OVERVIEW
Sebum Production LOW(-)
The letter "D" for Beginner regarding skin aging.
The letter (D) indicates the emergence of the first visible signs of aging when the skin is in motion . Fine lines are the first to appear and are the easiest to spot. They are typically located at the outer corner of the eyes. A change in skin texture or a lackluster complexion may also be observed. These are generally visible around the age of 25. Indeed, from this age, we see the beginning of a decline of about 1% each year in the production of collagen, one of the structural components of the skin, leading to a disorganization of the skin's connective tissue and a change in skin elasticity. A slowdown in the renewal of epidermal cells has also been observed, gradually leading to a thinning of the skin's barrier function. As a result of this phenomenon, water evaporates more and more: the skin then loses its brightness and wrinkles become more pronounced. A decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid by an average of 6% per decade adds to this.
The letter "E" for Exposure to oxidation factors.
The "E" indicates that the skin is highly exposed to external aggressions (solar radiation, air pollution, tobacco, stress, alcohol...), as well as insufficient sun protection habits relative to the phototype and exposure rhythm. These factors promote the production of free radicals, highly unstable and reactive molecules that can have a lasting impact on the skin. However, this action is normal in all living organisms that consume oxygen.
However, in the event of an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's natural ability to neutralize them, oxidative stress sets in and skin damage occurs. Indeed, these reactive oxygen species contribute to the degeneration of skin cells, both at the level of the epidermis and the dermis. All vital components of the skin such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin, lipids, and DNA find themselves under attack, thereby causing damage and dysfunctions.
This oxidation process can thus affect the skin's structure, leading to premature skin aging or even cancer. Initially superficial wrinkles that gradually deepen, less firm skin, and a duller complexion can start to appear, even before aging. To slow down their action and thus prevent premature skin aging, the daily application of antioxidant-based treatments, in addition to an appropriate sun protection , is recommended.
The symbol "-" for Low Sebum Production.
The "-" indicates a decrease in the ability of the sebaceous glands to produce enough sebum (sebaceous hyposecretion), as well as a disruption in the synthesis of natural moisturizing factors by keratinocytes, which give the skin the ability to retain water. Tightness, irritation, dehydration fine lines, redness, flaking, dull complexion... are characteristic of this skin type.
Indeed, this lack of lipids reduces the effectiveness of the hydrolipidic film. The skin then becomes vulnerable to all forms of aggression (UV rays, pollution, bacteria, etc.), triggering inflammatory responses, and no longer effectively prevents transepidermal water evaporation. Additionally, this alteration in the barrier function leads to a dysregulation of Langerhans cells (cells of the immune system), which begin to induce disproportionate inflammatory responses when they are overly stimulated.
Several factors can influence this low sebum secretion, leading to these disturbances: frequent washing, certain medications, inappropriate care, seasonal variations, tobacco, UV radiation, genetics... However, although this skin type is more prone to wrinkle formation due to its less flexible nature, it is, on the other hand, less susceptible to skin sagging since its thinner epidermis suffers less from the effects of gravitational pull.
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