What does it mean to have a VE(.) skin typology?

Cutaneous aging: VISIBLE

Oxidation factors: EXPOSED

Sebum production: BALANCED (.)

The letter “V” indicates that signs of skin aging are pronounced, established, and noticeable even when the face is at rest. The early fine lines, often located at the corner of the eyes or around the lips, gradually deepen to become fully structured wrinkles. New expression lines also appear in areas stressed by facial movements, such as the area between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), as well as nasolabial folds and horizontal forehead lines. At the same time, skin tone uniformity changes, and the sunspots begin to reflect an alteration in skin homogeneity.

As early as the thirties, a slowdown in keratinocyte turnover is also observed, along with reduced adhesion between corneocytes. These changes compromise the barrier function of the skin and leave the epidermis more vulnerable to external aggressors, particularly UV radiation, whose impact on cells becomes more pronounced. The melanogenesis is also altered: the number of melanocytes decreases by about 8 to 10% per decade, and they exhibit a more irregular morphology. This shift disrupts melanin distribution and leads to the appearance of spots on the skin. In the dermis, fibroblasts gradually lose their function: their metabolic activity slows down, resulting in reduced production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. The extracellular matrix becomes depleted and disorganized, manifesting as a loss of firmness, suppleness, and the lasting appearance of wrinkles.

The letter “E” indicates that the skin regularly experiences the impact of factors that stimulate the production of free radicals : UV rays, air pollution, tobacco, chronic stress... These cumulative exposures place constant pressure on skin cells, which must continuously mobilize their defense systems to neutralize these reactive molecules. When free radical production exceeds the skin’s natural antioxidant capacity, an oxidative stress sets in, progressively damaging the skin’s essential components.

This oxidative stress does not act uniformly: in the epidermis, it disrupts cell-membrane integrity and weakens the barrier function, making the skin more sensitive to external aggressions; in the dermis, it targets collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, leading to accelerated degradation of the extracellular matrix. On the pigmentary side, oxidation can also affect the melanogenesis process and promote the appearance of brown spots, particularly noticeable in phototypes V–VI.

In the long term, the oxidative stress endured by "E" skin types exacerbates existing signs of aging.

The "." indicates a balance in sebum production. Naturally produced by the sebaceous glands, sebum is a lipid substance that helps the skin protect itself from external aggressions and helps prevent dryness by being part of the hydrolipidic film. Comfortable and soft to the touch, this skin type looks matte, without any greasy shine or "crocodile skin" effect, and its texture is smooth and uniform, with pores tightened. "." skin types are naturally well-hydrated and protected, and the imperfections are rare. However, despite this skin balance, these skin types also require specific care to maintain their comfort.

Even with balanced sebum production, if the skin is not properly protected, particularly from sun exposure, the VE(.) profile may experience accelerated skin aging.

A VE(.) skin exhibits three characteristics: visible signs of aging, regular exposure to oxidative factors, and balanced sebum production. The goal of the skincare routine is therefore to support the skin’s barrier function, strengthen resistance to oxidative stress, and promote repair mechanisms to limit the progression of skin aging.

In the morning, prioritize a routine focused on protection and prevention. A gentle cleanse using a toning lotion is sufficient to remove the sweat and sebum produced overnight. Applying antioxidant active ingredients like niacinamide, the vitamin C or ferulic acid, it then helps neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental stressors encountered during the day. Finally, you just need to use a moisturizing cream to maintain the skin’s barrier function and a sunscreen, essential for limiting the deepening of wrinkles, preventing pigmentation spots, and reducing UV-induced oxidative stress.

In the evening, the routine primarily aims to stimulate cellular turnover. A careful makeup removal followed by a gentle cleanser, helps eliminate impurities and pollution particles without compromising the skin barrier. Active ingredients supporting epidermal renewal, such as retinoids and exfoliating acids (AHA, PHA...), help smooth the skin, reduce established wrinkles, and even out skin tone. They can be complemented by treatments enriched with repair agents, like ceramides, to optimize the stratum corneum’s capacity to retain water. A night cream with slightly richer nourishment can then be applied, all while respecting the sebum balance characteristic of “(.)” skin types.