Oily, dry, normal, combination... defining your skin type goes far beyond these characteristics. At Typology, based on a scientific methodology, we have defined 24 different skin types, including the AE(-) profile. But what does this mean?
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What should you know about the AE(-) skin type?
Summary
- A brief explanation on the initials AE(-)
- The letter "A" stands for Absence of aging signs
- The letter "E" for Exposure to oxidation factors
- The symbol "-" for Low Sebum Production
Published December 15, 2022,
updated on August 7, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
5 min read
A brief explanation on the initials AE(-).
Skin Aging ABSENT
Oxidation Factor OVERVIEW
Sebum Production LOW(-)
The letter "A" stands for Absence of aging signs.
The first letter "A" signifies thatno signs of aging are visible on the skin. Indeed, three main manifestations can impact the appearance of the face, namely wrinkles, skin sagging (loss of volume), and loss of density. Generally, the first signs of skin aging appear around the age of thirty, reflecting the changes that occur in the different layers of the skin (slower cell regeneration, decrease in lipid levels, weakening of the natural ability to produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, reduction in the size and number of fat cells in the adipose tissue...). Although aging is an inevitable process, it is possible to prevent and exert some control over the various factors affecting the speed of the aging process, and thus delay the appearance of signs of aging.
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 malfunctions.
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 toned 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 efficiency of the sebaceous glands to produce enough sebum (sebaceous hyposecretion), as well as a discrepancy 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 is less affected by the effects of gravity.
Daily exposed to environmental factors, unprotected, and with insufficient sebaceous activity... all conditions that can be corrected, cause premature aging of the skin. AE(-) skins are thus more prone to develop signs of aging (wrinkles, solar lentigines...) over the long term if no practices are put in place.
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