Skin Types & Conditions

It determines the basics, such as whether you’re better off with a gel cleanser or a creamy one, what kind of serum you will need to target your concerns - all starts with your skin type & conditions.

Skin Types - What you are born with

Skin Conditions - Can be short or long-term

What Is currently happening to your skin base on the environment, medication that you might be taking, lifestyle & more.

The main conditions that estheticians see & treat on a regular business:

Acne
Rosacea & Sensitive Skin
Hyperpigmentation
Anti-Aging

Fitzpatrick Scale

Fitzpatrick Scale (Type I to VI) determines how your skin responds to UV Exposure.

Type I- Light, Pale White Skin- Skin burns easily, never tans.
Type II- White, Fair Skin- Skin usually burns in the sun and has difficulty tanning.
Type III- Medium White to Olive- Skin sometimes burns, will gradually tan.
Type IV- Olive, Medium Brown Skin- Skin tans easily and burns rarely.
Type V- Brown to Dark Brown Skin- Skin always tans without burning.
Type VI- Very Dark Brown to Black Skin- Skin never burns tans very quickly.

It helps estheticians and skin professionals understand:

Sensitivity to sun
Risk of hyperpigmentation
How the skin may react to treatments
What ingredients or modalities are the safest specially chemical peels and lasers

It’s a foundational tool for customizing skincare and treatment plans.

Acne

Acne is an inherited disorder of the pores where dead skin cells shed much faster than normal. Normal pores shed approximately 1 layer of dead skin cells per day inside the pore. Acne-prone pores shed up to 5 layers of dead skin cells per day, causing buildup. This buildup forms a microcomedone, which is where all acne lesions begin. That microcomedone turns into blackheads or whiteheads under the skin; and if bacteria is present, it feeds on the dead skin cells and oil, creating inflamed pimples or pustules, and possibly cysts. This process can take up to 90 days.

Acne Types:

Grade I- Mild- comedones, a few small papules

Grade II- Moderate- comedones, whiteheads, papules and some pustules

Grade III- Severe- comedones, whiteheads, a lot of larger papules and pustules, elevated inflammation, mild swelling can occur, scarring more likely

Grade IV- Cystic- comedones, whiteheads, large deep and firm papules and pustules, hard non-pus-filled nodules, cysts that look lie boils or blisters, severe inflammation and swelling, face is painful, scarring highly likely

Some lifestyle choices that can effect Acne:

Birth Control & Hormone Replacement
Using the wrong products for your skin
Food choices
Sun Exposure

Birth control pills, IUDs, implants and shots are popular forms of birth control. Typically, these forms of birth control are divided up as estrogen or progestin dominant and have varying degrees of androgenic (testosterone like) effects. Those with the potential for higher androgenic effects may exacerbate acne breakouts.

Sensitive Skin

Highly reactive, easily turns red or burning sensation, sometimes highly allergic.

Damaged-

Skin that has been damaged due to environmental or internal triggers, UV overexposure, or compromised skin barrier.

Rosacea-

(Also includes Sensitive or Inflamed) facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, sometimes including acne papules or pustules, allergic to or excess population of the Demodex mite.

Rosacea Types:

Subtype I- known as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), is associated with facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.

Subtype II- papulopustular (or acne) rosacea, is associated with acne-like breakouts, and often affects middle-aged women.

Subtype III- known as rhinophyma, is a rare form associated with thickening of the skin on your nose. It usually affects men and is often accompanied by another subtype of rosacea.

Subtype IV- is known as ocular rosacea, and its symptoms are centered on the eye area.

Sensitive skin often reacts easily to products, environmental changes, or fragrances. It benefits from calming, non‑irritating ingredients and minimal‑fragrance formulations.

Understanding Aging Skin

Aging skin is a natural, gradual process where the skin’s structure and function begin to change over time. These changes are influenced by both internal factors (like genetics and hormones) and external factors (like sun exposure, lifestyle, and environment). As we age, the skin produces less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid — the key components that keep it firm, smooth, and hydrated.

What Happens as Skin Ages

Fine lines & wrinkles form as collagen and elastin break down.
Loss of firmness occurs as the skin becomes thinner and less elastic.
Dryness increases because the skin holds less moisture.
Uneven tone & dark spots appear from sun exposure and slower cell turnover.
Dullness develops as the skin renews itself more slowly.

Why It Matters

Understanding how aging skin works helps guide the right treatments and home‑care routines — especially when using advanced, science‑backed systems like Circadia. With the right support, aging skin can look smoother, brighter, and more resilient at any stage of life.

Understanding retinol

Retinol is one of the most effective and widely used forms of Vitamin A in skincare. It’s known for its ability to transform the skin by encouraging faster cell turnover and supporting collagen production. Because of its power and versatility, retinol is a go‑to ingredient for improving signs of aging, smoothing texture, and supporting clearer, healthier skin.

What Retinol Does

Boosts cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother skin
Softens fine lines and wrinkles by supporting collagen
Improves texture and reduces roughness
Helps unclog pores, making it beneficial for acne‑prone skin
Brightens and evens tone by fading dark spots
Strengthens the skin over time with consistent use

Why Retinol Is So Popular

Retinol is powerful yet accessible — strong enough to create visible change, but gentle enough for most skin types when introduced properly. It’s a long‑term investment in healthier, more resilient skin.

What Clients Should Know

Start slowly to avoid irritation - 2 to 3 times a week
Use at night, as retinol can make skin more sun‑sensitive
Pair with hydration and SPF for best results
Consistency is key — results build over time

SPF is a must!

Hyperpigmentation

Area of excess pigmentation due to hormones, melasma, age, UV damage, inflammatory responses, acne, etc.

Staple Products

Vitamin C is a well‑known antioxidant that helps brighten dull skin, support collagen, and reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun exposure or past breakouts. It’s especially popular for targeting uneven tone and boosting overall radiance.

Mandelic acid is an AHA derived from bitter almonds. It has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, which makes it gentler and ideal for sensitive or acne‑prone skin. It helps exfoliate the surface, improve clarity, and reduce the look of hyperpigmentation.

SPF again is a must!