Dermalogica skin care products are the result of over 20 years of research and development. Addressing the need for a lack of 'results driven' skin care products in the marketplace, Dermalogica turned the skin care industry's head by refusing to use synthetic fragrances and artificial products in it's products. By using alcohol, lanolin and mineral oil, cosmetic manufacturers were able to maintain lower costs. These ingredients were used,despite claims and known links to skin care problems.

Taking further positive steps to ensure the Dermalogica skin care range met with, and continued to be held in high regard, a research and training facility was introduced. The International Dermal Institute sought to develop and train all skin care therapists involved with the products. By insisting on this high level of training, Dermalogica could ensure that all customers could obtain professional consultations to determine the condition of, and subsequently improve the condition of their skin.

Training and developing skin care therapists in this way means that customers can be assured that the right Dermalogica skin care product is targeted at their specific skin concern. Dermalogica's commitment to the formulation of products that deliver, plus the education for all skin care therapists involved, separate the organisation from the usual subterfuge that influences the skin care industry.

The Dermalogica product line was formulated to avoid common ingredients that caused irritation and led ultimately to skin sensitisation. Dermalogica wanted a skin care line up that a therapist could 'prescribe' in the same way a doctor would prescribe medication. Creating products that met this criteria were initially developed - multi active toner, special cleansing gel, skin smoothing cream, dermal clay cleanser and active moist. These 'staple' products paved the way to become a class leading line up of moisturisers, toners and cleansers.

Using oily skin as an example, it is easy to see why one skin care product can't be successful at treating all types of skin disorder. Many sufferers of oily skin have a greater chance of experiencing acne. This is because oilier skin conditions provide an ideal breeding platform for the 90% of the bacterium responsible for acne related conditions.

Oily and acne skin conditions are some of the most alienating skin conditions. They cause frustration, irritation, physical and emotional scarring to sufferers. Acne affects all types of people and is not exclusive to teenagers. In the US alone, around 85% of people suffer with adult acne. Acne related skin conditions are therefore, one of the most common skin disorders in the United States.

Before going headlong into choosing a skin care treatment for oily and acne skin types, it's important to understand the root cause of the condition.

Oily skin is caused by sebum production. Sebum production is governed by the androgen hormone. This hormone is responsible for controlling the development and maintenance of musculine characteristics and estrogens. When functioning under normal circumstances, oil is created in the sebaceous gland, it then moves up through the hair follicle to the surface of the skin, where it then empties. When all is well, oils help lubricate skin, providing protection from the environment and maintaining a healthy balance.

Problems begin when the androgen hormone becomes imbalanced. This can happen during puberty, menopause or monthly cycles. An overproduction of oil is triggered, and this creates a greasy, oily appearance of the skin.

Oily skin makes a contribution to acne because where there is an overproduction of oil, the skin acts as a binder. This causes it to hold onto dead skin cells that should have have disappeared throughout the process of skin renewal. The follicle that releases the oil to the surface becomes restricted with oil and dead skin cells, this causes the skin follicle to be starved of oxygen. These conditions are ideal for the bacterium (P.acnes) to multiply. It's important to note that an acne skin condition can mean that the skin can produce up to 5 times more dead skin cells.

Thriving P.acne's can only multiply where there is no oxygen, the now restricted follicle will become aggravated, red, swollen and itchy. Here we have a typical acne condition.

Rather than supplementing irritation by directly using harsh spot treatments and medication, Dermalogica skin care products are designed around boosting the health of skin. Any harsh treatments that cause drying of the skin can actually initiate increased oil production, trying to compensate for the oil that has been removed. This can result in dehydrated, irritated and sensitised skin.

The production of blackheads is commonly associated with dirty skin. This is in fact incorrect, and causes many sufferers to overcleanse, leading to potentially even more oil production and irritation. The dark colour in blackheads is merely the by-product of a chemical reaction known as oxidation. It is very important to understand the type of your skin before you decide on a strategy to improve it.

Because each area of the skin is different, Dermalogica introduced a concept called face mapping.

Face mapping is a really easy to use guide that helps you to determine the type of your skin by zone. The diagram illustrates this.

Having accurately determined your skin type by zone, it is relatively easy to recommend a core of products that are matched to your type.

To obtain an online analysis of 14 zones of your skin online visit Dermalogica here

Consulting a dermatologist is a smart way to begin treating oily skin and acne. A professional, well trained therapist with an arsenal of debris removing (and non-inflammatory) products and tools is absolutely necessary to maintain skin health. Only a trained therapist can map your skin and advise you on how best to continue in a way that will both optimise and maintain a healthy skin condition. The use of the right skin care products in between visits to your therapist is an essential element in contributing positively to the look and feel of your skin.