Article stats: Views: 9669 Votes: 5 Average: 4.60 Added: 2004-06-21 Updated: 2006-11-30 | |
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Skin typically falls into one of three different types. Read and review the following categories to best determine the skin you are in
TYPE 1- Sensitive, Fragile or Dry. Your skin may fit into this category because of light coloring with little natural sun protection. It also may have skin sensitivies or allergies. Certain medications can push you into this category also. Gentle products, no harsh acids or alcohol and added moisture are needed.
TYPE 2- Balanced Not too oily, not to dry and no extreme challenges. Primary goal is to keep healthy condition and promote protection and preventative lifestyle.
TYPE 3- Oily or Acne Prone. Usually thicker skin with less wrinkling. Excess oil may need control. Acne lesions may need treatment.
BASIC CARE
The basic steps of skin care are: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Protect. The key here is to find the product type that works best for your skin type. Choosing the wrong products can be worse than doing nothing at all, and with the myriad of choices on the market, confusion can reign. Here are a few tips for your skin type:
TYPE 1
Cleanse
Generally does best with non-soap cleanser, which may be in a bar or creamy form. Gentle is the key, so look for non-abrasive textures. New ways to cleanse include fruit sugars (beta fructans)and hydrating ingredients. Aloe, cucumber and hyaluronates are in the �safe bets� category.
Exfoliate
Mild exfoliation will remove dead skin cells without irritation and allow moisture and special care products to work more efficiently. Exfoliation can be achieved manually, by simply using a wash cloth. Make a compress with cloth soaked in warm water and place on skin for a few minutes. Then use cloth in gentle, circular motion across skin. Enzymes also work well. Choose a gentle enzyme mask meant for sensitive skin. The enzyme acts as a �proteolytic� to ingest dead cells. Gently remove the sticky residue with warm water and a wash cloth. Exfoliate the skin twice weekly for best results. Stay away from strong acids (glycolic, salicylic) typically used in skin care, buffing granules and clay type masks.
Protection
The goal is to create an environmental barrier while adding some protective moisture and strengthening the somewhat weak lipid (oil)barrier of the skin. Choose products that have chemical free sunscreen protection and moisture enhancing ingredients. Sensitive skins usually do best with fewer additives, although some calming essential oils and botanicals may help. Calendula, lavender and vitamin E are favorite additives.
TYPE 2
Cleanse
Your skin type has more flexibility in choices. Cleansing bars, gel or creamy cleansers may all work for you. Mild alphahydroxy acids formulated into the cleanser can make a nice addition for smoother, fresher skin (look for lactic, glycolic and fruit acid complexes). Allow cleanser to remain on skin for one to two minutes to loosen debris before rinsing. Stay away from traditional soap bars, which may leave a film (like soap scum) or act harshly and overdry normal skins.
Exfoliate
As we age, our skin metabolism slows, causing the shedding function to be less efficient. By removing surface layers, we stimulate new cell growth to help maintain a healthy, viable dermis (the functioning layer). This will discourage lines ...
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