Skin Care Tips

Skin is the largest organ of the body. It is always in the process of renewing itself (watch how fast skin grows back and heals itself after an abrasion or a cut). Skin regulates your body temperature and helps the body get rid of wastes through perspiration. It protects the body from harmful outside chemicals and bacteria in the air, and from the damaging rays of the sun (although it needs some help here).

The skin has three layers, but we are concerned primarily with the basic two: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is outer-most and is made up of dead cells (they protect the live cells underneath), pores and pigmentation (color) cells. As those outer cells die, the skin manufactures new ones to take their place, usually every month (less often as you get older). The dermis, the lower and tougher layer, is made up of blood vessels, nerves, collagen, hair follicles and sweat glands.

When you are born you have "perfect skin," and it grows as you grow. When you are very young, your skin cells are healthy, and they get healthier (especially with care) until about the age of twenty-eight. It is then that the decline, or dehydration, of your skin cells begins. You cannot prevent this aging process. But with care, you can delay it by many years. That is why it is so important to start taking care of your skin at a very young age.

Skin care is preventive care in that it guarantees to lessen (not cancel) the damage that life inflicts on your skin. The fact is, there is no reason not to take care of your skin and every reason in the world to care for it now.

Skin Types - What's your skin type

There are various types of skin, you can have dry, oily or normal. Wherever we turn, we are accosted by charts describing the characteristics of skin types and what we can do for them. There are women who have basically dry skin-flaky, thin skin that wrinkles easily and can get dehydrated; or oily skin-shiny, greasy-looking, characterized by large pores, occasional blackheads and pimples. Women who have oily skin are always trying to dry it out-forgetting that oily skin stays young much longer than other types because it lubricates itself naturally. But most women have a little bit of all of these and none of the extremes. As for so-called "normal" skin-well, the only people I know with normal skin are babies.

It is important to understand that all the creams and lotions and moisturizers and cleansers in the world will not change the type of skin you have. What they will do is change, through care, the conditionand thus the appearance of your skin. But there is at least one thing you can do to beneficially alter the dry or oily characteristics of skin, and that is through your diet.

Skin Care Terms - Skin Care Tips

Cleanser : Used to remove makeup, dirt, and some oil from the skin. It should not be used more than twice a day-overzealous cleansing is not good for the skin. The best cleansers are water based with no oil in them.

Astringent : A clear liquid that lifts off that last layer of dirt from the skin, tightens the pores and neutralizes excess oil; to be used after cleansing, before applying the moisturizer. It usually contains alcohol which helps clean the skin and inhibits the growth of bacteria. It can also be used throughout the day to counteract any buildup of oil on the skin. A toner, used for the same purpose, does not contain alcohol. You can use either.

Moisturizer : Cream that adds water to the skin and seals it to protect evaporation; to be used after the astringent, on moist skin, and before applying foundation. Today almost all creams contain moisturizing ingredients.

Eye cream : To be used on dry skin around the eyes; can also be usedon your lips if they are dry. The cream is put on under foundation and at night.

Scrub : Cream containing some abrasive (usually nuts, oatmeal or even sand) that cleans the skin and removes dead cells; can be used twice a week. Oil-free scrubs are better than those with oil.

Facial : The process of cleansing, steaming, stimulating, nourishing and otherwise treating your skin; usually done by a professional in a salon.

Masque : Made to stimulate and tone the skin, it also cleans and tightens the pores and removes the dead cells. You can do this at home once or twice a week. You can make your own masque or buy a commercial one.

Night cream : A moisturizer specifically made for nighttime use; it is heavier than the daytime moisturizer and needs to be blotted off your skin before you go to sleep. You put the night cream on after cleansing your face and after the astringent.

More Skin Care Topics

Skin Diet - Ideal skin is known for its firmness, glow and clearness. The skin and hair need enough protein, vitamins and minerals the deficiency causes dull and dry skin and scalp.

Skin Facial - Your home facial should take about thirty minutes. Set aside this private time to take special care of your skin. Do it whe you are home alone, when you aren't in a hurry. Turn on some soothing music; don't answer the phone. Enjoy your moments alone -and heal your skin at the same time.

Skin Toning - Skin toners are necessary for all skin types. Skin toners helps to improve blood circulation to the skin surface and gives the skin the glow that is associated with its good health.

Dry Skin Care - Dry skin should not be washed with cold water and soap, nor should astringent lotions be used. Always use a moisturizer during the day and a good cream at night.

Sensitive Skin Care - Sensitive skin can be easily irritated. Typical reactions are itching, burning, chafing and stinging. After a wash a wash it feels dry and itchy in places. By midday there are flaky patches and some redness. Occasionally break out in spots.

Face Masks - A Face Masks is used once or twice a week to cleanse the skin more thoroughly than your daily routine does. It also refreshes the skin, tightens your pores and removes the top layer of dead cells more efficiently than you can with daily cleansing.

Combination Skin - Combination skin needs special attention because the dry parts of your face need to be considered, whereas the oily parts need to be kept clean to avoid breakouts.

Basic Skin Care - Skin care is simple. The two main things to remember, the two musts about caring for your skin (especially if you are only willing to perform a two-step routine) are cleansing and moisturizing.

Skin Cleansing - Cleansing your body is something you do regularly each time you use soap in a shower or a bath. Cleansing your facial skin is at least as important, if not more so, and as easy. Cleansing your skin can also treat your skin, if done with the appropriate cleanser in the right manner.

Skin Moisturizing - Moisturizing the skin on your body should be done after a shower or a bath (not in the shower or bathtub because you'll either slip or leave a slippery film for the next person). Use baby oil or a body cream made for this purpose, and rub it in all over. Then blot off the excess with a towel. Easy-all you have to do is do it.