Cleansing
Cleansing is the first essential
step in your daily skin care routine.
Cleansing the face 2-3 times a
day; is adequate for normal skin. If your skin is oily a more frequent
cleansing i.e. 4-5 times a day is necessary. If your skin is dry it is best to
avoid frequent washing and you may have to use a suitable oil-based cosmetic
cleanser instead of soap, which has a dry effect.
There are several alternatives to
soap and water cleansing. Cleansers can be in the form of creams, milks,
lotions, gels and liquids. All are, a mixture of oil, wax and water which have
been formulated to suit different skin types. A cotton -pad dipped in fresh
milk available at home, is an equally effective cleanser.
The right way to apply cleansers
and creams on your face is in an upward and outward movement. The skin should
not be stretched, dragged or pulled. Leave the cleanser on for a minute or two
so as to loosen the dirt and make up. Remove it either using a cotton wool or
with a tissue paper, again using an upward and out ward movement. Finally rinse
with water.
Masks
Basically all face masks have
some sort of a cleansing action. Various
ingredients are used in the masks, depending on the skin type. Clay, form an
important constituent of many face masks. They help to remove dirt, sebum, and
dead skin so that the skin looks clean, soft and youthful.
Fullers earth is a special type
of clay often used in face packs. It contains aluminium silicate. As it dries
on the skin, it absorbs the superficial dead cells and blots up any excessive
oil on the skin. It is therefore excellent for an oily skin but should not be
used on dry skin. Kaolin is also a fine clay which has been used for tummy
upsets because it absorbs toxins from the system. It removes grime, oils and
dead cells. Kaolin is also best for oily skin and best avoided for dry skin.
Another ingredient of some of the
masks is the peeling or the exfoliating agent-these remove the top layer of
dead cells from the skin, leaving behind fresh youthful skin. Oatmeal and bran
are the commonly used peelers. Oatmeal is obtained from oats which is rich in
Vitamin B and Vitamin E.
Also added to many masks are
natural ingredients-cucumbers, curds, lemon juice and Brewer's Yeast. It
restores the acid / alkali balance of the skin.
Toning
The skin care products include
cosmetics like skin fresheners, toners and astringents which basically contains
alcohol and water. These products are used after cleansing the skin to freshen
and tone up the skin, they also restore the acid/ alkali balance of the skin. Having cleansed, wipe away any last
traces of dirt or oil with a skin freshener or toner (cleansing milk) which
suits your skin type. Non alcoholic freshener are for dry and sensitive skin.
Those with alcohol (astringent) are for oily skin. People with combination skin
should use toner and astringent.
Mosturising
Regular use of a suitable
moisturiser benefits your skin. The moisturiser not only replaces the water
lost from the skin but also prevents its loss to the surroundings. It protects
the skin against the drying influences of the environment such as the effects
of the sun, cold and heat. Tinted moisturiser are very helpful under
foundation. It always keep the make up moist.
A moisturiser is particularly helpful for dry
skins. Oil free moisturisers can be used for oily skins.
There are two types of
moisturisers: Oil - in water emulsions and water -in -oil emulsions. The
moisturiser you select should suit your skin type. For normal skins, a water
based moisturiser containing a little oil is suitable. Sensitive skins and dry
skins need moisturisers having a high oil content.
Protecting
The sun, is the environmental
factor that is most harmful to the health and appearance of the skin.
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can cause permanent damage to the skin. It
can cause the skin to sag, lose elasticity and form wrinkles. Severe sunburn
can even cause skin cancer.
Sunscreen and foundation protects
the skin against the damaging ultraviolet rays. It also shields your face from
direct contact with dirt or pollutants in the air and helps the skin against
loosing its necessary moisture.
0 comments:
Post a Comment