Whether it is sunlight, makeup, dirt, sweat or environmental pollution, our skin is subjected daily to harsh treatments. Taking care of our skin is more than just about looking young; it’s also about health and living longer. With all the different products available, it can be a challenge to know what to do to care for your skin; but it doesn’t have to be.
Skin Type
Skin care begins with knowing what type of skin you have. If you cannot go to a dermatologist to have your skin type determined, Shelly Ballestero offers a simple test in her book, In “Beauty by God.” Wash your face in lukewarm water, wait an hour and then blot your face with a lens or blotting tissue. If the tissue is dry and your pores are small, you have dry skin. If it is oily and your pores are large, you have oily skin. If it is oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) you have combination skin. If your skin is smooth and the pores are medium sized, you have normal skin.
Daily Skin Care
Skin should be cleansed twice a day, using a cleanser formulated for your skin type and warm water. If you use a soft cleansing brush, move it lightly over your skin. Toners or astringents help to remove excess oil and dirt left behind by the cleanser and temporarily tightens pores. All skin types should use moisturizer; there are moisturizers for oily skin. If your skin feels greasy in the morning, try a lighter moisturizer. At night, remove all makeup before cleansing your face. If you don’t have a makeup remover, wash your face twice.
Intense Skin Care
Deep cleaning masques, cleansing scrubs and moisturizing masques should be used once or twice a month. Use a light touch with cleansing scrubs as rough cleansing can stimulate the skin to produce more oil.
Sensitive Skin
Red, itchy rashes, flaking skin, extreme discomfort; people who suffer from eczema, rosacea, psoriasis experience these symptoms in varying degrees. People with ultra sensitive skin should use skin care products that are as free from irritants that trigger outbreaks; Exederm products are free from known irritants-they received a “Seal of Acceptance” from the National Eczema Foundation-and can be used by anyone with ultra sensitive skin. Eczema and Sensitive Skin Education has information for people suffering with these skin conditions.
Protect
Protect your skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, all skin types should use a broad spectrum sunscreen that have at least an SPF of 15. Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Avoid the sun between 10:AM and 4:PM. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and a wide-brimmed hat.
Considerations
There are some various considerations that will help keep your skin healthy. Drink six to eight 8 ounce glasses of water everyday. Get six to eight hours of sleep a night. Don’t go to bed wearing makeup. Stop smoking. Limit alcohol consumption, especially if you have ultra sensitive skin.
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