How to Determine Your Skin Type

Posted on December 31st, 2009 by

Author: Amanda Stonebr
Source: articlerich.combr
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It is quite important to identify your unique skin type before choosing your facial care products. When you maintain the proper skin care routine, your face will be cleaner and exude a healthy glow, and you will enjoy beautiful, bright, healthy skin. This is the first step toward achieving beautiful skin. Using the wrong product for your skin type may cause skin problems to develop. To properly care for your skin, choose your skin type based on the following skin type descriptions.

Normal skin is usually silky smooth in texture, has tiny pores, and a glowing appearance. The oil glands produce sebum at a regular rate which leaves the skin well balanced. Normal skin will have an even tone and a translucent glow. To maintain this ideal skin condition and keep it even and toned, a good skin care routine including cleansing, toning, and moisturizing is a must.

Combination skin is common, and usually requires use of different products for different areas of the face. This skin type is often normal skin, but may have occasional changes. From time to time you may experience oiliness on your chin, nose, and forehead. You may also experience occasional dryness on your cheeks, lips and around the eye area. It is important to cleanse, tone and moisturize your face regularly, paying special attention to cleanse and tone the oily areas and moisturize the dry areas.

When the oil glands do not produce enough sebum to keep the skin lubricated, this results in dry skin. This skin type often feels dry and itchy. Dry skin can also be sensitive. You may see dry flakes on your cheeks, chin and forehead. Fine lines may be present around your eye and lip areas. Mature skin often falls in the dry skin category as well. Dry skin is also more prevalent in drier climates and during the winter season. Dry skin should be hydrated on a regular basis using weekly moisturizing masques and daily hydrating toniques and serums. Rich hydrating moisturizers should also be used regularly.

Oily skin occurs when the skins oil glands produce too much sebum. The affected skin appears shiny and has a greasy texture. This shiny appearance is particularly noticeable on the nose, forehead, and chin areas. Oily skin also has large, visible pores that are prone to becoming clogged. These clogged pores commonly lead to acne and blackheads. Oily skin needs special cleansing to keep the pores unclogged and to prevent the accumulation of dirt on the skins surface. On the positive side, oily skin usually stays younger looking and more supple than other skin types as you age.

Acne can affect your skin at any age from adolescent to adult. Acne occurs when sebum trapped inside the skin causes lesions known as comedones. Acne skin is usually characterized by normal to oily skin that persistently breaks out. It has clogged pores and is often inflamed. Acne is caused by a number of factors including dirt, stress, hormones, pollution and diet. The good news is that acne skin can be alleviated over time by lowering stress, following a healthy diet, and by using natural, oil-free, water-based products to keep skin clear and healthy.

Sensitive skin can be normal, dry, or oily but is easily prone to irritation, which is why we feel it is more of a skin condition than a skin type. Sensitive skin is often affected by environmental conditions, and requires special treatment to remain in the best condition. It often appears blotchy, reddened, flushed, and may even itch at times. Sensitive skin often reacts adversely to cosmetics that contain synthetically manufactured ingredients, artificial colors, alcohol, and fragrances. It is recommended to use natural, organic, gentle skin care products and treatments for sensitive skin.

As skin begins to mature it loses elasticity and firmness. The reduction in oil production makes mature skin prone to dryness. Wrinkles appear due to weakening elastin and collagen fibers beneath the skin. The decrease in subcutaneous fatty tissue makes mature skin looser and it begins to sag, with the help of gravity. It is recommended to use products that are aimed specifically to firm and tone ageing skin. Special treatments are also available to smooth the skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Sun defense is very important to prevent ageing skin. Always use appropriate skin block and try to avoid sun exposure.

Maintaining a daily skin care routine using products specialized for your specific skin needs is very important to keep your skin clean, healthy and glowing. It is important to know your skin type, and choose facial care products tailored to fit your own needs. Using the wrong product for your skin may cause problems to develop. Overall, maintaining a healthy balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and regular exercise, reducing stress levels, and reducing sun exposure will help every type of skin.
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Let Renaud Professional help your skin look and feel fabulous using all natural, organic products. To learn more about natural skin and body care, visit A href=http://www.renaudprofessional.com/http://www.RenaudProfessional.com/A .
Renaud Professional Where Science and Nature Become Onebr
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Tags: dry skin, natural skin care, oily skin, organic skin care, skin type

Skin Care Basics

Posted on December 8th, 2009 by

Author: Ian Henmanbr
Source: articleage.combr
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Skin Care, everyone knows to take care of our skin, but do we pay attention to the details? The quick answer, probably not. A lot of us still run around in
the summer time without sun screen to block harmful UVA and UVB rays. The fact is that the sun is harmful to
your skin. We need to take precautions both in the summer and wintertime.
The reality today is that Skin Care has become a big buzzword, not just with dermatologists but also in the business
and beauty world. We need to start paying more attention to our skin, and all over not just our faces. So what can we do?
Well Lets start by taking a look at the staple steps of skin care.
First off what skin type are you? oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged
Oily: Oily skin tends to be shiny with expanded pores, and is prone to blackheads blemishes. Its possible to feel tightness.
Combination/normal: This skin type has medium pores, a smooth level texture, effective circulation, healthy color. Combination / normal skin can tend toward dryness and tightness around the cheek area, but also feel oily in the t-zone.
Sensitive: Sensitive skin tends to be thin, frail with fine pores. Generally sensitive skin flushes easily, and is known to broken capillaries, and can be frequently allergic or rashy.
Dry: Dry skin feels tight which is the main sing of dryness youll find especially after cleansing your skin. May have small wrinkles, flaking and/or red patches.
Aging or sun-damaged: Similar to dry skin. Aging and sun-damaged skin also feels tight with visible smaller wrinkles, and slack skin tone. Youll find the tone mainly around the cheeks and jaw line.
Once we know what skin type we are its easier to pick the products we need to use for our daily skin care routine. Now onto the steps
Cleaning: Now unless you are prone to acne, or other breakouts just keep it simple with a cleanser. You want to use a simple
wash that your skin doesnt react to and is designed for your skin type. You should try to wash twice a day in combination
with exfoliating.
Exfoliate: The most important thing to maintain beautiful skin care is to use a gentle exfoliant daily on your skin. Our
skin cells get replaced approx. every 3 weeks, so by clearing away old and dead cells, making way for the new ones we
help maintain our glow.
Moisturize: Flat out…everyone should moisturize. Even those of us that have oily skin. Of course some should moisturize
their skin more then others, but everyone should. A good rule of thumb is when your skin feels tight its time to moisturize.
Sunscreen: The biggest cause of wrinkles as we age is damage from the sun. Its important to remember that skin care is a
life long journey not just as we age. So ensuring were protecting our skin with sunscreen both in the early and later
years is important. Also consider that the sun doesnt just burn or damage our skin in the summer time, its a good idea
to have some on when doing activities in the winter on sunny days.
These are the simple steps that make up a successful skin care routine. Its important to get into a habit like this
daily. This is the key to maintaining great skin well into the later years of our life. Try not to get caught up in
the gimmicks of the world. While different injections, and creams can give short-term beauty its not 100% known how all
these products make out over the long run. Concentrate on basic skin care, and slow and steady wins the race.
For more information and resources on taking care of your skin visit
Best Skin Care Resources.br
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Tags: feels tight, skin care, skin care routine, skin feels tight, skin type

Great Looking Skin – A Simple 4 Step Skin Care Guide

Posted on November 28th, 2009 by

Author: Donna Kellybr
Source: articleage.combr
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Step 1: Decide what type of skin you have.
This is important so you know how to care for your skin and what products to use. There are 3 basic skin types: dry, oily and combination skin types.
Type 1: Dry Skin
Dry skin occurs when the dermis does not secrete enough oil, or sebum. The result is tight, drawn, flaky skin and a dull complexion. In more extreme cases, dry skin lacks elasticity and can be extremely sensitive to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures.
Type 2: Oily Skin
This type of skin has over-reactive oil producing glands, which makes the face shiny, especially the forehead, down the central panel of your nose and the chin (the T-zone). The pores of this skin type are enlarged making it prone to blackhead, pimple and acne. Oily skin needs special cleansing to keep the pores unclogged.
Type 3: Combination Skin
People with combination skin typically have some oily skin and either normal or dry skin on different parts of their face. Normal skin has a balanced oil and water content and feels smooth and velvety, not dry or oily. Normal skin is evenly toned with tiny, generally unclogged pores. After a wash it feels smooth and comfortable. Normal skin only occasionally breaks out in spots.
Combination: Normal to Oil
People with normal to oily skin generally have normal skin on their cheeks and oily skin with enlarged pores on their T zone, the area that stretches across the forehead and down the nose and chin. The T-zone needs extra attention as spots may often break out in this area.
Combination: Dry to Oily
This skin type is also marked by oily skin in the T zone and dry, taut skin on the cheeks.
Step 2: Develop a good daily Skincare regime.
There are 3 steps to basic daily skincare:
a. Cleansing
b. Toning
c. Moisturising
Lets break down each step.
Cleansing does just that, it cleans your skin. By cleansing, you are removing any dirt, oil, bacteria and makeup.
Toning does three things: it removes anything that your cleanser didnt already take care of, it restores the pH level of your skin and it prepares your skin to receive the moisturiser.
Moisturising helps to seal in your skins natural oils and it acts as a barrier between your skin and the environment. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser, but chose a light product. It is best to moisturize immediately after applying toner. Moisturising is something everyone of every skin type should do, including those with oil rich skin.
Besides these daily steps you should also, less frequently, exfoliate and use a facial mask.
Exfoliation allows you to remove dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin. The circular motion in which exfoliating should be performed also helps to stimulate your skin allowing oxygen to come to the surface. Exfoliating is a crucial step for those with either dry skin or those with dehydrated oil rich skin.
Facial masks give you an extra boost to combat any concerns you might have for your skin. Just remember not to keep your mask on for more than 15 minutes because you could actually burn your skin. All masks should not be applied on the eyes (there are eye masks specifically formulated for this delicate area) and should be washed off with a warm face cloth.
So how often should you really be doing all of this ? Cleansing, toning and moisturising should happen twice daily; morning and night. You can exfoliate and give yourself a mask every one to two weeks depending on your skincare concerns.
Here are the steps you should follow for your day to day routine:
1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Moisturise
And here are the steps to be followed on the days you choose to also exfoliate and apply a mask:
1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Exfoliate
4. Tone
5. Mask
6. Tone
7. Moisturise
This may seem like a lot to do but your every day routine shouldnt take more than 3 minutes and your weekly routine no more than 20 minutes.
Step 3. Choose appropriate skincare products for your skin type
Your beauty specialist will be able to advise you on the best products for your skin type and skin care routine.
Step 4. Lifestyle impacts on the health and appearance of your skin, here are some lifestyle tips for enhancing your skins appearance:
1. Avoid over exposure to the sun.
Sun damage leads to hyper-pigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher foundation or sun cream on all exposed skin, especially on your face.
2. Dont smoke
Easier said than done for smokers but please remember your skin is a large organ and it needs a lot of circulation. Smoking impairs circulation dramatically. Thats why smokers skin can look dull and gray
3. Get adequate rest and nutrition
Eat right and get plenty of rest. Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regime.
4. Protect yourself from stress – both emotional and environmental stress.
5. Touch your face less and wash your hands more!
Its very tempting to pick, poke, squeeze, and scratch in front of the mirror. But the more you traumatize the skin, the greater your risk of scarring. Apply treatment products and let them work.
6. Keep your makeup clean.
Replace the sponges in your compact on a regular basis.
7. Exercise.
Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which helps skin look young.
Donna is a trained makeup artist with her own beauty business. As both a business women and a mom with 2 children Donna understands the time pressures on women today and through this, and other articles, has endeavored to take the complexity out of looking great with some busy women friendly beauty tips and advice. If you would like to read more of Donnas articles check out her website: http://www.coloursandscents.co.nzbr
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Tags: normal skin, oil rich skin, oily skin, oily skin normal, skin type

Skin Care Products For Men – What's Your Skin Type?

Posted on November 22nd, 2009 by

Author: Jane Bristow
Source: ezinearticles.com

Today Men’s skin care is as important as it is for women. Men also face the problems faced by women like acne, rosacea and oil. However, men and women shouldn’t necessarily use the same skincare products. Mens’ skin can be quite different from that of women. Nowadays, there are skincare products designed specifically for men.

There are various Men skin care products available on the market, but to choose the best men should understand and know their skin types. Generally, there are four different types of skin. Each has its own problems and their own unique solutions:

Normal: If you have normal type, you are lucky. This means you are generally free from any kind of skin related problems and have evenly toned texture. You may have some pimples or dry patch during the cold weather but nothing more than that. This is the best type and you should be able to use most skin Care products.
Oily: This skin type has a greasy look and suffers from many problems like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. This type of skin may have lots of skin problems, but with the right skin care products, you can easily combat the problems.
Dry: When you have dry type then it will feel tight and uncomfortable, usually after a shower or when the face is cleansed. This type of skin suffers from problems of premature aging and wrinkles. In this case you should use a good moisturizer. You can also make use of Vitamin C based skin products.
Combination: This is most common and faces problems of both the dry and the oily skin. A little trial and error may be the best way to get the right mix of care products.

Jane Bristow has been writing health-related articles for over a decade. She has recently written articles on Men’s Skin Care Products. She explores the intricacies of selecting Men Skin Care Products vs Women Skin Care Products.

Tags: skin care, skin care products, skin problems, skin type, usually shower cleansed

Skin Care – Know Your Skin Type

Posted on November 16th, 2009 by

Author: Rosemary Serra
Source: ezinearticles.com

Want your skin to look its best? It certainly can if you know and understand your skin type. As an Aesthetician, I have found many of my clients are unaware of their skin type, and have trouble shopping for skin care products. Some clients are too intimidated to approach a skin care counter for assistance and answers to questions they may have. Therefore, they purchase products which have little or no effect on their skin. As they become familiar with their skin type, they find that the products they are purchasing help their skin look beautiful, healthy, and younger.

WHAT CAUSES SKIN TYPES? Genetics and ethnicity determine the type of skin you are born with, and this can change with time. The type of activity of the skin such as the amount oil secretion, circulation of blood and the replacement of old cells also help determine your skin type. As time goes by skin is effected by free radicals such as mental and emotional stress, environmental pollutants, over exposure to the suns UV rays, smoking and etc. These free radicals alter the skin causing wrinkles, dryness, dark spots and other unwanted changes.

SKIN TYPES

Normal Skin, has an even, rosy color with no black heads nor other blemishes, a minimum amount of lines and wrinkles, including some around the eyes, and pores that are equal in size and barely visible

Oily Skin, is a result of our skin producing an overgenerous amount of oils.The oils act as a protection which will help prevent early aging of the skin.

Dry Skin, is when the skin is not producing enough oil supply causing it to be flaky and thin. It can also form fine lines, visible pores and is easily irritated.

Combination Skin, is a mixture of oily, dry and normal skin. The oil is usually found in the T-zone, ( forehead, nose and chin) dryness is formed on the cheeks, neck and around the eye.

Sensitive Skin, produces redness and is easily irritated by products and sun exposure. It can also cause burning, itching, chafing and stinging.

Problem Skin, which can also be referred to as Acne, is oily to a fault resulting in numerous breakouts of pimples, blackheads and other unwanted effects.

Now that you know your skin type you will be able to purchase the products that work for you. Do not hesitate to seek advice or assistance, skin specialists enjoy helping consumers make the right decision in choosing the most effective products. It would be their pleasure to not only show you the products but also instruct in the proper application. Remember, nothing happens over night, it takes work and dedication. Stick to your regimen and be sure to choose products which are specifically designed for your skin type.

Rosemary Serra

http://everlastingbeautyskincare.com

Tags: dry skin, sensitive skin, skin care know, skin care products, skin type