By Bessie M. David
HOUSTON: In Part I of the Skin Specialty Series we discussed three basic steps to healthy skin; Cleanse, Exfoliate and Moisturize. Between each step is the opportunity to improve the tone and texture of your skin, and prevent further damage.
Know your skin type. Your skin is either normal, oily, dry or combination. As we age, our skin texture and tone change. During this transformation skin can benefit by adding additional products to a basic beauty regimen.
Understanding the science behind your skin is the most effective approach in treating the effects of natural aging, environmental, chemical and genetic changes that take place. The skin consists of three layers. You can control the health of the top layer (epidermis) aka, the barrier, and the second layer of cells. Both ultimately protect the bottom layer.
The barrier can be protected or replenished depending on the current needs of your skin. On that same note, if you do not protect the barrier, the cells underneath can become damaged.
Step I – Understand your skin type:
Oily skin – Over-production of oil glands
Dry skin – Lack of moisture (sometimes caused by under-active oil glands)
Normal skin – The ultimate goal
Step II – Determine your skin needs: All skin types can have similar issues.
Acne – Caused by bacteria, increased oil, clogged pores
Aging skin – Causes are natural such as loss of volume, fine lines. Other causes are preventable such as smoking, pollution, poor nutrition and sun exposure
Dehydration – Caused by lack of moisture or decreased oil production
Sensitivity – Caused by allergens
Rosacea – Caused by bacteria
Pigment-damage – Caused by sun damage, environmental contaminates
Genetics – Freckles, internal aging
Step III – Choose your products:
First choose a product to normalize your skin. Secondly, choose products to repair, rejuvenate, and prevent further damage. Look for ingredients essential to your particular skin type and needs.
Ingredients to look for:
Wrinkle prevention – Look for antioxidants, collagen, elastin, vitamin C, copper peptide, ginger, grape seed oil and hyaluronic acid
Oiliness – Look for salicylic acid
Acne – Look for benzoyl peroxide, retinol, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, zinc, and beta hydroxyl
Brown spots – Look for skin lighteners containing retinoids, vitamin C, cucumber, hydroquinone, niacinamide and licorice
Sensitivity – Look for salicylic acid, aloe vera, arnica, green tea and red algae
Sun-damage/Prevention – Look for vitamin C
Step IV – Follow a regimen for your skin type and needs: Morning & Night
1.PRE-CLEANSE
2.CLEANSE
3.TONE
4.MOISTURIZE
5.TREAT & PROTECT
6.EXFOLIATE
The key to knowing how to care for your skin is to understand skin type and individual needs for improvement. The best results will depend on your choice of products, regimen, lifestyle, environment and personal commitment.
Your skin is a result of what goes in your body, and outside element exposure. Care and prevention are the best solution, however nature and technology work together to provide us with options to rejuvenate our skin and correct past damage.
There are many resources available through retail outlets, personal consultants and professional physicians. The more knowledge and education you have on the basics of skin and the ingredients available, the more confident you will be in pursuing your skin care goals.